What a price we pay when the money we make is more important than the way we make it. The cost of ill-gotten gain is a heavy item on the ledger sheet of life. There is no way to discount the price of selfishness and greed. The cumulative effect of covetousness on our lives calls for a payment of deep emotional and spiritual consequences. The cost of low living at times seems relatively inexpensive, but the hidden charges present us with an insurmountable debt.

There is no way to make a lot of money and enjoy life unless there is a lot of love which allows that money to be a ministry. The happiest people on earth are folk who have made an honest living and are making an honest attempt to be faithful stewards. The saddest people are those who have allowed greed to make them calloused and competitive creatures of mammon. They discover that money is an inadequate god with only temporary benefits at best.

The irony of materialistic living is that it offers no real value apart from spiritual discipline. A beautiful house has no lasting worth apart from a harmonious family. The wedding ring is of minor significance without the marital love. Bank accounts and financial portfolios are nothing but status symbols if somehow our money does not help us do the will of the Father who is in heaven.

The price is too great if we try to buy our way through life with nothing but cash. The wages of sin is death. The gift of God is eternal life. There is no way we can claim that gift unless we are willing to share the gift with others. Only the Lord, who has freely given Himself to us, can equip us to freely express our stewardship. Yes, Jesus paid it all, yet all to Him we owe. Only Jesus could pay the price of the gospel, but in love He allows us to participate in the cost of its delivery.