The old clich? went something like this. “If you must ask the price then you can’t afford the price.” Yet not knowing the price doesn’t give anyone the ability to afford the price.
The debate raged on, one side versus another in an epic struggle that mirrors good versus evil. I am sure that neither side saw it that way; both believed they were doing their job or fighting for what was right. Rather than come to a clear intersection point, a dual of ideas to the end, the sides pursued their own agendas, unwilling or unable to risk losing the position that they held so dear.
This seen has been repeated to many times in my life, as recently as last week, that it has gotten almost boring. Both sides are unwilling to see the cost that comes with their position. Both sides find themselves claiming innocent victims in the pursuit of what they believe to be a higher goal. The stalemate will go on for some time because neither are willing to sit and do what is best for anyone other than the “self”.
I wonder what would happen if God gave them the true picture and its consequences. What would God say in this situation? Would he soft-pedal the impact or deal with him using the same words that Joel captured? “‘I'll sell your children as slaves to your neighbors, and they'll sell them to the far-off Sabeans.’ God's Verdict.” (Joel 3.8) Just how severe is the problem anyways?
The fact that I even entertain this question is a reflection of the time in which we live. The answer comes through some simple facts. People are more important than arbitrary goals. Relationships with God transcend corporate obsessions. Accountability applies to the good, the bad, righteous, unrighteous, beautiful, and the ugly. There are price-tags attached to every decision, choice, and action. The only question is one of awareness.
Today is a new chapter. The question that confronts you and me is simple and direct. What will we make of today, with or without God?
