The Price

I was shocked, and my jaw nearly hit the floor. The truth cut through my flesh like a sword that divides bone and marrow. I don’t mind paying a price, but anything was better than this! In hindsight, I was searching for something I could afford, but this sacrifice was costly.

I’ve mentioned my overindulgence with entertainment in the past. Games, comics, anime, movies and too many adventures in the mall were just a few of my vices, but I had learned moderation by this point. Yet, despite placing Christ over entertainment, there were still many idols all around me.

My collection of anime, comics, figurines and more lingered as a shrine in the depths of my heart. I had spent years accumulating them! My room rivaled a small store! It was a spectacle to gaze upon, and I enjoyed them daily.

I dusted regularly, and everything was organized. With great pride, I showed my friends and other collectors. According to online pricing, my collection was worth over $20,000.

So, what was I supposed to do now? I couldn’t bear to part with a single figurine, because there was more than money involved. It was precious to me, and within that thought I discovered my problem.

The collection had become my treasure hoard. I had dragon fever! But beyond that, part of my identity was found within the collection instead of Christ. I had to sacrifice my earthly treasure in order to be obedient…but not without a fight.

I begged the Lord to choose anything else, but He remained silent. A few days passed as I struggled in prayer. Would I choose my flesh over Christ? Did I love my hoard more than Jesus? No, and I had to prove it. I planned to sell everything and make a good profit. The money would be somewhat comforting and help justify the situation, but God had another idea.

"Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father."

Galatians 1:3-4