It cost God nothing, so far as we know, to create nice things: but to convert rebellious wills cost him crucifixion.

C. S. Lewis

The finer things in life. . . Do a Google search for Christie’s, the world-famous auction house of “finer things”, and you will come across the most recent sales items. It turns out that the most recent sale listed was for four custom made handbags. The handbags were Passe-Guide bags. That may mean something to some of you. I know nothing about handbags or purses. However, I do know that one of these custom purses sold for more than $128,000 US dollars! I hate to think what the matching shoes would cost!
 
The most beautiful things God has made come to us for free. He is generous with His glorious sunrises and sunsets. The powerful beauty of the thunderstorm can be seen and heard on many a night. Fireflies in a glass jar are a wonder to behold. The priceless look of our child or loved one peacefully asleep comes for free.

 God, Himself, is willing to pay a great price to possess those things He holds most dear, those things which, honestly, He already has claim and power over. I am talking about that rebellious will mentioned above. Humanity’s greatest sin is not adultery, murder, or even genocide. It is the refusal to recognize our Creator as having any claim over our lives, our hearts, and our wills. We proudly fly our own flag from our heart, seeking to repel any others that would attempt to conquer that hill. Oh, yes, we give it to a loved one, but even then, only at an equal exchange rate. They must make us happy or we will tear down their flag and cast it aside. They must do as we expect and want or we will remain alone atop that mount.

 
God will not fight you for your own heart. You must give it to Him. He will fight anyone else who tries to claim it from Him once you have declared Him its conqueror and king, but he will not grapple with you. Yours must be an unconditional surrender.
 
Who owns your heart? Yes, it may have been abused by many in the past. It has probably been trampled on and run over. It has been treated unkindly and without compassion. The result is that we guard it very closely. We keep it behind locked gates. The drawbridge to it remains up and the moat that must be crossed to gain access to it is wide.

 Jesus Christ calls to you to lower the drawbridge to your heart and will, to let Him in and be King. He will treat your heart kindly. He recognizes the value it has. He has already been willing to pay a tremendous price in the hopes of getting your attention. Now, will you let down this last defense and be at peace?

 

Craig Krueger