Yes, I am ‘that guy’ or to some of you just a typical man when it comes to the grocery store. I can’t find my way around that place, signs or no signs. And even though I’m the ‘gopher’ (go for) for picking up a quick item here and there, I still can’t remember where the ketchup is or the cans of cream of chicken soup, no matter how many times I ‘gopher’.
Last weekend I got the funniest looks from people on various aisles, mainly because I kept passing them without any new items in my basket. There they were, with their full carts and line-struck lists, following their system for gathering items in a helpful, systematic way. Even the shelf stockers were coming up to me, seeing the look on my face and saying, “Sir, can I help you find something?” God bless those folks.
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” —James 5:19-20
I am so thankful for the folks that recognize the helpless man who can’t find what they need and is taking too much time in the store. The man’s wife is thankful, too (although slightly embarrassed). Spiritually speaking, the same is true about turning people away from sin. Every one of us would be surprised at the number of people who are looking for someone to approach them about their life; who wish that someone would offer them a better way and save them from a life that seems like no life at all (see Romans 7.21-25, and the New Living Translation is helpful here).
Most people do know that there is something more. The question is, will we show them the more? God has raised us up to be His people, all to the glory of His name; but part of bringing that glory to Him is playing our part in raising up others to do the same. We are called to go into all the world, after all (Matthew 28). We can’t teach them to obey Christ and all He has commanded if they are living in sin and sitting in darkness. Like the old hymn says, “Rescue the perishing.”
Today, put on the apron of God, like the store clerk and shelf-stocker, and ask people if they need help. Let them know that they are “on the wrong aisle” and then walk with them to the aisle that has what they need. And when you get there with them, bring me some cream of chicken soup!
—Pastor Whit