There are things we want, and there are costs involved. That is just a fact of life. We all accept it, often without a second thought.
However, do we consider the maintenance costs? It is called the "Total Cost of Ownership".
For instance, I looked up the TCO for the following vehicles (for a 5 year duration):
Honda Civic: $27,000
Acura SUV: $56,000
BMW SUV: $119,000
That is a pretty dramatic difference in cost. Sure, an SUV might hold two to three additional people and allow you to haul around more stuff, but for two to five times the cost? That adds up.
Now, let's consider the cost of less tangible 'things', like our relationships:
If you bump into an acquaintance somewhere, you might stop to ask how their day went, or ask about their spouse and children, if that applies.
For a close friend, you are more likely to schedule time to be with them. You might invite them over for dinner, or meet at a coffee shop a couple times a week.
For a spouse, you might compromise between living in the city and living in the country, finding a middle ground that suits both your hopes and dreams. You might make a major career change to be closer to their family. You might work day after day to keep up the housework, cooking, and cleaning, or spend time outside the home to earn enough to cover the expenses. You might dedicate a couple decades of your time to raising children together. To maintain a healthy relationship, you would expect to share the cost of the relationship somewhat equally.
The more valuable something is, the higher the maintenance costs.
So, I want to ask you some questions:
How important is your relationship with God?
What are you willing to "pay" to maintain that relationship?
What will the TCYF (Total Cost of Your Faith) be?
Christ Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, having no sin of His own. He suffered terribly and paid with His life on the cross. He suffered separation from the Father so that we could be reconciled.
Will you reciprocate with a "Hi, how's your day?" on occasion when you bump into God by accident?
Will you schedule some time with God, maybe once or twice a week?
Will you alter your life, to be closer to Him? Will you seek out His will for your life? Will you love and serve Him?
I pray, God, I give you all that I am, all that I have, and I really have nothing to give except that which came from you; use me to accomplish Your will; move me, mold me, teach me; show me how and where to serve; I am nothing apart from You. Amen.
However, do we consider the maintenance costs? It is called the "Total Cost of Ownership".
For instance, I looked up the TCO for the following vehicles (for a 5 year duration):
Honda Civic: $27,000
Acura SUV: $56,000
BMW SUV: $119,000
That is a pretty dramatic difference in cost. Sure, an SUV might hold two to three additional people and allow you to haul around more stuff, but for two to five times the cost? That adds up.
Now, let's consider the cost of less tangible 'things', like our relationships:
If you bump into an acquaintance somewhere, you might stop to ask how their day went, or ask about their spouse and children, if that applies.
For a close friend, you are more likely to schedule time to be with them. You might invite them over for dinner, or meet at a coffee shop a couple times a week.
For a spouse, you might compromise between living in the city and living in the country, finding a middle ground that suits both your hopes and dreams. You might make a major career change to be closer to their family. You might work day after day to keep up the housework, cooking, and cleaning, or spend time outside the home to earn enough to cover the expenses. You might dedicate a couple decades of your time to raising children together. To maintain a healthy relationship, you would expect to share the cost of the relationship somewhat equally.
The more valuable something is, the higher the maintenance costs.
So, I want to ask you some questions:
How important is your relationship with God?
What are you willing to "pay" to maintain that relationship?
What will the TCYF (Total Cost of Your Faith) be?
Christ Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, having no sin of His own. He suffered terribly and paid with His life on the cross. He suffered separation from the Father so that we could be reconciled.
Will you reciprocate with a "Hi, how's your day?" on occasion when you bump into God by accident?
Will you schedule some time with God, maybe once or twice a week?
Will you alter your life, to be closer to Him? Will you seek out His will for your life? Will you love and serve Him?
I pray, God, I give you all that I am, all that I have, and I really have nothing to give except that which came from you; use me to accomplish Your will; move me, mold me, teach me; show me how and where to serve; I am nothing apart from You. Amen.
