Thinking Things Through

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     It is doubtful if the phrase, "You get exactly what you pay for" applies in all cases. Under the installment system you pay for much you do not get. Public conveyances require the fare at the start of a journey. A business man must precede success with much hard work and devo-

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tion to duty. The musician wins fame after years of study. While it is true many commodities can be enjoyed while being paid for, perhaps the ones most appreciated are paid for in advance.

     In the serious matter of eternal life, Jesus said, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). Every individual wants a home after death, but many prefer to make the minimum down payment and move in with the least possible inconvenience, on the installment "pay as you go basis." Paul's confident expectancy of salvation was based on the fact that he had paid the price. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Consequently, he reasoned a crown of life awaited him and all who did as he had done (2 Tim. 4: 7, 8; Rev. 2:10).

     Peter says the ultimate of faith is salvation (1 Pet. 1:9). Paul shows it is the result of a working faith. This requires hearing and doing as Jesus said in the quotation above. Payment in advance if you please. --F. L. Rosebery