Thursday, May 2, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Slaying Giants Devotion Series: Day 1 Determining if it's Worth It

Considering the Cost

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven..."

I am a very frugal shopper. While I DO like to dress up, I don't really enjoy the process of shopping. If it were possible, my dream is that entire outfits in my size would just appear in my closet! (nice thought, right?)

When I do shop, I gaze throughout the department store until something "catches my eye." Now, instead of immediately looking for my size, I grab for the price tag! The price will determine whether or not I should continue to entertain the thought of acquiring the item. Once accessing the price, I look at the item and consider, "Is it really worth THAT much?"

I believe this concept applies to our attitudes in life as well. A great example of this is in the Bible account of David and Goliath.

David, the youngest of his brothers, was sent to check on his brothers and the situation of the threat of war between the Philistines and Israel. The two armies faced each other and camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant named Goliath measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armor came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight.

Naturally, the entire army of Israel was frightened. When David approaches this scene and hears this giant shouting, he inquires about what's going on. The Israelites explain that the king will give great wealth as well as his daughter in marriage AND tax exemption to the man who kills this giant.

Dressed in his basic tunic and only equipped with his shepherd's staff and slingshot, David asked AGAIN, "WHAT will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? (1 Samuel 17:26)

The REWARD is REPEATED to him, and the rest is history! With one stone to the head, David topples the giant and then slays him with the giant's sword. David asked TWICE what his reward would be. He made sure that the "price tag" was worth it.

My challenge today is to consider the investment in all you do. Consider the rewards for serving the Lord, spending time with your family and being effective on your job. Know that we will get what we pay for in all of our relationships and endeavors. The ability to grab hold of those "rewards" in life is up to the effort that you are WILLING to put into all that you do.

Dear Lord, I thank You for the rewards You have in store for those who serve You!

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.