1700) Through the years, I have developed a limited understanding of economics. I say limited because I only can grasp these concepts on an elementary level. Having said that, I do know: The value we place on things is proportional to what it cost us to get it. If we have to fight for something or someone, we will value it more.

I see this with my young scholars. Each student in Maine has a laptop assigned to them to use in the classroom. Because my students have not paid for them, I see some using them carelessly. I have often wondered how they would treat electronics if they had to pay for them.

Exodus 20:7 also reflects these thoughts. Here, the third of the ten commandments admonishes us not to take God’s name in vain. This word, vain, means to make it worthless. Putting this together with my understanding of spiritual and social economics, I conclude that it’s easy not to value God’s name and everything about him if we have not seriously contemplated what it cost him to have this relationship with us.

Taking the time to reflect on what salvation cost God would bolster our faith and our actions. After all, actions speak louder than words.