What a Black Card can't buy.
Several years ago, I learned about the American Express Centurion Card (Aka “The Black Card”). I have to admit, I was intrigued by the mystique and ultra-exclusivity surrounding this credit card, which only heightened my curiosity. Then I started hearing crazy insane things about the card. Things like “someone used the card to purchase a $52M jet!” or “the card is delivered to your home in an armored vehicle” or “the card is delivered in a hand-crafted, expensive wooden box with custom gold nameplate“ and so on. I’m not sure about those things but what I finally did learn is that it is indeed the most exclusive and expensive credit card on earth. It is made from nearly indestructible anodized titanium, the annual fee is $2500 bucks, owners must spend a minimum of $250K on the card to maintain membership and there really is no credit limit! Then there are the “Bennies”. Centurion Cardholders enjoy benefits such as 24/7 dedicated personal concierge service, premium status at leading hotels around the world, premium status with most all airline carriers, and standing reservations at select fine dining establishments worldwide.
At the end of the day, we’re still just talking about a credit card. From what I’ve read, the main reason why people buy into the Black Card is not only for the perks but also for the prestige of possessing the physical card. No other form of payment is more recognized as a symbol of wealth than this thin little piece of metal.
I wasn’t intending this post to be about exclusive credit cards, but the whole thing got me thinking about how in life, I can tend to consciously or subconsciously get myself into things for strange and sometimes dysfunctional reasons and I usually don’t realize or admit it until after it’s too late. Can anyone relate? I don’t own a Black Card but I think I’d like to;) I own (or want to possess) other things because I feel that they may somehow provide a sense of worth, prestige, belonging, happiness (even if temporary), etc.. Further, I think I also might find myself doing things for the perks or rewards associated with them. I think where this behavior breaks down most for me is when I think I’m doing something “good” for God so that He won’t punish me. If I can earn enough “good points” with Him, then maybe He’ll bless me instead of mess with me. God, I’m going to pray today and read your Word today and “behave” today and I hope you’re paying attention because I could really use a solid right about now!
I love the ancient Biblical text in Isaiah 64:6, which reads; “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.”
The context here is profound when you dig in. The words “filthy rags” when translated from the original Hebrew text (“iddah begged”) actually refer to a rag that a woman would use for her menstrual cycle! The words are spoken by Isaiah to the Israelites but he’s including himself as well and basically saying, “Look, we’ve all been so blessed by God already yet we continue to seek temporal “blessing”, favor and rewards from all the world has to offer and we “worship” things that will never bring us true joy and contentment. Isaiah is trying to say that all joy and even the great reward of salvation is not gained as a result of our good works, abilities, intelligence or acts of service. There is nothing we can “do” to earn salvation or favor from God. Thankfully, all He requires is that we surrender and simply believe in Him. He alone is the reward. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do good works! God calls us to this as well, but we do these things out of pure love for Him and others, not out of obligation or in hopes of some reward.
Let’s go get it!
Other verses to consider:
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Hebrews 13:16 – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”