(The Illusion of) a Risk-Free Trial

Vessel Church
Nov 1
3 min read

by Pastor Alex

Pastor Alex Jordan speaking at Vessel Church — Pastor Alex Jordan

Ever forget to cancel a subscription?Maybe it was that “free 7-day trial” that turned into a $49.99 charge on your card. Or that “money-back guarantee” that turned into three weeks on hold with customer service.

We live in a world built around the illusion of risk-free living. No consequences, no commitments, and definitely no accountability.

A recent study showed that 90% of shoppers expect free returns, and 76% choose stores based on their return policy. In 2023 alone, returns cost businesses almost $890 billion. That’s a trillion-dollar industry of people who want a safety net for their choices.

Why?

Because deep down, we don’t want to be held responsible for a bad choice.

A "Risk-Free Trial" - The Danger of “No Consequences” Faith

In Matthew 15:1–11, the Pharisees come to Jesus, questioning why His disciples didn’t follow the traditions of ceremonial washing. They were so focused on appearances — so conditioned to defend their choices — that they missed the heart of the command.

Jesus exposes this illusion by pointing out their hypocrisy:

“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.’” (Matthew 15:8)

They had created a religious loophole called Corban — declaring something “devoted to God” as an excuse not to care for their parents. It sounded holy, but it was hollow.

They had replaced obedience with optics. Conviction with comfort. Faith with formality.

And if we’re honest, we do the same. We convince ourselves that “confession is for other people.”We rationalize small sins because “it’s not that big of a deal.”We read Scripture as a task, not a transforming truth.

Romans 10:17 reminds us,

“Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

Reading the Word isn’t about checking boxes — it’s about building faith.

The Great Illusion

2 Corinthians 11:14–15 warns us that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.

That’s the great illusion of our generation:“You don’t need God.”“You deserve happiness, no matter the cost.”

But what Satan markets as a “free trial” always comes with hidden fees.He offers comfort without conviction, religion without repentance, and faith without following.

Jesus, on the other hand, offers something completely different:

“Satan offers a free trial — but Jesus offers freedom paid in full.”

Faith That Fights

In Matthew 15:21–28, a Canaanite woman approaches Jesus, begging Him to heal her daughter. At first, Jesus seems to resist — reminding her that His mission was to Israel. But she doesn’t give up.

Her faith is fierce. Persistent. Humble. She wasn’t looking for a “trial period” faith — she was desperate for the real thing.

Her story reminds us: real faith requires real work.

It’s not passive or polished. It’s not about looking the part. It’s about wrestling with God until you receive what only He can give.

No Free Returns on Eternity

At the end of the day, there are no free returns on eternity. You can’t get a refund on a life lived without God.

But here’s the hope:

“This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:17–18)

Jesus’ love gives us confidence — even when we stand on trial.His cross has already covered our cost.His love makes us fearless.

That’s the only truly risk-free trial there is — because the trial isn’t ours anymore. He stood in our place. He took our guilt. And He paid it in full.