Cost of Ownership

As many of you may know, I worked in the Travel Industry from 1979 thru 1990. I took great pride in finding the lowest airfares for anyone who walked into our agency, and will have to say, became pretty good at it. Once I’d quoted the client a fee, it was the total charge to get roundtrip from point A to point B. 

Not anymore. 

Travel today and there are a myriad of additional costs you will most likely incur. 

Would you like to select your seat in advance? Do you want the “premium section” of coach? Additional legroom? Are you taking luggage? Would you like oxygen to flow if the mask falls from the ceiling?

The “cost” for airline travel will probably be more than just the published airfare. $375.00 can quickly become $455.00+.

It’s something that’s also been true of the Hotel Industry for decades. Fees in addition to the normal sales tax (which varies by city) can be a tourism fee, convenience fee, and as I remember it in New York, a “bed tax.” 

Ever stayed at one of the Disney Resorts?

The bottom line is the initial cost really isn’t the bottom line. 

But if we’re honest, sometimes we don’t want to know the bottom line. 

Why?

Because it’s something we really want and may not be able to afford. 

There’s a reason the car salesman asks you not how much you want to spend, but how much you want your monthly payment to be. Never mind the fact you’ll be making that monthly payment for the next 972 months. (Exaggeration for affect)  

Many of us have a “monthly payment” mentality, and it gets us in trouble. We don’t stop to count the cost. 

We’d rather not know. 

When the Rich Young Ruler came to Jesus (Matt 19:16-22), he asked what he must do to be saved. Jesus went beyond the bottom line of the sales contract and straight to “cost of ownership.” Just like my Dad did to me when I was 17 and needed a co-signer to buy my first car, he threw in the cost of fuel, tires, oil changes, routine maintenance, and insurance. 

Jesus wasn’t interested in making the sale or gaining followers. He answered the question honestly and verse 22 says “…he went away grieving.” 

When did we stop talking about the cost of ownership and start offering monthly payment plans?

If the Rich Young Ruler walked into your church today, which would he be offered?

By Published On: January 17th, 2025Categories: Brooks0 Comments on Cost of Ownership

Leave A Comment