It’s summertime in the suburbs and garage-sale signs are as ubiquitous as dandelions. EVERYONE has them! But it wasn’t until the middle of my own garage sale that I remembered why I hate them!
I set about my sale in a business-like manner. I planned. I advertised. I priced. I arranged. And when I opened, people came in hordes. How exciting! Real customers! People actually buying things! This was great.
Interestingly, the most common question was, “Does it work?” How pleased I was on the very few occasions where I could confidently answer, “Yes!”
As time went on, though, I found that I could not watch as people examined the dwindling piles of merchandise. I was afraid to see their reactions. Did they think it was overpriced or that it was junk? What a relief whenever anyone actually bought something! My taste was vindicated. My stuff really was good.
Toward the end of the day, most people would take a quick glance and leave. Cars slowed but didn’t stop. Now I wanted to scream in frustration, “What’s wrong with you people? Can’t you see that there are treasures here?”
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I wonder sometimes if I am guilty of offering the world a sort of “garage-sale Christianity.” I plan, I arrange, I advertise. And, at first, I am eager and excited. But as time goes on do I find myself so anxious not to appear over-eager that I appear uninterested? Do I look to others to vindicate the choice I have made? When they ask, “Does it work?” can I quickly and confidently answer “Yes!” from personal experience? And when they walk away, am I astounded that they cannot see what treasure they are rejecting?
What’s wrong here? Is the problem in my sales technique? Surely it is not in my “product.” Perhaps it is my attitude. Do I seem to be apologetically offering the “used and abused,” the rejects? Shouldn’t it be better that than?
What if, instead of “garage-sale” Christianity, I presented to the world an elegant antique: tried and true, precious and beautiful, something I am proud to own and not ashamed to share with others? I wonder what difference this subtle change in my own thinking would bring to this tired old shopaholic world. For the world gives value to those things which are valued.
Jesus compares the Kingdom to a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45). Interestingly, pearls must be worn to achieve their greatest luster. Does the world know that I value my relationship with Jesus Christ? Do I wear my faith openly for others to see? Or is it only for special occasions? What on earth am I saving it for?