When I was a kid, we were always impressed by how much things cost. And the higher the price, meant the cooler, or more impressive the deal or product. "Did you see Joey's new 10-speed he got for Christmas? His dad paid $55 for it! WOW!!" And suddenly my $39 Schwinn Typhoon was relegated to a lesser grade, or status. But not to my Dad who had just paid the $39. So when the time came for me to buy my first motorcycle, the rules had changed. Now it was, if I paid less for the same thing, I got the deal. "Did I tell you I only paid $825 for my CB350? Out the door!" And suddenly I was the winner due to the discounted price I paid. But the main difference was it was MY money now, so I had to shop around. And still do today, like so many others. We are always looking for the best deal, and then bragging about how "we" got it, as if we are the smartest negotiators west of the Rockies when it comes to buying a Happy Meal. Somehow those large fries for no extra cost taste better. "What's my price has gone from a joke, to really asking-"what is my price?" Supersized or not.
Having spent most of my careers in the automotive field, the first real eye opener was when I learned about the "bump book." Cleverly marketed and then utilized by the auto and cycle industries, it takes the parts, bumps up the prices above suggested retail, and the dealerships make more money, profit they call it. And when pressed, will give a discount, sometimes all the way down to suggested retail, with you never knowing what the real retail price ever was. And thinking you were getting a deal. Another thing I learned from selling cars, was the more you discounted the car, the more the customer thought you were ripping him off. And we all had a wise guy friend who after hearing what you paid told you he could have got you a better deal. Remember the days of throwing in a radio, or free floor mats? And you were left feeling like you were ripped off. You were stuck on the price, and not enjoying the moment of the new car. Thanks friend.
But the converse, which I offer no explanation for, is those that paid way too much. Who got no discounts, and actually liked their purchase. They got the car they wanted. They would tell all their friends, and would stop by with gifts, and to thank us for selling them their car. Maybe they are the ones who really got the best deal, for they didn't care so much about the price of the car as they did the enjoyment of having it. And realized that some things cost what they cost. Of course the exception to the rule was the guy with so much money he didn't care. Know anyone like that? So I have always tried to live my life based on a simple premise-a good deal is where both parties benefit. And over the years have paid too much, both when discounted, and when not discounted. I also learned that when you get a customer for price only, you lose him for the same reason. Someone will always go lower-just to make a sale. And I hear many times this Christmas season, do what it takes to make the sale. No reasonable offer refused. Still not sure what reasonable is, but have met many who aren't. So what I fall back on to be true is-whatever you paid for it is what it is worth. Stop whining, start enjoying, and let the ride begin.
Man had a similar problem with God. We sinned, and then started looking for the cheapest, or easiest way back. Sacrifices couldn't cut it, religion only added the burden of penance or some other self imposed, self righteous sacrifice, and so man walked further away from God. Laws and legalism. No way we could measure up. It was going to take a man who walked, talked, lived, and breathed among us to make up the gap. To pay the price. To make the sacrifice for all-and do it so simply that anyone could get it, and do it. And you think you've had a tough day at work? No one but Jesus could answer the ad for that job.
So God, who created us in His image, sent Himself, His son in the form of a man, to save us. A perfect savior, to take the pain and sin away, and reunite us with God. Simple, to the point, and incredibly done in love. No other way would cut it. A high price, with no discount. But also no bump book. No club prices, or good guy deals. No extended payments, and no Black Friday specials. No friend who would get you a deal. The price was high, but so was the product-us. Think about that next time you consider Jesus. The high price He paid was for us! Way too high if you consider what and who we are, and way too low when you consider what He got in return. But to God, the best deal He would ever make, and truly fit the definition of a good deal-both parties, God and us, benefitted! For love was the influencing factor-and how can you put a price on God's love? We could never afford it, so He had to make it free. No other way would work. It had to be Jesus.
"Buy for love, and sell for money" I have told many a bike trader. But always be fair. Like God is to us. Jesus Christ is the best deal you can ever make. He paid the price, and you get all the benefits. And eternal life starts now with Him, before you die! A covenant, with no expiration date, as opposed to a contract that specifies one. It is called the New Testament. I suggest reading it, and often, just to remind yourself of what a great deal you have. And to share it with others. Be the friend who tells them about the best deal they will ever get, and money never comes up. I may still look for a cheaper price on bike parts, but I will never scrimp when it comes to Jesus. For no matter the cost, I could never afford the price He paid. The first and original Christmas deal.
Makes me wonder what that old Schwinn is worth today. Sometimes you don't pay too much, you just pay too soon. Jesus is what it took to make the deal. A perfect deal at a perfect time. Merry Christmas!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com