Mike’s Musings …
THE RISING PRICE OF GASOLINE
You just can’t wean a gasoline-powered engine! It won’t run on water, and any fuel source other than gasoline just won’t work! The more you use the engine, the more gasoline you’ll use. Though you can “brag” about the great MPG your vehicle might gain you, you’ll still have to stop and fuel up when the tank is near empty. It just won’t run on fumes!
Today’s tank full was nearly twice the price I paid just a few months ago! While one would expect a rising price for fuel because of mixture changes, crude oil price changes, and other matters, few expected to consider long-term loans and extended mortgages to factor into purchasing gasoline! (I’m kidding … but it is getting ridiculously expensive!) And while it’s expensive here in Indiana, our neighboring state of Illinois has seen more than $3.00 gasoline for several weeks. (They wish grain prices were increasing with that rate!)
Now before you ask, “What does gasoline prices have to do with my soul?” let me ask you a question: “How much does the fuel for your soul cost, and how often do you need to ‘fill your tank’?”
Just as no gasoline engine will run only on gasoline, your soul cannot survive without God’s word! It and it alone is the “fuel” needed to walk before God. Paul said, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7) We learn from Romans 10:17 that “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Paul also tells us, “Though the outward perishes, the inward man is renewed day by day.” Paul also said, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,” (Colossians 3:16). Souls can’t operate on any other item … just as no gasoline engine can run on any other type of fuel.
The cost? That’s the beauty of the gospel! It was paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15: 1- 4) and has been distributed to every soul which is under heaven (Col. 1:23). While gospel preachers can be reimbursed for their labors (1 Cor. 9), Paul also stated that he did so “without charge” to those at Corinth (1 Cor. 9:18). The point is, all you need to do is READ it, STUDY it, LEARN it, and OBEY it. If you don’t have a Bible, ask us and we’ll get you one! If you need help in reading, studying, learning, and obeying, ask and we’ll help you. Thus, other than a bit of time and attention, the gospel (aka, the fuel for the soul) doesn’t financially cost you a penny! But …
I muse on the reality that some believe it is entirely “free.” No friend, it will cost you in the sense of complete and unincumbered faithfulness for the rest of your life! (Rev. 2:10; 14:13). But in exchange for an eternity with God, it’s a bargain we dare not miss … and its price will never increase while its benefits never decrease! Muse on that reality!