I recently had the opportunity to attend a board meeting where a long list of financial decisions were being discussed. Some of the decisions were pertaining to the use of grant monies from government programs. I heard the phrase "It's free money," and I chuckled to myself. I certainly understood the sentiment being conveyed, but I leaned over to a friend and said, "There's no such thing as free money… somebody always pays!"
It amazes me how we can be prone to spend thoughtlessly when we do not consider the cost. I know that if I have a gift card for a certain amount and my purchase total is less, I have been guilty of adding some extras.
It didn't take long for me to bring this thought around to my walk with Christ.
Am I approaching each and every day as an opportunity to experience the life that Christ fully purchased for me? Do I take the time to consider the cost of the freedom that I have through the blood of Jesus Christ?
This abuse of grace can creep into our lives as a lack of striving or a lack of thriving. Sadly, realizing that we are delivered from achieving righteousness through the law has led some to live a life of “license.” They view Christ's sacrifice as allowing them to live lives appealing worldly desires. This is a life of self-centeredness.
Jude 1:4 For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. ESV
Christ set us free from legalism but He also delivered us from lasciviousness. Understanding the work of Jesus on the Cross takes us beyond legalism and lasciviousness to a place of liberty to serve Him unfettered.
Gal 5:13-26
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. ESV
Perhaps this is such an important concept that we can infer that Jesus instituted the Lord's supper so we would keep the true cost of our salvation at the forefront of our minds continually.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. ESV
Let's be mindful to value the price of our salvation and use each day to live in a manner worthy of the great sacrifice that God gave to reconcile us.
Loving you all,
Michael