In this deeply reflective solo episode of the Reason to Behold podcast, Arnold unpacks the provocative statement: “The outcome you are seeking is on the other side of the death you're refusing to die.” Drawing from personal experience and biblical truths, he explores the powerful connection between sacrifice, spiritual surrender, and tangible results in different areas of life — from faith and business to relationships, career, and health. If you've ever felt stuck despite your efforts, this episode will challenge and encourage you to take stock of the real cost of the goals you desire — and to ask whether you're truly willing to pay it. Key Discussion Points 00:00 – Opening Thought: The Death We Refuse to Die Arnold opens the episode with the compelling idea that progress is often blocked by the sacrifices we avoid making. 01:16 – The Gospel Blueprint: Salvation Required a Price He draws parallels between Christ's death and the need for believers to die to pride and self-reliance in order to receive eternal life. 03:16 – Count the Cost: Biblical & Practical Wisdom Arnold highlights scriptures where Jesus teaches the importance of understanding what it takes to finish what we start. 04:23 – Misjudging the Real Cost of Our Goals From promotions to marriage to entrepreneurship, Arnold explains how we often underestimate the price of our ambitions. 06:30 – Taking Stock: Are You on the Right Track? Arnold challenges listeners to honestly evaluate whether their current efforts align with their desired outcomes. 08:42 – Health, Fitness, and Long-Term Commitment A personal reflection on a decade-long fitness journey reveals the need for perseverance, review, and realignment. 10:50 – Walking with God Through Adjustments He speaks to the power of humility and the role of divine partnership in making course corrections. 12:23 – Following Jesus Comes with Ongoing Costs Arnold unpacks the less-discussed sacrifices involved in Christian discipleship after the initial decision to follow Jesus. 14:00 – The Price of Persistence in Any Worthy Pursuit Whether spiritual, personal, or professional, lasting progress demands consistent commitment and reevaluation. 15:18 – Final Thought: Is the Goal Still Worth It? Arnold closes with a sobering but freeing question — are you still convinced your goal is worth the price? Highlights From The Episode "The redeemed life was not free. Jesus paid the price." “Sometimes the issue isn’t effort, it’s direction.” “We only accounted for 10% of the cost… the rest we discover as we go.” “Every good goal comes with both an upfront and ongoing cost.” “Humility is required not only to start, but to continue.” Practical Steps You Can Take Evaluate Your Goals: What are you hoping to achieve? What have you assumed it will cost, and have you been willing to pay that price? Track Your Inputs and Results: Like in business or fitness, regularly review what you’re doing versus what results you’re seeing. Ask God for Direction: Pray for discernment on whether to continue, pivot, or completely shift course in any area. Stay Humble and Teachable: Be willing to admit when your understanding of the journey needs adjusting. Recommit if Necessary: If the goal is still worth it, dig deeper, count the full cost, and re-engage with new resolve. Relevant Themes Covered Christian discipleship and spiritual growth Sacrifice and surrender in achieving life goals Biblical principles of counting the cost Alignment between effort and outcome Holistic life reflections: career, business, relationships, health Connect with RTB For podcast updates, exclusive daily devotional emails and more, join the RTB community! Sign up here: www.reasontobehold.com Got a question or want to share your thoughts and reflections from the episode? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us: [email protected]