A Cost-Plus Contract

Let me begin my thoughts with this definition:  “A cost-plus contract is a contract where a contractor is paid for all of its allowed expenses, plus additional payment to allow for a profit.”  (Wikipedia)

I am acquainted with people that believe “religion” is nothing more than, in their opinion, a crutch for weak-minded individuals that need something or someone bigger than themselves to make it through life.

Perhaps this line of thinking, in part, is the reason why it is difficult for strong-minded, self-sufficient, analytical people to accept the fact that they are getting something for nothing regarding the free gift of salvation.  No doubt this area of thinking comes from life’s experiences dealing with people.

My dad always said, “Nothing in life is free; you’ve got to work for it.”  So I understand why people balk at the message that salvation is free with no cost-plus factors that may not be revealed until a commitment has been made.

They, like me, were probably raised with the notion that there must be underlying payola to be paid that is not spoken of or negotiated prior to a contract between God and man being finalized—cost-plus as it were.  The mentality that you don’t get something for nothing can play a part in having a suspicious mind.

Whatever reason for not subscribing to a free gift that is offered, many people want to make it harder than it is to find true happiness, coupled with peace of mind, not as the world gives peace, but receiving the Prince of Peace, Jesus.  They over think everything; there’s got to be more to it than just asking for forgiveness of sin.

I can relate to those that assume religion or religiosity is throwing in the towel, figuratively speaking, which is giving up one’s own identity.  Surrendering their individuality feels like identity theft; allowing an invisible God whom they cannot see or hear to control everything they have and police all that they do; taking all the fun out of living.

Bottom line, they are afraid to relinquish everything to a perceived cost-plus contract with God for a myriad of reasons.  If they would just try God, all negative thoughts would be dispelled and put to rest, because God loves without dissimulation and pretense.  His love is perfect in every way. 

It is not hard to surrender our will to God no matter what type personality we have, nor is it hard to find forgiveness of sin.  All this and more is free of cost with no underlying plus this or plus that attachments.  God doesn’t want this or that; He wants us and nothing more.

(Isaiah 1:18)  “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

People that skirt a commitment with God that are skeptical or self-sufficient in their thinking, may not want to be beholding to anyone or anything, because of pride or having been taken advantage of in the past.

When The Great Depression first hit after the stock market crash on October 24, 1929, it was below a person’s dignity to accept Federal aide or government hand-outs, because of pride.

Allowing oneself to accept the free gift of God’s amazing grace and mercy is not giving up or giving into a feeling of inadequacy, it is trading our nothingness for God’s everything.

As I said before, people make it harder than it is to be born-again, having their sins forgiven by God and becoming His child through the acceptance of Jesus Christ.  Even the fool shall not go astray when they find the Highway of Holiness, spoken of in (Isaiah 35:8). 

Everyone has freewill to choose or reject the free gift from God.  He will not twist an arm or make a person do something they don’t want to do.  The cost of salvation has been paid in full without adding pluses to God’s plan.

I understand the nature of people that work in the business world being hesitant about cost-plus add-ons, especially the contract between God Almighty and self.

God’s contract is simple and easy to understand, foolproof with no add-ons.  It is totally backed by the blood of Jesus that He freely shed on the cross of Calvary for the sins of mankind.

The contract God offers favors the recipient in every way, in that Jesus gave Himself to redeem you and me from sin.  It cost us nothing.  Salvation is free to whoever will.  It is that easy!  Reach out and receive God’s gift.  Just try Him and see if He is not good.  What have you got to lose other than your soul?

(Mark 8:36)  “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?

A cost-plus relationship with our Creator takes into consideration that Jesus is enough.  There is nothing or no one else needed to fulfill the contract with God.  He promised in the Bible (His Word to us) an abundant life with sins forgiven and heaven too.  What more could a person want or ask for?

Making heaven our home is the most important thing in life.  Nothing in his world compares to what the Lord has prepared for born-again Believers.

When His peace floods a person’s soul, blessings unspeakable and full of glory is the plus side of being saved.  Cost is Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, and Plus is the peace of mind and joy that He brings.  The half has not yet been told of the pluses that God has for His children.

Written by,

Papa Boyd