Discounts are the secret sauce in retail marketing. But there’s such a thing as asking for too much, as I was unexpectedly reminded the other day.
Nine-year old Ava enjoys imitating her mom, who answers phones for a garage door service company. Because I love messing with the grandkids, I decided to “join” Ava for one of her pretend phone calls.
“Thanks for calling the garage door service company,” Ava chirps. “How may I help you?”
“My garage door is broken,” I growl in a cranky voice. “And I need you guys to come fix it.”
“We’re happy to help, sir,” offers the affable Ava. “Is this an emergency call or can it wait until tomorrow?
“It’s an emergency!” I insist. “But I don’t want to pay more than ten dollars to get it fixed!”
The unfazed Ava replies courteously, “Well, sir, this is a garage door company—not a Dollar Tree.” Meaning, my discount request is not merely inappropriate, it’s ridiculous.
When you think about it, it’s amazing how many who call themselves Christ-followers want an equally inappropriate discount on their faith journey.
We punch in and punch out for Sunday (or Saturday night) church service. We crack open the Bible once in a while…pray a few minutes most days—and declare this discounted lifestyle as an acceptable faith. Truthfully, we prefer a Christianity that resembles our favorite hotel bed: warm, fluffy, and restful—at a price that’s deeply discounted.
But authentic Christianity doesn’t offer any discounts. Jesus has always expected us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. He seeks whole-hearted, full-time followers, not part-time praisers.
Jesus paid the price in full. Which means there is nothing cheap about real Christianity.
Let’s be reminded: there is no such thing as a crown without a cross.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
-Romans 12:1
Photo by Alberto Bigoni on Unsplash