Check Your Price Tag

In 1 Corinthians 6:20, Paul tells the Corinthians that “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” In this context, he’s talking about avoiding sexual immorality. A follower of Christ is a temple of the Holy Spirit (v.19), and so we must seek to glorify God in what we do with our bodies (that is, keeping it pure and free from sexual immorality). In this sense, we should remember that we don’t have authority over our bodies, God does, since he has paid a price and purchased us. God has ownership of us, body, soul, every single piece of us seen and unseen.

Later in 1 Corinthians 7:22-23 Paul says, “He who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.” Here, Paul urges the Corinthians to live the lives God has called them to. If someone is a slave and is called by God, they should remain a slave (but realize they are free in Christ); also, if they are able to gain their freedom they should look into it. If someone is a free man when called by God, he should not seek to become a slave, but realize that he is now a slave of Christ. It isn’t outward signs or status that mean anything, but everyone must realize they are changed because of Christ; everyone is equal at the cross. At this point, Paul again reminds us that we are bought with a price, and so we should not seek to live a life contrary to the one God has called us to live.

Two different examples to stress one main point: We are Christ’s not because we chose him, but because he chose and purchased us; he has the bill for all his sheep and it is permanently stamped “Paid in Full.” This is so important to know. More than that, it’s so important to really let it sink in because our salvation can easily become a distant memory, and we can forget just how much it cost to purchase us. If I live in a way that is not always aware of the price Jesus paid for me, I won’t live as if I am a temple of the Holy Spirit and I won’t be content with my calling in life.

The price Jesus paid for me was his blood. Not just some drops; he willingly gave up his whole life for his sheep. The eternal Son of God actually died. His value wasn’t just a mortal life, it was also an infinite life. It basically means that the exchange for the blood and life of the Son of God is “infinity dollars.” On every follower of Christ is a price tag that shows what price we were bought for, and it reads, “infinity.” That’s expensive.

I look at some things in this world that I’ll just never be able to afford. I marvel at the prices of some things and I can’t comprehend how some people can walk into a place and pay in full for some really expensive things. My wife and I have iPhones. I marveled at the price of two smart phones (and the ensuing phone bill; no disrespect, AT&T).

Yet if I really take a look at myself and check out my price tag, the one that Jesus looked at and said, “I’ll pay that”, how can I not desire to give God glory in what I do with my body? How can I not desire to look at all I have been given and not be content? Jesus paid it all. When I get an expensive gift, or if I buy something expensive, I treat it with greater respect and care. It’s on my mind more than cheaper things. I’m concerned about it. Is this how I view my savior who purchased me? Oftentimes, no. Maybe it’s because I don’t value myself at an infinite price tag. But the point is not to continue and encourage myself or anyone that we are all worth so much. Just because our price tags read “infinite dollars” doesn’t mean we focus on ourselves and say “Wow, I’m worth so much to God!”

The point is to look at Jesus and marvel that he would willingly, in love, pay the price. It’s all about what he paid, not how much we cost.

So from day to day, moment by moment, check your price tag. Don’t ascribe the amount to yourself, just marvel at the God who paid it.