Bought and Paid For
Back in June on one of the afternoons of VBS week, after we got things cleaned up for the day, I headed over to our local Walmart to pick up some needed supplies for the next day. And after I finished shopping and walked back outside, I noticed the Community Blood Bank bus parked in the front of the store, conducting a blood drive. I decided I had a few extra minutes and a pint of blood I wasn't using so this would be as good a time as any to donate.
I entered the bus, and immediately they had me fill out the screening forms, with all those embarrassing questions. A few minutes later they plugged in the IV and began taking my blood. After it was over, they gave me another short survey to take, and on it, one of the questions asked why I had decided to give blood today. Among the multiple-choice boxes to click on was something along the lines of: "for the gift card."
Those of you who know me may find it hard to believe that that was the first time I had heard anything about getting a free gift card for giving blood that day. In fact, even when I left that bus that day, I still didn't know I was getting anything in return for my blood, or my efforts--other than some cookies and an ugly t-shirt. But the next day I got an email that included a link for a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of my choice, as an expression of appreciation for my donation.
Because it was an online card I figured Amazon would be the most convenient option, so I clicked the link and within minutes had received my Amazon gift e-card. Knowing that my wife usually orders something from Amazon just about every week, I felt this was at least a small opportunity to counteract my financial losses from her online purchases. So I sent the link to her to apply to her next expenditure.
But when I got home, I felt a little snarky so I told her to make sure to be a wise steward of what she spent with my gifted gift card, since whatever she would be buying would be bought with blood money. Not to guilt her or anything, but I wanted her to know that she would be paying for it with a credit purchased by my blood. The eye-roll was worth it in and of itself.
I was only joking, of course, but the real-life serious implications of that statement hit me in the face. Because even the silly statement reminded me that my very life is a gift--redeemed by God's grace, through the precious blood of Christ, shed for me on the cross. And how I spend that life--every minute of every day--is a stewardship of the high price He paid, by His own blood. So I want to be sure that I don't spend it frivolously or wastefully, because its value has been established by what was paid for it. And that's no joke..
And, really, that goes for all of us. Our lives are a gift, bought and paid for by the grace of God, through the blood of His Son Jesus, on the cross. And what we each do with our lives is a stewardship. Accordingly, I pray that this week you will live your life in such a way that it honors the sacrifice made for you, and that you "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received" in Christ. (Eph. 4:1).
If you have never made the decision to submit your life to Jesus and receive from Him the free gift of salvation, I would certainly encourage you to do so. He purchased your pardon when He died in your place on that cross, so that you could be forgiven of your sins and be reconciled to God. I hope you'll take Him up on that gift and place your faith in Christ today.
I am grateful for each of you, and I can't wait to see you this Sunday.
--Pastor Ken
