We ask the question, “How much does it cost?” when we want to own something. Sometimes we don’t have enough money and sometimes we just don’t want to pay that high of a price. If we are working part-time , a valuable purchase might be out of the question. If we are working full-time we may have too many other obligations to give that purchase a priority. The Lord put this thought in my head about cost…”How much would you pay for salvation if it wasn’t free?” For several weeks it has plagued me. So has this verse:
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:25-27 NIV
What a heavy thing to consider! Salvation IS free. It was bought by someone we didn’t even know at the time that He did it. Jesus, thought we were worth the price. He obeyed His Father and gave to the needy, us. He gave all. As usual, He sets the example for us with His actions. Is it good enough that we appreciate His sacrifice or should we follow His example to give all? We were given life and then a free life to use for Him. How can we do that? What does giving all look like? As selfish as I can be, do I give all I possibly can? Please consider my experience with not giving for a minute…
There are so many opportunities to help the needy. In the front of grocery stores there may be bins to donate food for the needy or a poster asking for presents for soldier’s families. Our church has a food pantry and we also collect coats for the Rescue Mission in our city. I used to never, ever donate. Sad, but true. The Lord convicted me of not sharing what I was blessed with. Now my husband and I give what we can when we are asked to donate to a worthy cause. Why? Jesus has given us something we do not deserve and cannot pay for. Because being a disciple means giving all. Because Jesus set the example of giving all. Because in Luke chapter 14, He asks us to. That is enough.
So, getting back to the question of cost, here is one for our journal- Take time to be alone with Jesus and listen to what He says when you ask yourself…What are you willing to sacrifice because Jesus’ death means more than your life? Ask the Lord to bring to mind your part as a disciple. What are you able to give in terms of time, money or even unused possessions stored in the basement? Is there some overlooked thing you can do for the needy and thereby do it for Him?
Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing us we have something to offer our church, our community and You, most of all. As You bless us, we will bless others. Please forgive us of being human and not seeing the value of doing that more. We want to bear our own cross and sacrifice our comfort for someone else’s. Show us how to do that. We may have been working part-time and holding back our resources but show us how our hearts can work full-time for You. Thank You for what You gave us for free. Help us to freely give also. Show us the benefit if denying ourselves for someone else’s blessing. We love You so much! Amen
As always, love and prayers to you all.
Just me. Just His.
Glory in the Morning 