"Free"

"Buy one get one free", "Free to the first 100 callers", "Free to do what you want to do". When we are told that something is free, what does that really mean? In a literal sense, I suppose the word "free" means that there is no cost associated with what is being given away, but I would contend that just as the old saying goes, "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch!", everything has an associated cost regardless of whether it is paid for out of your pocket or not. 

We could spend a day or two naming all the things that are supposedly given to us for "free", but trust me, "free" does not mean there is no associated cost. You may not have to pull out your debit card at the moment you receive something for "free", but at some point there was a price paid for anything of value even if you aren't the one chipping out the payment. My hope today is that by the end of our time together today you won't be looking for a free lunch, but instead you'll be looking for someone to thank for that supposed free meal you just received!

One example of this concept that is near and dear to my heart is a "free" public education. I believe there are a lot of people out there today, that have confused the term "free" public education with the idea of being entitled to be educated. Let me set one thing straight education is not free. The individual receiving the education is expected to work as hard as possible to obtain said education, and through hard work, a commitment to excellence, and striving to persevere education can and is obtained. The person providing the education doesn't just come to the classroom and pour out a wealth of knowledge and then magically everyone just learns the concept or standard being taught. The opposite is closer to the reality. Educators  analyze student data, research, plan, collaboratively plan, deliver, and then after teaching their hearts out, they evaluate the outcomes and then work to find ways to support those who didn't master the skill and extend the learning for those that performed well. Countless hours of preparation on both the student and teacher's part is required and trust me there is nothing in that equation that comes free. The problem is when the entitlement tells us that we deserve that education without the effort described above. "Give me an education" is not the mindset that leads to success. Commitment + Dedication on all parties involved are essential elements in  a free public education. 

If the idea of a free public education resonates well with me, then the free offer of forgiveness and salvation are the core of who I am. The Apostle Paul supports this idea with this verse from his letters to the church in Ephesus, "For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift" Ephesians 2:8. We are saved because God gave us something we didn't earn and we don't deserve. We are given salvation because God gave it to us freely and without any other payment except faith. The price for our salvation was paid for by Jesus as He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins. We receive salvation because Jesus paid the associated cost for our sin debt. 

Our faith leads us to actively share the Good News of God's mercy, grace, and His offer of salvation to the world. It is a free offer, but only because the price has already been paid. Jesus ensured we have a path that leads to salvation. I agree there is no free lunch and in the case of our free offer of life eternal in Heaven, the investment in your life was made on Calvary's Cross. Accept God's free gift, you will forever be changed! 

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

Coach Carter