One, the purchase I make with it, which I know I'll like and Two, the chance to shop without any guilt.
As any woman who enjoys shopping knows, you want to get the best value out of the money you spend. For instance, I like shopping at Old Navy. Every few months, they do something called "Super Cash." Basically, if you spend $25 or more they give a little piece of Old Navy currency that is worth $20 off a $50 purchase.
The catch is, you have to know when Super Cash is redeemable, because it's usually only a week or so, and also during those times when sales dip a little. So when the weather got warm and my birthday money was burning a hole in my pocket, I waited. I waited for almost three weeks to redeem my super cash, because I'd rather get $50 worth of stuff than $30.
Marrying young, having kids before we really planned anything else out, and then deciding to send Allen back to school has certainly affected our finances. I thank God because we've had the chance to learn so much and to know what it is to rely on Him for literally everything. But when you don't have much to spend, every dollar is worth something to you. A three-dollar Starbucks is now a luxury, because, well, your growing children need new clothes.
I can't help but think about the fact that Jesus was God's One and only Son. (John 3:16)
So imagine how He, God the Father, must have felt sending His son into a world full of darkness, knowing He would be the only way to save humanity. It's a pretty heavy emotion.
So now think of it in terms of spending.
Jesus was the last thing God could give to claim His people.
We've all heard that we were "bought at a price." But have you ever stopped to think about the fact that we were all bought at the same price? Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Each life was purchased through the same atoning blood of Christ.
This has been a game-changer for me. All my life, I have felt like I needed to look around and compare myself with others. I've always tried to make my self fit. Much to my dismay, some situations have been like fitting my square self into a round social hole. Most girls face insecurity, and I know in my case, it carried into adulthood. The weird thing about insecurity is it makes a person want to constantly elevate herself in the most meaningless ways.
I'll be first to admit I do this. Whether it's how I dress, speak or act, I am always hoping I fare better than someone, anyone, just to avoid feeling worse about myself.
But the truth is, every person around me was purchased at the same price I was. Our creator looked lovingly on each of us and said, "You are worth the ultimate price. I'll give whatever I have to know you." This is why the word tells us He is willing to give us every good thing. He did not hold back when it came to the most perfect thing He had to give.
So if you are anything like me and struggle with looking down on yourself OR on others, I hope this can serve as a reminder. Every person is worth the same price to God. Beggars and CEOs, 1st world or 3rd world, young or old, sick or healthy. Just as in the Garden, when He breathed life into Adam, He saw that it was very good, He felt the same way about you the moment you came to be.
Paid in Full
Lindsay
