It is that time of year again to dig out the sweaters. I have to admit that I love sweaters. It is one gift that I almost always wear. I begin in early fall with my sweater vests, then to cotton pullovers and cardigans. As the temperatures drop I switch to the heavier and warmer wool and wool blends. My personal favorite, reserved for the coldest weather, is a large green cardigan with a cowl neck, leather patches on the sleeves and leather buttons.
I look forward to being able to wear my sweaters. However, that was not always the case. I remember going to college with a large drawer of sweaters, which I loved, but was afraid to wear because I might “get them dirty” or “wear them out.” My wife challenged this silly thinking. (It helped that she liked me in a sweater.)
It my years of Ministry I have encountered Christ Followers who stock pile “Spiritual stuff” they:
- Attend multiple preaching and teaching events.
- Partake in several Bible Studies and/or small groups each week.
- Collect the latest Christian books and Bible versions.
- Have an extensive CD collection.
- Taken more than one Spiritual gift survey.
- Placed a fish symbol on their car, van, SUV, or truck.
Just as I loved and collected sweaters, which I used only occasionally, spiritual collectors amass the “right” stuff, but do not wear them very often in the real world. All the things I listed above are good things. They can be effective tools for conversation starters with seekers. Or they can be resources to teach and disciple others. However, far too often Spiritual collectors spend so much time with their “collections” that they don’t have time or energy to use them in the office, school, or neighbor hood.
I suggest that all Christ Followers have a 3 item list of priorities to pursue after commitments to family, employment or education:
- Attend one Corporate Worship event each week.
- Attend one Bible/ Christian educational opportunity each week.
- Serve in one “Inside Out” project or activity each week.
Then if you have additional time or energy, consider adding multiple components to the list. This will change your status from being a spiritual collector to a Christ follower who is equipped to serve.
Blessings, Brian Harris
