Do you like the fact that salvation is a free gift? When you go to the store do you expect to have to pay for your groceries? Do you resent this or find it objectionable? Are you willing to stop eating to avoid having to pay for food? You know that ultimately I provide all things for you, but not all things are free. A more realistic view is to consider the value and count the cost. Aren’t you willing to pay for desirable things of great value to you even if they are expensive? Is there anything of greater value than fulfilling the high calling of your destiny?

Have you heard that all energy on earth comes from the sun? This is true even after the sun sets, with stored energy from the sun available in food, and hydroelectric power, and many other forms. Do you know that you get your spiritual energy from the Son? It is fairly obvious that sun energy is available at night. Are you as aware that the spiritual energy that sustains you comes from me, even when you go through a dark night of your soul?

You know that grace is free. Do you conclude from that that there is no effort involved in the Christian life? Has that been your experience? You know that some things are free and hopefully appreciate them, but when you go to the market with your shopping list you expect to have to pay for what you get. Even in my Kingdom there are desirable things that come at a cost. My economy is not like your economy of commerce. You don’t have to pull out your wallet or peel bills off your bankroll for these things. But there is still a process you must go through to obtain them.

Do you like to have unrestricted freedom of action? Do you have a preferred way that others would respond to your actions? Have you found that you don’t always get the results you want? Would you at least like recognition and approval for the things you do right? Your obedience to me may not gain you the approval of men. In fact, there are verses that suggest that you can expect the opposite. You can make the choice to follow your highest ideals and conduct yourself according to your conscience. You have no control over the way that others respond, but do it anyhow.