Last night I chaperoned my first (and, Lord willing, last) junior high promotion dance.  Seeing as how I’m not a huge fan of junior high dances, and seeing as how misery loves company, I roped my good friend Julie into joining me in the Concessions Booth for the three-hour duration of the dance.  (Julie is not only a good friend–she’s a good sport.  She’s even still talking to me today.)

It turned out to be quite the entertaining evening!  While minding the cookies and cotton candy, we were treated to a bonus fashion show  featuring a variety of hemlines (Hello, high-low!) and hues (Mint green and coral were both well represented).  Our booth was strategically located near the girls’ bathroom, so we also witnessed our fair share of wardrobe malfunctions and tears.  Every now and then we’d sneak into the gym to spy.  It was just how I remembered it from my own junior high days–awkward slow dances, wallflowers, and all.

I was reminded of all the reasons one’s promotion to high school is indeed cause for celebration.

The most memorable moments for me, however, came whenever a group of kids would approach the Concessions Booth to inquire about the cost of a particular food item.

“It’s FREE,” we’d reply.

Their reactions were priceless.  All seemed surprised.  Some doubted.  A few hesitated.

“Help yourselves,” we’d encourage.

Most would then eagerly grab a bottle of water and a candy bar (or two or ten) and return with their entourage to the gym, scattered sequins sparkling in their wake.

I enjoyed being the bearer of the good news that, thanks to some generous donors, it was all free for the taking.  It was fun seeing the looks on their faces as they absorbed the fact that they really could help themselves to whatever they wanted, without charge.

The spiritual parallel was not lost on me.

Because Salvation is not For Sale.

It cannot be purchased with good works.  It cannot be obtained through church affiliation.  It cannot be earned by living a good life.

It’s FREE.  A gift.

 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23, NLT) 

Thanks to God’s generous heart and Jesus’ perfect life, eternal life is ours for the taking.  It’s not just about Heaven.  It’s about a simple, honest, real relationship with Jesus.  Right here, right now.

Surprised?  Hesitating?  Wondering what the catch might be?

Yes, it IS free.  But it may also “cost” you…your pride, your popularity, your plans.  You must humble yourself.  Surrender yourself.

HE’s worth it.

I think life without Jesus is a bit like a junior high dance–big on glitz and drama, small on meaning and substance.  Isn’t it time we graduated to something better?

If you haven’t yet received the free gift He is offering you, might I encourage you to do so?  I’m delighted to be the bearer of this Good News:

“It’s Free!  Help yourselves!”

Just reach out and take it.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God… (John 1:12, NIV)

(Photo Credit:  Rugged Grace Photography)