Recognize the Cost!

It has been said that if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it. This may be very true regarding the purchase of some things that are nice, but not necessarily needed. When I go shopping I like to see prices clearly marked. If I don’t see a price tag I usually look for someone who can tell me the price. However, there have been times when I simply either decided I really didn’t need the item that badly or it was probably more than what I wanted to spend and simply walked away.

Honestly acknowledging the cost of all things helps us to choose wisely so as to get the best bang for our buck. There is wisdom in recognizing what we CANNOT AFFORD. Someone has noted, “People who talk about the things they can’t afford sometimes forget that the list should included pride, envy, and malice.” [“1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

Yes, there are some things we just CANNOT AFFORD and we should leave it that way. We don’t need them! We shouldn’t even desire them!

Paul warned…
“(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.” ( Galatians 5:19-21 ESV)

Can we AFFORD that? Recognize the high cost of envy and the other works of the flesh Paul listed. Such can destroy our relationships and ultimately cause us to lose the inheritance God has in mind for us. There is no higher cost than that.

Before we react to situations or give in to temptation we need to soberly consider the cost and recognize what we CANNOT AFFORD to do. The cost of the works of the flesh is too high with regard to the impact on relationships within our families, within the church, with others in the world, as well as the personal loss of a right relationship with God. Let us rather keep in step with the Spirit ( Galatians 5:25) that better fruit ( Galatians 5:22-23) will be evident in our life to the glory of God and the benefit of those around us.

Have a great day SPENDING LIFE WISELY!
Carl

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