The cost of living is ever-increasing, so I was happy to learn during my annual review that I’d receive the cost-of-living raise (COLA). Also, known as a ‘cost of living adjustment’ to my annual salary. And meager as the raise was, I was thankful for the increase because things are expensive.

During COVID, prices increased on everything. A simple thing like coffee creamer doubled in price, which seemed crazy because I didn’t plan to give up coffee and creamer. I was naïve to imagine prices would go back down when the pandemic faded. And they didn’t. My creamer is still twice as much as it once was. So, I suck it up and cut back in other ways. Nevertheless, I welcomed the pay increase.

Honestly, when my supervisor mentioned the words “cost of living,” her words struck me in a spiritual sort of way. A cost of living had to be paid, but we didn’t pay that price. Jesus did.

For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

There was also a raise in the cost of living that Jesus paid on our behalf: His resurrection from the grave. When we surrender our lives to Him and believe He rose from the grave, we’re also raised from the grave.

I’m not sure I’ll ever think of getting a raise in the same way again. Thank You, Jesus, for paying the spiritual cost of living for me and for the raise.

Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

Think of ways you can notice God’s great provision.

Heavenly Father, thank You for everything, but for Jesus most of all. In His powerful name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: The Cost-of-Living Raise: Melinda Cooper: All Rights Reserved