No Cost to You

Avoiding sales pitches seems to be increasingly difficult. The No Soliciting sign on my front door deflects most peddlers although some ignore it. I screen incoming calls and mute commercials. Junk mail is recycled or shredded. It seems as though everyone is recruiting or selling something. Even Home Depot is no longer a safe-haven for hassle-free shopping. When I visit I’m preoccupied with project plans, material calculations, and costs. Now, saintly grandmothers armed with clipboards prowl the aisles offering free estimates on siding, HVAC services, or roofing. “No cost to you!”

I am not interested

On my recent trip to the Depot a salesperson blocked my way and began her pitch. I try to be polite, but pushy marketers are near the top of my Peeve List. Besides, I had already declined her services in Lawn & Garden. Now she faced me in Plumbing determined to try again.
What words should I use? “Ma’am, I have limited mental capacity, and at present all of my brain power is focused on fitting thing-a-ma-jigs together to make a thermo-throckle to repair a leaking convex whomper valve. How about you find someone else, and when I’m done, if I need roofing, I’ll look you up?”

Something for nothing. Really!

When we hear the pitch for a “something for nothing” pitch the wise among us look for the catch. Bait most always hides a hook. I’ve found a free offer that’s genuine, though, with no strings attached. Jesus, the Son of God, invites anyone to become His disciple and join His family.

I accepted His generous offer years ago and am still discovering the benefits. From the Gospel of John, chapter 14, I made a list of some of the good stuff that flows from that relationship. Jesus is unsurpassed in the giving department.

• Peace – In a world panicked by stress and trouble I can choose to relax in His care.
• A place reserved for me in His home.
• The promise that He will not abandon me. He will return for me.
• Confidence that I’ve chosen wisely. He is the one way to God.
• The opportunity of ministering in His name.
• The privilege of prayer.
• A permanent Helper, the Holy Spirit, who stays with me, teaches me, and
• reminds me to pay attention.
• Eternal life

Jesus offers this package at no cost because He graciously picked up the tab. How could I walk away from such an offer?