It's Used, but Are You?

My wife, Ann, and I went to our local Goodwill Store a few weeks ago.   I was the one that suggested we stop by.     When we left the store, we had purchased a tie, men’s sport coat, ladies jacket, and a men’s shirt for a grand total of a little less than $13.  (Our savings were more than they usually would have been because it was “Senior Day”.)   

There are all kinds of places where one can buy used items these days.   The Goodwill Store, Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and yard sales are just a few examples.  While on the one hand we might congratulate our self on getting a bargain on a used item at one of those places, on the other hand there is a shadow that is cast over things that are used.    Even though my friend Ralph Davis used to say that “everybody drives a used car”, we think a new car is better.  We take pride in the possibility of buying a recently built, new home instead of a home that had former occupants.   

While used and second hand are sometimes considered second class, isn’t being used the aim for all of us in our life?   The devout Christian surely wants to be used by God.  The faithful employee wanted to be used in their job to be an asset to a company and its customers.   While purchasing something used might be considered second class, I don’t know about you, but I think being used should be our goal in this life by the God who created us.   Have a joy-filled week. -  Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   O God, use me in this day and in this life.   Use, me, Lord, for your work and for others; through Christ our Lord.   Amen.