Springtime is just around the corner, and many of us are eagerly anticipating its arrival. The springtime offers much for us to do. Depending on where we live, during the winter, many of us are restricted from activities, i.e., planting flowers, cutting grass, etc., we enjoy during the warmer months. (In fact, as I write this article, it's snowing here in southern Ohio).

But another springtime event to which many of us look forward is the garage sale, and the excitement of going. Isn't it amazing what good deals we can find at garage sales? For the most part, folks wish to clear out and be rid of things for which they no longer have use. In fact, some things, which at one time cost a good amount of money, are now being sold for pocket change.

I was just thinking about the resemblance between some Christians and garage-sale items. Here's a person whose sins "the Lamb of God" has taken away (John 1:29); whose soul the Son of God has purchased (1 Corinthians 6:20); whose name is written in the "Lamb's book of life." (Philippians 4:3) Yet, because he has no "root system," he falls away into temptation's snare (Luke 8:13), and he treats his soul as though it is nothing more than a "garage-sale item."

Do you know any folks like that? Who, at the "drop of a hat" (sic), are willing to give up on everything that God has provided for them. Why can't these folks see the big picture? Have they forgotten what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24-26? Brothers and sisters, has the soul's value been reduced to pocket change? Has Christ's blood become something to "trample underfoot," and has it become an "unholy thing." (Hebrews 10:29)

Brethren, it is absolutely essential that we stress to those we teach, and ensure that they understand, the cost involved in following our Savior. And we would do well to remind those, even among our immediate families, of the price paid for our spiritual freedom (John 3:16; 8:32). There is a real purpose for saying what I've just said. Within the past year, I have personally witnessed the destruction of three "Christian homes," due to sexual immorality (John 10:10).

These were homes where the husbands and wives were in their early-to-mid 30s; husbands and wives who, as children, were raised and trained to become Christians. The husbands in two of the homes have fathers who are gospel preachers. Thus, brethren, we see the need to reemphasize the costs involved with following Jesus. Jesus, Himself, made this point clear on more than one occasion (Luke 9:57-62; 14:26-35).

My brethren, of a truth, we are at war! Ephesians 6:10-18, as is all scripture, is there for a purpose. The Holy Spirit knew of the coming conflicts that God's children would have to encounter; thus, He stressed the need to obey the "Captain of our salvation." (Hebrews 2:10) The devil has already taken too many "POWs," due to their lack of loyalty and commitment; and sadly, a large number of those who once were soldiers of Christ are now "MIA!" Where do you find yourself spiritually? Are you working, laboring for the Master, bringing in the sheaves, or do you stand idle all the day long (Matthew 20:6).

Again, I would urge us all to "count the cost." We all sing: "What can wash away my sin, nothing but the blood of Jesus." He shed His blood and died for your sins and mine (Romans 5:8); and in return, He asks nothing but that we live for Him daily (1 Corinthians 15:58).

So when spring arrives, and you begin going to garage sales, looking at price tags, and thinking what a great deal you're making, don't forget about the price tag for your soul! For how little are you willing to sell it."