Tuesday, January 08, 2019

The Bargains




I once saw an article  asking, 'Have You Gone From Frugal To Cheap?' Not too far of a leap for me! This is from March 6, 2011.


I had to do some shopping this weekend. My sister-in-law, Sally, says it's nothing to be proud of but I have been wearing the same pair of Dockers dress shoes since 1999. It was probably time to get some new ones although I could potentially have stretched it out another six months or so. On Friday, I saw in a Palais Royal ad that Dockers dress shoes, normally $70, were on sale for only $44.99 PLUS I had a 30% off coupon! I felt like I was stealing from them, the shoes were so cheap. Yesterday, I went to KOHLS in search of a white dress shirt which I found at 50% off. THEN, I found a rack of CHAPS and Croft and Barrow ties at, get this, 90% off! Plus, I had a 15% off coupon on top of that so I added four sweet ties to my shopping cart. The cashier lady told me I saved $121 when I checked out. Needless to say, I was awfully proud of myself as I drove back to my apartment. I hate shopping but I found some pretty good deals to help me look my best, although I might need a bigger shirt to accomodate sticking out my chest in pride.

We like bargains, don't we? Anytime we save a dime or stretch our budgeted dollars, we feel some sort of glow. Unfortunately- or maybe fortunately- there was no discount for the salvation of our souls. No bargains or deals were offered, only the ultimate sacrifice of the life of the Son of Man/the Son of God. We don't sing Discounted Grace, do we? Still, I think many of us long time Christians know the story so well, we may take its amazingness, and its horror, for granted. I pride myself on never paying full price when I purchase clothing. But the full price is what Jesus paid so I may be clothed in Him, and He met that obligation on His own terms. It's the most important transaction ever, His blood for our lives. And because of His purchasing power, we're never underdressed in wardrobe of the Lord.

Applicable quote of the day:
“A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist”
Franklin P. Jones


God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com

5 comments:

Naturally Carol said...

I don't agree with your quote..but do with the substance of your post. He paid the perfect price..the full cost and will no longer impute sin on us..ever! Yippee!

Clint said...

Very well put, Steve. We all like a bargain but there are no shortcuts when it comes to our faith. Blessings.

Graced! said...

"Discounted Grace" - ouch. You are right, though, that those blessed with a long walk are often those most in need of reminding of the "Amazing" and the "Grace" of the salvation bestowed upon us.

Thank you for the encouragement and insight.

Belle said...

Wonderful post. I know I won't really understand the cost of what Jesus did for us until I am in heaven. I am so thankful we have such a God.

Sincerely from the Typing fingers of Hanna McAdams said...

wow good deals. i've never been to kohls but i might go now