Discount Disciples

“I cannot present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing…” – King David

Who doesn’t love a good bargain, or better yet – a freebie?

Getting the most for your money is no longer an optional virtue for the frugal few. Whether it be a credit-crunch lunch or a liquidation blowout at the latest retail store casualty. Almost everyone is looking for the deal of a lifetime, whatever the cost.

In times like these, we don’t like to think about the under-aged and under-paid hands that sew our clothes and assemble our many electronic necessities. It’s just too much to bare. And as we fill our hard drives with all the freebies we can squeeze, do we really think about what all this bargain-bounty hunting is doing to our minds and hearts?

I have often brought my consumer mentality into my relationship with God; where I’ll wait for a really good, pain-free deal before I move into any kind of obedient action or something resembling true worship. But it’s clear from the Scriptures (along w/ history & experience), that it will always cost something to serve the Lord. Jesus said we should carefully consider the price tag of discipleship. Sort of like the thought and care one puts into buying a house! Salvation was never meant to be some chewing gum impulse buy we grab before ‘checking-out’ of this existence.

King David was a man who knew where his income came from. When offering to buy the business of a local merchant, the owner instead offered it the king for FREE. He also threw in some “one time only” extras if he acted now! David instead decided to pay the FULL amount. Let’s just say it was enough for the guy to take a 10 year holiday if he wanted. The location of this little transaction eventually became the site for the Holy Temple of the Lord: the centre of worship for all of Israel. Maybe God was trying to say something there?

I’m not denouncing all discounts as devilish or suggesting that we should invest in Versace silk socks, but let’s just remember that God has blessed us to be a blessing to others. Sometimes it is actually prudent to pay more for something you could get cheaper somewhere else. (Reason #77: Long established family businesses are closing by the minute all over the US and UK because they can’t buy 20,000 bars of soap at once, like some can.)

So when an offering basket or other opportunity for godly generosity comes your way, what timely and justifiable excuse will you comfort your selfishness with?

Remember, Jesus didn’t ask for 30% off during his 39 lashes or for minimal thorns on his costly crown. At the end of that day, the highest price possible was paid for the sin of all humanity. Yes, salvation is a free gift, but it will cost us everything to keep it…

How will you express your gratitude this week?

Debt Free Yet Owing Everything,
Brandon and Pamela Munoz
WWW.FREEDOMHOUSE.ORG.UK