Since I鈥檝e almost, but not completely, retired from my work, I鈥檓 treating myself to tea at Tim Horton鈥檚 a couple of times a week. Enhancing the enjoyment of that new pattern of indulging myself, I always hope to find a seat next to windows looking out at the drive-through lane. As mentioned in another article, I pray for folks going through that line but lately I鈥檝e added a far less spiritual aspect to my observations: I count the number of Fords, Dodges, Chevrolets, Hondas etc. as they pass by. I even saw a BMV this morning, more of a rarity than a usual occurrence in these parts.
I know, small things amuse small minds but many of those honkin鈥� big trucks are anything but small, much less the advertising budgets of the manufacturers of those vehicles. It takes innovative skill to design each product and it takes deep pockets to manufacture and market them but without both those elements, that brand would disappear from the car lots, sales rooms and Timmie鈥檚 line-ups. That鈥檚 simply the way it is in the world of competition for sales.
As Christians we are instructed to live out our faith in such a way that others receive an accurate picture of the love of God. As individuals and as individual church bodies of believers, our role is to present the gospel of redeeming love; in fact, the impact of genuine, lived-out faith can鈥檛 be measured in terms of power or wealth. While there is nothing wrong with being well off financially or in a leadership position, if honestly acquired, no where are we called to be the top-dog, the richest, or the biggest player.
鈥淏eloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.鈥� 鈥淏y this we know that we are in him.鈥� (1 John 1:5; 4:11)
