Apple recently teamed with U2 for the release of their iPhone 6. Apple gave away for FREE the U2 album called Songs of Innocence to all iTunes subscribers. I loved the album especially for free – but then again I am a U2 fan.
Seems that everyone did not rejoice over the free gift. Apple faced a backlash from some iTunes customers. Bottom line, they did not like the way that the album automatically appeared in their account.
They lamented that if they had wanted the album, they would have downloaded it! They did not need it to be “forced” onto them. Apple even relented and gave a “one click” button to remove the album from the iTunes account.
There is certainly a lesson here for all of us. Our parents have reminded us that there is no such thing as a “free” lunch. We are skeptical of free. We are cautious. What do they really want? What is their gain?
What a great reminder. We live in an era of skepticism where everything is analyzed. Whenever we are promoting something, we must pay attention to how the audience will receive it.
The most important free gift I have ever received is new life in Jesus. Yet it sounds too good to be true. God would forgive sins without requiring acts of kindness or the initial cleanup of life? Yes, He forgives with total grace. Of course, His love ultimately compels change, yet the initial gift is totally free with no merit of our own.
Not surprisingly, some don’t like that free gift. And often times, no matter how it is presented. I think of the passage where Paul spoke about Jesus rising from the dead at the Areopagus in Athens. It was a place filled with all kinds of “thinkers.” Paul spoke and Luke reported,
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.” 33At that, Paul left the Council. 34Some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Acts 17:32-34.
There it is. Some sneered and clearly wanted to part of this story. Others wanted to hear more before committing. And still others became followers of Jesus.
Even the best of free gifts can face a rocky reception from some!
Brian Boone 
October 16th, 2014 at 8:35 am
Hi Brian. I didn’t know about your blog. Good thoughts.