What's The Price?

In today’s economy everyone is aware of price, the cost. We can no longer buy a pound of coffee – although the packaging is the same, the number of ounces has been lessened, to save the manufacturer money. The size of candy bars has taken a downward trend, too, to keep costs in line.

Price is a factor in everything we purchase. For a higher price we expect better quality and/or more quantity. Or, we do without something because of a higher price. Raise gasoline costs and travel decreases. Raise electrical costs and our homes get a bit warmer in the summer and colder in the winter.

Each of us determines what price we’ll pay. Our incomes limit the choices somewhat – most of us will not be considering Ferrari as we look at replacing our cars. Neither will we look at Rolex when we need a new timepiece. Although we appreciate the value of both, we look at other options.

What price, then, do we put on God? For those who have left Him behind, there was a point where they decided the price was too steep, the cost too high, to have Him in their lives.

Was it that first commandment?

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:5 KJV)

Was there something in life that filled their heart, something they would not release to make room for God? If so, has that something continued to fill their heart – or is there now an emptiness?

In all honesty, it always is that first commandment. The one Christ confirmed as being the greatest:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37 KJV)

Selfishness is the price we put on God. Something fills our hearts and pushes Him out. For each person the choice of what fills God’s place in our lives is different. For that, a great price is paid, for He offers us eternity. That requires faith:

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 KJV)

That faith is available from Him:

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17 KJV)

The prophets used the phrase "hear the word of the Lord" 39 times in the Old Testament. John defined it in the New:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1 KJV)

Find your own price. Then, please, hear the Word of the Lord.