In two miniature parables, Christ shows the necessity of taking stock of life to avoid the loss of spiritual life and blessing. Here is the building of a tower that could not be completed, and the fighting of a war that could not be won.

Christ told a vast multitude twin parables, first of a high-achiever building a conspicuous tower for self-gratification and of a hostile ruler waging war. Both depict the human desire to live independently of God’s rule and help. Here is the vastly happier better course.