Many years ago, I began my ministry life as an intercession and worship leader. This was in the days when we used harps and lyres and rode to work on dinosaurs.

After some years, I found myself training in London and was blessed to sing with and get to know one of my worship leader heroes, Graham Kendrick. Graham began his career by singing Christian folk songs before he became better known for worship songs, especially those for March for Jesus. These songs were sung by millions worldwide in the 90s.

How much do you think He is worth, boy?
Will anyone stand up and say?
Tell me, what are you willing to give Him?
In return for the price that He paid?

Paid On The Nail - 1974, Graham Kendrick

This chorus of one of his early songs from his 1974 album, Paid on the Nail. We will finish our Build New Hope message series this month. As we do, I ask myself the song’s question—What am I willing to give in return for the price that He paid? We have heard testimony of what generosity means from several church members over the months. Sacrificial financial giving is important, but it is only one part of giving. Ordering our lives to obey the teachings of Christ and building on the rock of obedience to Christ as our example can seem even more challenging than financial giving.

Many of us can quote the verse, “...I am the way, the truth and the life...” in John 14:6, but we may not fully appreciate all Jesus was saying. For some it’s merely about following Jesus as the only way to the Father, which is true. He alone is the way to the Father. He is the truth we must believe and life in Him is life everlasting. But perhaps there is more to take from this verse. If He is the way, He is telling us that to come to the Father we must follow His way. But His way was through a cross and death. The way of Christ is one of sacrificial, radical obedience. When Christ, in the garden, asked the Father if there was any way, other than death, He knew there was not. Despite this, He chose to give Himself completely, knowing the cost. He gave all He was, all He had, all He would have preferred, to trust in God and obey. Truly, greater love has no one.

When we count the cost, do we choose to live Jesus' way by speaking the truth and living life like it was not our own, but God’s, as Jesus did? Christ counted the cost and decided that saving humanity from all its broken, rebellious ugliness was worth the cost. He paid the price fully—on the nail.

How much do you think He is worth — to you?

---

Contact Global Outreach to receive the monthly Go News newsletter or learn how to get involved.

Chris Jones is the Global Outreach Director at New Hope Church. He longs for the unreached people of the world to experience the life-changing love of God and for people at New Hope Church to find fullness of joy by obeying the Great Commission.