Working in the Field

Early on, I learned my parents were not going to give me money to spend as I wished. I had to earn it by doing odd jobs. During the summertime, I worked with one of my father's construction crews, making two dollars an hour. If I worked an eight-hour day, I could make sixteen dollars before taxes. The other odd job I had was mowing lawns for two dollars a lawn. It didn't matter the size of the lawn—I charged two dollars. At the end of a good week, I might have made around one hundred dollars. I thought I was rich until I started spending it on the things I wanted. I found early on that there were more things I wanted than I had money for.

Isn't that the American way—to spend more than you have? The American economy is fueled by debt. For some, the greatest evil is a credit card. "Oh, good, go ahead and put it on the card. I will pay it over time." Of course, you are accruing interest on the unpaid balance. I get credit card offers in the mail all the time. Their first stop is the trash can. Yes, you guessed it—we have to earn our way in life.

I am thankful that, in following Jesus, I don't have to earn my way to become one of His disciples. He only requires commitment, which we have plenty of if we are willing to give it to Him. Our riches are not found on earth, but our heavenly life is found in Him. Jesus doesn't require a cash payment or a credit card to become His disciple. We can't pay our way in. I have heard some people say, "I can't afford the time," or, "There are things more important." We forget that the only requirement Jesus gives is to "take up your cross and follow Me." No payment is required except for that little word I keep coming back to: "commitment."

It is like life—we spend our money on what we want, not on what we need. Just remember, it doesn't cost anything to be loved by Christ. All He asks for in return is commitment.

Just a Thought, Not a Sermon