One of the upsides of open market stalls in comparison to their department store counterpart is the flexibility of prices of goods; depending on how shrewd you are, you could drive an unbelievable bargain.
Beyond the obvious monetary value we exchange for goods and services, the idea of cost subtly features in our everyday lives more than we realise. The seemingly innocent choices we make come at a cost, however little or much. Clearly, some costs are more significant than others, and not every single one is worth losing sleep over.
Helen Roseveare, a missionary doctor to Congo in the 50s, posed the question “What is cost anyway?” to which she answered “At best, it is only a relative term; with no absolute value. It can be understood only in reference to the object desired, and its value may change according to circumstances.”
In other words, the desired end or object is what determines if the cost of getting it is really worth it.
On His terms
“He who pays the piper calls the tune”, it is said. When it comes to following Christ, the terms are clear and non-negotiable, as we hear Him say to the disciples:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…” Matthew 16:24.
Choosing to follow Christ comes at the cost of self-denial, daily bearing our cross, and life discipleship. So it’s worth checking from time to time how visible these three aspects of discipleship are in our lives.
The idea of a Christian life that costs us nothing is quite a misnomer. The norm should be that we gradually experience a change in the way we think and behave, a redirection of our affections and a shift of focus from self to Christ.
Different life circumstances means that following Jesus will look different from person to person, but at the centre of it all is dying to self and a willingness to live life on His terms.
Is He worthy?
What’s the value of cost in relation to what God wants to do in our lives to make us more like Christ?
The gospel, i.e the good news of how Christ reconciles us to God, came to us at great cost to the disciples, countless missionaries who risked their lives, and not the least to Jesus who paid the ultimate price of his life. This gift of sacrificial love makes Jesus worthy of the sacrifices we’re called upon to make, and requires of us the right response.
Indeed Christ is worthy, what is it costing you to follow Him?
Thanks for reading!
Sike Osinuga.