Cost ≠ Worth

I was recently reminded that cost and worth are not always related. There are some things that are expensive, yet worthless, like overly fancy cars and some works of art. They cost a fortune, but they don't provide much value, and what value they do provide could be obtained at much lower costs. In contrast, some things are relatively inexpensive, but are worth their weight in gold, like good food, sturdy and useful tools, and comfortable clothing. The things that offer the greatest value aren't the most expensive things, but rather the least expensive of the things of great worth.

And, of course, the "things" of greatest worth don't even cost a dime. Good friends and family, a strong relationship with God, and the everyday blessings of nature, like sunrises, sunsets, fresh rain, and gentle breezes, are all free (though, arguably, a strong relationship with God does carry the cost of tithes and offerings, but the blessings of such a relationship far outweigh the costs).

Good things don't have to be expensive. Expensive things aren't always worthwhile, and there are many things that are worthwhile, regardless of their costs. A thing isn't valuable just because it's expensive, and a thing isn't worthless just because it's cheap. We must learn to evaluate the true worth of things, regardless of what they cost.