Costs and Benefits

Is it worth it?
With the High Speed Rail link to Birmingham and the North being discussed, people are wondering whether the costs involved, over 20 years, will produce the necessary benefits to make it worthwhile.
I fancy that most of the complaints are from NIMBY (not in my back yard) people, who don't fancy seeing green fields turned into railway lines.
The assumed benefits include 'better connectivity' between cities and even Europe for people and goods. I think that means journey times will be shortened!
Thinking of other forms of connectivity, I reflect again on the death of Jesus.
Even with study and reflection on the events outside the walls of Jerusalem, when Jesus 'suffered under Pontius Pilate', we can barely understand the costs to God in the plan of salvation. But hat of the benefits?
St. Peter, who was there, and who was presumably wondering if his denial of Jesus was ever going to be forgiven and his friendship restored, wrote, 'Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit.' (1 Peter 3.18)
Peter is aware that the death of Jesus is a 'once for all time' payment, made on behalf of, or 'for sinners', with the benefit 'to bring us safely home to God'. That looks like great connectivity.
The whole of Christian living can be seen as saying 'Thank yo' to Jesus for his great love for us. He willingly paid the costs and we receive the benefit. Today is an chance to live for Jesus, and make a difference in His name. What a privilege.
Best wishes,
Richard