We all know the sayings such as ‘there is no such thing as a free lunch’ or ‘if it seems too good to be true then it probably is’. Any reader who uses an ipad or computer, will be familiar with ‘pop-ups’ that come from companies trying to sell you something. Often it is quite plainly an advertisement but sometimes they are like trojan horses saying why not have a look at this but when you dig deeper, yes, it is your money they are tying to part you from.

Recently somebody I know installed a ‘free game’ on their device. You played the game and earned tokens in order to continue playing. So far so good. However, there comes a point when you run out of tokens and then you are offered more tokens which you can buy. It is easy, the system already has your bank details because you have brought other things, perhaps favourite music or downloaded a book or two. All you have to do is press a button, enter your device pin number, job done and tokens purchased. Oh dear, you run out again, buy more tokens. On checking a monthly bank statement my acquaintance realised that more than £53 over the month had been spent on tokens. A horrified player,  immediately uninstalled the game. So easily done, not a scam or theft but perfectly legitimate although one might question the morality of it.

This is the way of the world we live in, there are so many examples one can think of. As a shepherd knows, sheep can easily be led astray. There are always enticements in our world and people who will attempt to lure a Christian away from his or her faith, just one more drink or two or three…! Just one game of bingo won’t matter. I knew a lady who went to play bingo every afternoon, she became addicted to the game. Just one kiss, just this party, just a little flutter. That is how it all starts. Starts off being without price, but at some point down the line there is a price, the price of leaving the path that leads to God.

There is good news though, in knowing that the price of belonging to Jesus has already been paid for us by Him when he went to the cross. We are offered life with Him free of charge, just open the door and let Him into our hearts.

Pam