King David was offered free land for an altar — a gift that would have cost him nothing. His response has echoed through centuries of Christian reflection: "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." David understood something that is easy to forget in comfortable seasons: genuine worship involves cost. A sacrifice that costs nothing is not really a sacrifice. It is just a donation of surplus. Real worship — the kind that moves the heart of God and transforms the heart of the worshiper — involves offering something that matters. Something that requires genuine giving. Something that creates a real sense of what is being surrendered. This principle applies far beyond altar offerings. It applies to your time — giving God the first and best of your attention, not just the leftover minutes at the end of an exhausting day. It applies to your finances — giving generously, not just conveniently. It applies to your comfort — serving people in need even when it is inconvenient, sacrificing your schedule for the sake of someone who needs care. It applies to your reputation — standing for what is true and right even when it is unpopular. Many people want a faith that costs them nothing. A relationship with God that fits neatly into their existing schedule, requires no real adjustment to their lifestyle, and never asks them to give up anything they value. But a costless faith is a shallow one. The most significant moments in people's spiritual lives are almost always marked by sacrifice — the moment they gave something that mattered, loved someone who was costly to love, or said yes to God when saying no would have been far easier. What has your worship cost you lately?