Falling in love with a bargain
We have just come out of, and in some cases, survived the celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. I actually love these seasons and I even love the deep breath that we get to take in January as we hit the reset button on the allocation of our time. One of my favorite things around Thanksgiving is finding a bargain gift for my wife, Miriam.
In my home we have a set dollar amount that we have decided to spend on each person. We refuse to spend more than our budget allows. Bargains for us are an opportunity to see how much we can purchase with the funds we have allocated. On the day after Thanksgiving I love a bargain!
The idea of a “bargain” is an interesting one. We can spend $3 or $30,000 and still feel like we “found a bargain.” Finding a bargain is not just about the amount spent. A bargain is about spending less than we think an item is worth. So, in order for us to feel like we are getting a bargain, we have to assess a value to the item we are purchasing.
I have found that people in our world do not just assess a value to things. There are times when we consciously or unconsciously place a value on people then allow our actions to flow out of that placed value. We can get into spiritual difficulty when we place a low value on a person then refuse to act on behalf of that person based on that low value.
The Scriptures tell us that we, from a place of humility, are to consider others above ourselves. In this way, no one will be beneath us. No one will be too low for us to minister to. No one will be unworthy of our love and care. Jesus modeled this in how he served by washing the feet of others. Jesus modeled this in how he suffered on a cross. Jesus modeled this in how He infills us with the Holy Spirit to continue His legacy.
The next time you see a bargain, let it remind you that everyone else in the store with you is worthy of the love of Christ. When you see a bargain, look around and listen if the Holy Spirit is asking you to actively demonstrate love to someone. Don’t let the next sale motivate you merely to spend money. Let the next sale motivate you to love. You might find a new love for bargains!