General Dwight D. Eisenhower, perhaps more than anybody else, recognized the cost of victory. It is estimated that during World War 2 some 60 million people died including 20 million soldiers and 40 million civilians. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force around 15 million of the soldiers under his command gave their lives for the cause of liberty, justice, and decent humanity. No more poignant words could be found to describe the terrible cost of triumph than when he simply said: “There are no victories at discount prices.”
We live in a society that expects something for nothing. The world seemingly owes us a living, though no such promise has actually been made. And if a person is not able to satisfy his/her every need, want, and desire, they feel as though the weight of inhumanity is pressing upon their shoulders. Such is a terribly sad attitude with which to approach life, but represents a very dangerous and detrimental attitude with which to approach eternity. A heavenly home awaits the faithful of God, but it certainly is not without its own costs.
To become and be a New Testament Christian, thereby obtaining the victory in Jesus it is going to cost me my love and livelihood (John 14:15; Romans 12:1-2). God is first, and His direction for my life is first. However, many believe such is too high a price to pay. But for me to become and be a New Testament Christian it cost Jesus His very life, a price He willingly paid and even volunteered (Acts 20:28). It certainly is true, “there are no victories at discount prices!”
-Andy Brewer