Fifty-Four Cent Christians
Upon entering Walmart yesterday afternoon, we couldn’t help but notice the buggies pictured below. I mean, they were parked right at the entrance…apparently to attract attention as well as impress customers.
I must admit, I just stood there for a moment…read it closely…even double-checked my math before turning to the girls and asking, “Are we supposed to be impressed?” 🙂 I know…I know – “a penny saved is a penny earned” and I am definitely a firm believer in being a wise steward…but…a 54 cent savings on a buggy of groceries? Really? Was this the best incentive they could give for driving across town? I found myself feeling a little embarrassed for the store and as I walked off chuckling to myself, I looked back to see Bethany taking a picture. Apparently, she found it a little amusing as well.
Thinking on that again this morning reminded me of the attitude of so many professing Christians. Instead of looking to a holy God and His Word as their guide for living, their main goal is to be just a little bit “better” than the world…just a little bit different – enough to ease their conscience while still enjoying their old lifestyle. And, while they “park their buggy” next to a lost person, they are quite impressed with their 54-cent difference. The world, on the other hand, is crying out, “REALLY?” “Is that all you have to offer me?” “Is that all that your God can do for you?” “Is it really worth coming to church with you to hear more about Him?”
If we aren’t careful, any of us at any time can fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others. Even comparing ourselves to other Christians is not wise. “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” II Corinthians 10:12 Comparing ourselves to others will lead to the self-satisfaction of our spiritual condition. This, of course, will cause us to stop growing. If we are not growing, we are dying.
How do we avoid this danger? Keep our eyes on the Lord! Make CHRIST-LIKENESS our goal.
O to be like Thee! blessèd Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender, and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wandering sinner to find.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer others to save.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming
Now to receive anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing,
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! while I am pleading,
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love;
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit me for life and Heaven above.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee,
Blessèd Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
(Thomas O. Chisolm)