The value of something is determined by the price that someone is willing to pay for it.

That’s basically how the market works.

If a product is scarce and in high demand, well, the perceived value goes up.

If a product has flooded the market and there isn’t much demand for it, the perceived value goes down.

So let’s consider what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us.

You and I are valued so much, that God sacrificed His only begotten son so that our sins are forgiven and we could spend eternity with Him. Never forget that. Regardless of how those around you fall short of making you feel valued, God did more for you than any human could.

The problem with that, from our sinful human perspective, is that God’s love is not scarce. It’s just laid out there for everyone to accept. There is nothing you need to or can do to earn it. And because of that, the perceived value of God’s offer appears to be very low.

And that’s exactly how God operates. Opposite of the ways of the world. And that’s why so many people struggle to receive His gift. It’s counterintuitive. We know that if something is free, it’s of little value or there must be strings attached to it.

Nothing is free in this world, you pay for it somehow.

If I want something in this world, I have to work for it. I have to earn it. And this is the basis of every other religion in the world. If you want to get to their “heaven” there are things which you must accomplish to earn your ticket.

However, The Bible says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

All you have to do is believe in Jesus. Seems pretty simple, right?

Well, there is a string attached to God’s offer. But He didn’t put the strings there. The world did.

Jesus also said: “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” John 15:18

There is the price you pay. Being an authentic and dedicated follower of Jesus Christ will cost you everything because you actually understood the high value of God’s offer, and are willing to pay a high price for it.

A Christian should stand strong with the truth.
A Christian should not bend the truth in order to be comfortable.
A Christian should know that the truth will cost them friendships.
A Christian should know God calls them to be different than the world.

If you’re a Christian, and you’re not feeling that people in your world don’t hold some sort of resentment, anger, or hate towards you because of your beliefs, I can only ask one question…Are you really obeying God’s word? Because if you are, the world won’t care much for you.

I get it, that’s a tough question to ask. I’m not going to point fingers or accuse you of anything, other than ask you the same thing I need to ask myself. How much am I willing to pay for this high-value gift I did nothing to earn?

Photo Contributed by LUMO project