Wednesday, October 14, 2015

well, isn't that special...














Come to think of it, we all like to think we are special.  And marketers know how easily swayed we are by that simple buzz word.  As long ago as being a kid, reading MAD magazine, they suckered me a few extra times per year with specials.  Nothing new, just some old articles repackaged, they even admitted to it in their satirical way.  But today those specials are worth more to collectors.  Which brings up the next buzz word, collectible.  When my sons were growing up, comics were the rage, and special editions, that word again would be coupled with collectible, and they bought them.  Some never read, put in plastic slip cases, and many an argument ensued over why they paid more for them.  Limited editions,“they only printed 5 million...” and today they are still worth the same, mostly, the companies collecting big on our lust to buy them.  Harley Davidson, that marketing genius who builds motorcycles on the side, made every 2003 a “100th Anniversary Edition,” only coming in two colors.  And with over 200,000 of them,people paid big prices to say they had one.  Same product as last year....and the next.  The Motor Company again did it in 2013, but with all colors, you just paid more for the badge.  The Mustang turns 50 this year, more special editions, and 50 years form now you will look smart for paying extra and buying one.  I’ll be over 100 by then, isn’t that special?
Limited Editions are also a tag used to draw us in.  Limit the production to a certain number, and make it sound important.  “1 of 10,000,000” and someone will step up and pay for it.  And like in collector cars, limited production, usually read no initial demand, sparks higher prices at auction.  Pace Car Editions adorned with lettering will bring more money, usually with a few miles because few wanted to drive around looking like a fool.  “Hey honey, look at the fool in that cool car.  Too bad it has all the writing on it..” giggling.  Add a dash badge or two, number the product, 1 of... and someone will pay more.  And then there are the Special Edition celebrity models.  Add Shelby to a loser car, add stripes, his signature on the dash and you have a best seller.  Just about any famous race team will add money to the asking price, NIckey, Yenko, or Tacsa, yet Chrysler bombed a few years ago with a Sinatra Edition.  Soon to be collectible, few in numbers, see above.  Signed copies of books, baseball cards, programs, and comics all advertise increased value.  At least until you try to sell one in my case.  Original is another over used ad word, things are only original once.  How many car ads have you seen with “100% original except for paint, interior, motor, and top.”  At least they may have used original replacement parts. And so we live in a buyer beware world, our reach exceeding our grasp, repeating the mantra “you didn’t pay too much, you just bought too soon,” when we confront our wives with our latest investment.  At least until the next special deal comes along...and we are reminded “well isn’t that special...”  It must be true, I saw it on TV.
I think we have all been a victim, or proposed victim of this strategy.  Nothing new, as Jesus dealt with this type 2000 years ago.  The moneychangers he called them, and he chased them out, not for selling the goods, but for using his name and his Father’s name as the selling point.  Buying and selling is not a new concept, nor is trading on the name of God.  In his autobiography, Wolfman Jack told how the religious programs would be charged more for air time, but take in many more dollars than any one else.  Promising miracles via water, towels, special edition Bibles, all as a free gift for your donation, we see begging within the church alive and well today.  But we never see Jesus begging, nor asking for money.  He even told his disciples to only take with them what they have, he would supply.  A scriptural concept carefully overlooked by TV evangelists today.  How many planes does Kenneth Copeland need to visit the poor in?  And I can attest to the strength and integrity of God, when I decided to get into ministry, the established ones told me I would need a donor base.  When praying God showed me different, “if you ask for it it is not a gift.  And I like to give good gifts.”  And he has, does, and will continue too.  For a relationship is based on trust, and trusting God will never let you down.  Let all men be liars, and God will always be God.  Which has put me at odds with professional fund raisers within the church.  I have been told I will never make it, never have a suitable income, or be successful.  Isn’t that special?  So why would I ask men who have limited supplies when I can ask God who will supply all things I need in Christ Jesus?  And no, there is no ministry discount....
For salvation comes with a price.  A price we could never pay, so God sent Jesus.  His unique, begotten, special son.  None other like him, 1 of 1.  No specials on salvation, it is offered to all.  No discounts, Jesus paid full price.  And in him you will become special, collectible.  No tag lines, no holy water, no prayer cloth if you order now.  You get the original, the only one.  And forever.  Yet many fall for the spirit of anti-Christ, the instead of Christ offer, wanting it all here, but neglecting having it all later in heaven.  There is no substitute for Jesus, he is the only way.  Something, someone to consider if you haven’t met him yet.  You see he backs up his claims with an empty grave, he is resurrected just like he said he would.  All other gods or religious figures fill theirs.  But how many are willing to buy an empty grave? 
So I stay away from Christian advertised business.  I avoid that little fish in the corner of the ad.  I want the best when I need something fixed, not just a “trust me because I am a Christian” come on.  Plus it gets me out in the world, where the lost are, where the action is.  Where Jesus told us to go.....You may be the only Bible your washer repairman ever reads while he fixes your wash cycle.  Isn’t that special?  Without God it isn’t, with him all things are possible.  Putting God’s name on it doesn’t make it special, only Jesus in your heart is.  Make the switch today, trust him with your life, and find real value.  And know that if you were the only sinner he still would have died for you!  Now that’s special, and only Jesus is that special.  And still at prices you can afford.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot