Location and Times2Samuel 24:24 And the king said unto Araunah, Nay; but I will surely buy it of thee at a price: neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing. So David bought the threshingfloor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.
Too many people want a relationship with God that costs them nothing. Grace is completely free no doubt. God is good to us when we do not deserve it. I do not have to do anything to get God to love me. I do not have to win His favor. He loves me because He is good.
But that does not change the fact that real love gives. Real love on my part will not be looking to take advantage of God. I love Romans 5:20 where He tells us that no matter how much sin we have He has more grace but I also love Romans 6:1 where we respond saying that we would never want to take advantage of that sweet love.
I fear that those who would want to cheapen their relationship with God and make it as cheap and easy as possible for themselves do not understand true love. His love for me causes me to love Him. His love constrains me.
Why do you think that He gave us so much? Was it not to love and honor Him with? What better use of my time, talent, and treasure than to honor the One who has done so much for me?
I do not want a cheap relationship. I do not want a one sided friendship. Though I could never repay Him and do not even think of doing so I do want to honor and serve Him.
Serving Him is the greatest joy this side of Heaven. He is a wonderful, sweet, kind, loving, Master!