The kind of travel that I’ve done the last four years has yielded a few very nice perks via airline, hotel, rental car and charge card customer loyalty programs. The premise is simple. If you give them business, they will do things like let you first in line at boarding airplanes, let you pick up your rental car right at the front door, give you free airline tickets, give you access to airport lounges, setup special concierges to help you rebook flights in case of interruptions; and on and on.
I’ve walked right past long lines of people who were waiting in the “regular” customer service line trying to rebook a flight after a cancellation because I had access to that special person who helped me rebook via phone. I can tell you it’s been several years since our family has “paid” for a vacation. Wow, special treatment like this will make you feel like a king. The way I looked at it I deserved every perk I received; I earned it. Unfortunately that privilege treatment did not extend to my return home. As soon as I walked through the door at home, I was just “Joe the garbage man.” But that’s a story for another time.
My point is that I like the special treatment. I got used to it. It made me feel special. I earned it. But you know what. Since I’m not traveling as much anymore, I soon will lose my special status and all the privileges that go with it. The fact is, I’m special as long as I’m spending money. The reality all along was that these perks are factored into the price of the services and I was actually purchasing these perks a few dollars at a time as I spent money with the service providers.
The other day I was listening to one of my favorite Christian radio stations and the DJ was telling of an occasion where Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of Billy Graham was being interviewed on television. The interviewer was quizzing her about the exclusive nature of Christianity. The question went something like, “Are you one of those people who believe that Jesus is exclusively the only way to heaven?” he added, “You know how mad that makes people these days!” Without blinking she replied, “Jesus is not exclusive. He died so that anyone could come to Him for salvation.”
One of the greatest perks that a human being can receive is to spend eternity with the creator of the universe. And the interesting thing is that this is not reserved for a privilege few. Billy Graham’s daughter got it right. Eternal life is freely offered to all who will receive it. You talk about a life of privilege. And this time you’re not actually paying for it bit by bit with the illusion that you’re getting a free ride. Jesus paid the price for your perks.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13
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