IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES
As the saying goes, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Swapping items is a clever way of gaining something new without spending a cent. You might not always have full control over what you get in return, but that’s part of the adventure. Sometimes, you could even end up with something far more valuable than what you gave away.
Take, for example, the young man who advertised his hi-fi system, willing to swap it for an engagement ring. He had invested time and money into building a collection of records and enjoying his sound system, but falling in love meant he was willing to trade it all for a diamond ring. Why? Because it’s a question of values.
We see this every day. People drive past council clean-up piles, spotting treasures among discarded items. What’s worthless to one is priceless to another. But this principle of trading applies far beyond furniture and appliances—it’s true of life itself.
Jesus put it plainly: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).
We can swap our character, peace of mind, or family harmony in pursuit of career success, wealth, or pleasure. A young executive embezzles funds for quick gain and loses everything. A young man rides drunk with a friend on his motorbike, crashes, and pays the ultimate price. A family once rich in faith exchanges Sundays at church for longer work hours and higher pay, only to find their home life crumbling.
Tragically, we often trade what matters most for things that cannot satisfy. And when we realise what we’ve lost, it’s too late—we have nothing left to give in exchange.
But there is good news.
God Has Provided a Way Out
God knows our weakness. He knows how easily we’re misled. That’s why He sent Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a fresh start.
The woman caught in adultery was dragged before Jesus, with her accusers ready to stone her. Yet Jesus disarmed them with one sentence: “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7). One by one, they walked away. Jesus then said to her, “Go now and leave your life of sin.”
Jesus gives second chances. He offers us forgiveness, renewal, and the power to live differently.
With God, All Things Are Possible
On our own, breaking free from destructive patterns can feel impossible. But Jesus reminds us, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26).
At the heart of life are the choices we make. What are we trading our time, energy, and hearts for? Is it worth it?
Even now, God stands ready to help us make better choices—choices that bring life, not loss.
“You do not have, because you do not ask God.” James 4:2
