The global markets are in turmoil. Shares fall like autumn rain.

But why the panic? Aren’t the best things in life free?

Let’s see.

It’s beautiful outside. What better than to wile away the hours watching the golden leaves fall lazily from the trees? However, this can prove tricky when glued to an office computer screen. Give up your job for a year and enjoy all the time in the world.
Time = £26,000

Can’t see any autumnal trees from the window of your urban flat? Then get a mortgage on a four-bedroom house in bucolic Bollington.
Nature = £40,000

Bored of watching leaves in rainy England? Spend some quality time with your family in Majorca (£2,500). And don’t forget time alone with your partner. Book a romantic weekend away in the Lakes and everyone’s happy (£500).
Relationships = £3,000

It’s starting to feel idyllic, but you come back ill. The NHS is wonderful and free, but wouldn’t it be quicker and easier with private health insurance (£1,500)? And better stock up on vitamins while you’re at it (£50).
Health = £1,550

All this illness has taken its toll on your looks. But beauty comes from within, right? Then why did we as a nation spend £16.8 billion in 2010 on beauty products alone? Treat yourself to some cheeky facials (£600) and regular hair colour (£450), because you know you’re worth it.
Beauty = £1,050

But what’s the use of beauty without brains? Make sure both your teenage children have the best possible schooling (£20,000) and music lessons (£1,500).
Knowledge = £21,500

Life’s now going so swimmingly that you celebrate with a bottle of champagne. Just remember to get a taxi home afterwards. Lawyers for driving under the influence don’t come cheap.
Freedom = £1,500

Stressed out by the court case? Try a calming retreat to Thailand (£1,500). And finally, for complete peace of mind, invest in alien abduction insurance for you and your family (£20).
Peace = £1,520

And relax.

That is, until you see your bank balance.

Best things in life = £97,120

Well maybe it doesn’t have to be quite that expensive, but you get my point, and it sounds pretty bleak unless you’re super rich.

Jesus challenged the ways of this world. He came firstly for the poor.

“Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?”

In fact the gift he came to offer is more easily available to the poor, because they have fewer distractions to cling to.

Speaking of the love of earthly pleasures, Jesus asked, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

So there is good news, and it’s this; the very best thing of all, “…eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”, is entirely free to all who accept it, because Jesus has already paid the price.