Christianity - The Best Deal Going

Or is it?

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

There are three ways we can help people. 1) We can teach them how to do something. 2) We can help them do something. 3) We can do it for them.

Each process comes with a cost. One teacher can teach many people. In grade school, teachers often teach 20 or more students. I can create a video and load it on the Internet for the entire world to watch. A video could be watched millions of times. That is the least expensive way to help people.

We each have limitations of our time. Imagine I was willing to work 8 hours per day, 365 days a year. With no days off, I would have 2,920 hours per year to work helping people. If I just tell you what to do. I can help multiple people. If I could help you in one hour, would you pay $1000 for me to help you accomplish the most important thing in your life? That would mean I could help 2,920 people and make nearly $3 million.

Now, imagine you are a billionaire and do not want to work at all. You want me to do everything. That requires much more focus. I cannot help others while I am doing your work for you. How much should I charge? If it would take all of my time, I must charge more than $3 million dollars per year, or I would be financially ahead to help others.

Now apply that knowledge to Christianity. Would you rather be part of a church that requires a lot of work or one where everything has been done for you? For some, Jesus is the whipping boy. All of your “sins” are wiped out by Jesus’ death on the cross. He sacrificed himself for all who believe. There is nothing more you need to do. You are forgiven by God due to the actions of Jesus. It is the best deal going. You get everything and do not have to pay anything or do anything.

Now as you shop around for the best deal on religions, that has to seem like a pretty good deal. How do you know you have made the right decision? Is your life better today? No. Well, that is okay. You will be rewarded after you die.

I like the idea of a religion that helps me live a better life today. A patient once told me about a new religion she had discovered. I said, “It doesn’t make any sense.” She said, “Does it have to make sense?” I replied, “Maybe not. But if it can, why not let it?”

Can we look at the teachings of Jesus and come up with a religion that makes sense and helps us live better before we die? That is my goal.