How many times have you heard someone say those words, “You get what you pay for”? It is often in response to being disappointed with the purchase of an inexpensive item–i.e., “you didn’t pay
much for it, so you shouldn’t expect much out of it.” While this cannot be a universally accepted rule (many inexpensive items are better than their pricey equivalents), think about how this might apply to our Christian lives.
For someone who is miserable living the Christian life, ask the question, “How much have you put into (paid of yourself into) this exclusive lifestyle?” That might have a bearing on being miserable. For someone who is miserable when they attend a worship service, ask the question, “How much have you put into (paid of yourself into) this exclusive privilege?” That might have a bearing on being miserable. If we don’t like what we’re getting out of being a Christian and serving God, we must ask the question, “What have I put into it myself?”