Daily Devotional - October 14th, 2025
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”— Luke 14:28
“Realism tempered with hard work and optimism is the philosophical DNA of success. Idealism on the other hand is a philosophy that revels in great ambitions but lacks the critical connection to reality needed to build and sustain a foundation for success.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
True success is not born from mere dreams or good intentions. It arises from the marriage of clear-eyed realism, steady work, and unwavering optimism. The realist acknowledges the challenges ahead but refuses to be paralyzed by them. The optimist believes those challenges can be overcome through persistence and ingenuity. And hard work turns that belief into tangible progress.
Idealism, by contrast, often dwells in the world of abstraction. It loves the sound of noble ideas but rarely accounts for the unglamorous realities required to make those ideas work. It builds castles in the sky but neglects the foundation beneath. Realism, when joined with hope and diligence, keeps our vision tethered to the ground while our spirit reaches upward.
Christ’s parable in Luke reminds us that success requires calculation and planning. Faith is not contrary to foresight, it demands it. We must “sit down and estimate the cost” before building our figurative towers in life. Realistic preparation doesn’t limit our potential; it multiplies it by ensuring that our dreams can endure beyond their initial excitement.
Scripture:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”— Luke 14:28
Daily Application:
Think of one area in your life where you’ve leaned more toward idealism than realism, perhaps a financial goal, a business idea, or a personal project. Write down the honest facts of your current situation, including resources, time, and obstacles. Then identify one practical, measurable action you can take today to bring that goal closer to reality. Success begins not with dreaming, but with doing.