Day 65 "Gratitude: Another Deterrent For Not Sinning"

What do you think your life might go for at an auction sale? I suppose one's value would largely be determined by the purpose of the purchaser wanted to buy you and what talents and abilities you bring to the table. Most of us spend most of our lives trying to prove ourselves, seeking to justify our existence, and fearing losing our place in the community or the things that we have accumulated. Seldom do we seem to be at ease and at peace with ourselves, always in the process of transitioning from one thing to another.

But suppose someone came along and offered $5 million dollars for you? How about $30 million dollars? How do you suppose it would affect your life? Would you feel any different if someone offered $5 million

for you whereas $30 million was paid for someone else? What value would you really place on yourself?

It seems to me that the higher the intrinsic value of something, the more one would be willing to pay for it. Or give for it.

"Greater love has on one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call your servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends."

John 15:13-15

I remember as a high school student the first time I came across these verses. I remember thinking to myself the awesomeness of being called a friend by Jesus and no longer a servant. The Bible makes it clear that what Jesus is saying to his disciples, he is also saying to us in turn. No greater love than to lay down one's life for another. And that is exactly what Jesus did for you and I. It means that we as people and God's creation, are of great value to him and he was willing to allow his one and only Son to die in our place to reconcile us back into a relationship with him that sin had severed.

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." 1 John 4:10

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3-16-17

The incredible thing about God's care and concern for us is that through his Son, Jesus, God reconciled us back to himself. Not only that but he set us free from any fear of condemnation for anything we have ever done.

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ." Romans 8:1

And he has given us freedom in which to love him in return.

"Everything is permissible for me-but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me- but I will not be mastered by anythings." 1 Corinthians 6:12

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:13-14

While we walk on this earth, God has given us free will and the ability to choose our actions. Sometimes we find those choices difficult in not placing our own interest first, ahead of those of others. And many times we suffer the ramifications of such poor choices. To lower your chances of experiencing regret and increasing your odds of doing things beneficial and fulfilling, may I encourage you to meditate on these following thoughts:

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

Only you can walk your walk and talk your talk. That is what free will is all about. But you were valuable enough for Jesus to suffer upon the cross for you, for which the Bible tells us he did so joyfully for our benefit. Given that such a value price was paid for your freedom and reestablishment of a relationship with God, how will you live your life going forward?

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I am reminded of the legendary TV cowboy, Roy Roger, and how he closed out his

show with a song: "Happy trails to you, until we met again."

In his love, see you again tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)