My wife and I took a trip to a Factory Outlet Mall. We like shopping there because the prices are so low. They sell name-brand merchandise that doesn’t meet their high standards. Most items are slightly flawed, clearance items or last year’s styles. We don’t care about the latest styles and love the deeply discounted prices! Apparently many other people agree. We went on a Monday and the place wasn’t too busy, but on weekends and holidays the place is crowded with bargain hunters.
This “discount” mall isn’t shabby, or in a bad area. It is located in a prime location, along a busy highway. The stores look new, and the mall is well maintained. Covered walkways and benches, make it seem like a high-end shopping center. Once your purchases are made and you leave the parking lot, people may never know your treasures have imperfections, or that you paid a much lower price.
You could discover the problem with the discount mall after you leave. That minor imperfection in your bargain might become worse or make it fall apart. The mall isn’t nearby and it may not be worth a 60 mile round trip to return something that doesn’t fit. Some of the outlet stores won’t accept returned merchandise, so you accept the risk. Their lower prices don’t always include the services you expect from regular stores. I loved the price on a refurbished electric mower, but didn’t care for the reduced warranty that came with it. I looked at a high-end radio, with a surprisingly low price, but it didn’t have the features of newer models. The key to real discounts is getting good value for your money, not just lower prices.
One area you shouldn’t look for discounts is with GOD. Many Churches have a discount mall approach. They offer the most popular services the masses want at deeply discounted prices. Their emphasis is in quantity rather than quality. If you come to one of their prime locations, you will be surprised at how little it will affect you. They supply comfortable facilities, park-like grounds and playtime for the kids. You can have as much or as little religion as you want. They won’t bother you with calls for repentance, holiness and service. You won’t be convicted, have to get saved or study your Bible. In fact, once you leave the parking lot, the world won’t even know you had been there. You will discover the problem with the discount religion after you leave. If you don’t accept JESUS, you won’t be saved. You may have found a great Church, but you will be lost. The sermons won’t bother you, but you won’t change. Your family will enjoy the Church as they fall apart. In the end, your discount religion will cost you everything.
Another way is to get what you can’t pay for. The price for your sin is more that you can pay but, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). You must accept JESUS as your Lord and Savior. Now I have to become “religious” right? No. He wants a relationship with you. This is not the time to hold back and look for a discount. He wants all of you! Yes, that will mean some changes, but you will love it. Your family, friends and loved ones will notice the changes, and then you can tell them about the great deal you have found!
Wayne Lance (2018)