A Cowboy’s Faith
By Frank J. Buchman
Everything Has A Cost
“You can’t eat your cake and have it too.”
The National FFA President, a Kansas farm boy, flew in from business at the nation’s capital to present his inspirational message.
It’s been at least 30 years since he spoke at the annual ranch field day and horse auction. Yet that young agriculture leader’s statement was stuck in memory for life and has been repeated frequently.
Seemingly a vast percentage of the nation’s population didn’t understand then and many more don’t get it now.
Everybody deep inside wants something for nothing or consume now but still have for another time.
Of course, many professional tools and even luxury items are to be used again and again. Once acquired, they can work a lifetime and even for future generations.
Still that young speaker’s point quoting the several century old proverbs remains most significant with a number of variations. He was emphasizing “you can’t have it both ways” and “you can’t have the best of both worlds.”
Somewhat different but all of nowadays’ recorded phone messages and the hard-to-understand personal calls always bring it to mind.
“Your debt will be forgiven,” just push Button One now. Recorded messages can’t hear the response and live callers don’t understand when answering “there’s no button on this phone.” Dial phones don’t have buttons and dialing Number One ends the recording or call instantly.
There’s absolutely nothing free in the world. Gifts from family or friend don’t cost the receiver but definitely have an expense somewhere.
In certain bankruptcy cases the debtor does not have to pay what is owed. That’s a long ways from free being a major loss to whoever didn’t get paid for their goods and services.
Promotions not only on the phone but in printed advertisements and on every kind of airwave claim: “It’s free.”
Those following up on such promises are big losers requiring considerable time and expense to be resolved.
Almost daily, unsolicited are promises for millions of dollars “free” just by email return with personal information. Everyone is a scam and always proven costly.
Credit cards with no interest can’t work for that business to remain profitable.
Unemployment and government handout programs are paid by taxpayers.
There are no free rides.
Reminded of Luke 14::33: “Don’t underestimate the cost,” and James 1:16: “Don’t be misled.”
+++ALLELUIA+++
XIV–37–9-13-2020
