SWITCHING PRICE TAGS
Imagine the confusion when the doors opened and customers began shopping. Years ago, vandals broke into a department store late at night. They didn't steal anything or damage merchandise. These pranksters were more of the practical joker sort. They merely moved through the store, switching price tags on items.
The next morning as the store opened, shoppers were amazed to discover socks selling for $500 and flat screen TVs priced at seven bucks. Likewise, a fur coat was marked $14.50, while kid’s pajamas were $900. Good luck trying to figure that out, as you push your cart down the aisle!
You’ve got to wonder what would motivate someone to do such a crazy thing. But in reality, we switch “price tags” quite often in our lives. We trade things of immense value for stuff of little importance. Matters that should be top priority (such as relationships, health and our spiritual life), we sacrifice for mundane trifles, soon to be forgotten.
When we spend more time on Facebook than with our family, we’re switching price tags. When we worry more about what other people think of us than pleasing God, we’ve got our values upside down. Putting ourselves deeply in debt to buy a nicer car than the neighbors... well, you get the idea.
God is clear on our priorities. Jesus declared, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness...” (Matthew 6:33). In Matthew 16:26 he proclaimed, “What do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” According to Jesus, your soul is worth more than the entire world. Spiritual matters (including relationships with others) are “numero uno” in God’s eyes.
Switching price tags in life occurs slowly; often imperceptibly. That’s why scripture tells us to “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24). I need people in my life who love me enough to call me out when I’m off track; to lovingly let me know when my priorities are shifting. Life’s too short to chase after things that aren’t going to last. Switching price tags isn’t something unique to vandals. We’re all vulnerable to this delusion.