Sometimes I am the supply shopper for our church.
Church has an eclectic side; regardless of size or budget, volunteers staff various jobs. And volunteers bring an array of skills, opinions, decisions...and stuff.
I guess all of us within a church are, in a sense, volunteers, because we choose to attend, even if we happen to be employed full or part-time.
So all of us, in a church, are volunteers who do our part to maintain the atmosphere and action that the leadership designs.
That leader, invisible though he may be, is really God.
And the quality of our volunteerism, invisible though it may be, is really our heart for God.
Which brings me to this sad confession.
Not too long ago, I was at Sam's buying supplies for the church. I had the industrial-sized (and quality) toilet paper package in my buggy in the checkout line. A lady remarked, "That is great toilet paper," showing her same selection in her buggy.
I said, "Yes, I am buying it for our church. It is a great deal."
She said, "Why don't you use it for your own household?"
Zing. And just like that, I knew God was pointing out that I was choosing better for me, secondhand for him.
Now that industrial-sized toilet paper is not secondhand in and of itself. I positioned it as secondhand.
Don't we take our used toys, clothing, knick-knacks, and kitchen items to...church? Do you buy new kitchen cloths and towels and take them to church, or keep them yourself and generously take the used ones to your church's kitchen?
That's not generosity...that's secondhand.
I heard a story about a pastor who initiated a shoe drive within his congregation with the goal of providing shoes to the needy. He saw heads nod vigorously in assent. He said, "If you want to participate, put the shoes you are wearing in the boxes by the door as you leave. Those are the only ones we want."
Double zing.
I'm not sure why God gives us first-rate stuff (salvation, sunsets, people to love) and we return the favor with our leftovers. It is a dilemma of the heart worth pondering.
The Lion of Judah (Revelation 5) deserves our best.
I have some (toilet paper) shopping to do.
Comments are welcome at feedyourstrength@gmail.com.
