Last Saturday my husband and I took a Saturday afternoon drive to Minot, North Dakota. On his agenda was visiting a place called Val's Cyclery where he gets his saw blades sharpened. I always thought that to be an interesting combination. . .bicycles and saw blades.
As for me, there were no pressing items on my list, although with "Back to School" specials happening, it would be a good time to stock up on a few supplies to fill the Operation Christmas Child boxes later this fall. We found a good deal on 24 packs of crayons at WalMart, and were also on the lookout for blunt-tipped scissors. As we passed through the front of the store we saw a sign indicating bananas were on sale for 59 cents a pound. Since they are usually 89 cents a pound in Crosby, I just about grabbed some, but then decided against it.
We also found a good deal on the scissors at Staples, but still needed a few more. On to Target we went. Headed to the school supplies, we saw another grouping of bananas, only this sign indicated 29 cents. To me, that was a bargain too good to pass up, and a bunch was added to my cart.
The surprise came at the checkout counter. It seems the 29 cents was not per pound, but per banana! At this point, we wondered how good of a deal it would be, but purchased them anyway. The next morning we decided to weigh the bananas, and figure out their cost by the pound. Our "sale" was not such a good one after all. It turned out the cost per pound was actually about 95 cents! Next time we will be more careful to read the fine print!
As I was pondering the purchase, I had to admit the store had advertised correctly, but in a way which mislead the shopper. Traditionally, bananas are sold by the pound, so naturally our minds assumed this was the case.
Later, when my Bible reading brought me to 2 Timothy, I found a section with the heading, "Workman Approved by God". As Christians it seems we have a job to do. Reading through the verses left me wondering how many times we are a misleading advertisement for the God we serve. First of all, are we living the way we should, and secondly, are we fulfilling our duty to gently instruct others who have not yet found their way?
The passage warns against quarreling and "godless chatter." Christians are also instructed to correctly handle the word of truth, and not be ashamed of its message. Turning away from wickedness and fleeing evil desires is countered with pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Finally, we are encouraged to be kind to everyone, and yet be able to teach without showing resentment.
It all seems like a pretty tall order. But it is what God is asking of us. In the end of this chapter, God reminds us who we are ultimately up against. Those who have not found their way to wholeness in Christ are trapped by the devil, and he is holding them captive to do his will.
"Lord, in the midst of a society where what is wrong is promoted as right, and what is right is said to be wrong, help me to daily seek Your Word, so I will be able to handle it correctly as I work to gently teach those who are being held captive by the enemy. Help me to avoid quarreling and meaningless chatter, and instead be bold in holding up the truths You have laid out for us. As a representation of who You are to the world, may I never be a misleading advertisement! In Jesus Name, AMEN!"
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