Free Puppies!

I’ve had many occasions to tell my kids, “There is no such thing as a free puppy.” Granted the person with the puppy isn’t asking for anything; they will gladly give the puppy away. However, once the puppy is yours you start paying for it. You’ve got to feed it, take it to the vet, get a dog license, and let’s not forget the damage a puppy can do chewing things you wish it wouldn’t or making other ‘messes.’ No, the free puppy will cost you more than you can imagine because you will keep on paying as long as it is yours.

I imagine that if you were to offer to pay for the ‘free puppy’ the owner would gladly accept whatever you might offer. After all they are giving the puppy away because it has already cost them something and they want to stop paying for it.

God has a gift that He will give to anyone who is ready to receive it. Like that puppy God’s gift will cost us something too (see “Counting the Cost”). But unlike the owner of the puppy, God will not accept payment for his gift. The kingdom must be received as a gift; you can’t buy it.

• [31] But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. [32] Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
  Luke 12:31-32 (NIV)

Jesus’ emphasis here is that we have nothing to worry about because we have been given the Kingdom. Jesus wants us to think like Kingdom people. God will meet our every need. Furthermore real treasure is not found in the things the world values but in giving worldly treasure away.

• [33] Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
  Luke 12:33-34 (NIV)

Having accepted my share of free puppies I’ve learned something else; a puppy will also give you a lifetime of joyful experiences that money cannot buy. The Kingdom of God is a gift that is far greater than that puppy. Like the puppy it is a gift that will cost you something. But with the Kingdom you receive more than a lifetime of joy; Kingdom joy will overflow with more than you can contain. Regardless of your circumstances and no matter how great the cost may seem to be, as you seek the Kingdom, God also enables you to pay the price. It’s true; God’s Kingdom is a gift that keeps on giving.