LEARNING FROM THE CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD
By Ken Blue
Today, Joyce and I took a stroll a few blocks down the street to the Wall-Mart Super Store. I rode my motorized wheel chair and Joyce “strolled” behind. Boy was I tired when we got there!
However, my purpose is not to write about our walkabout, but to share with you my first impression upon entering the store. The “children of this world” were preparing for a special day. Now, you may not agree with me on special days or promotions, and that is fine. But, as I looked around I was reminded of a Bible verse that I believe might be relevant here. “And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8.
Upon entering the store, everywhere you looked you were struck with the fact that a special day was approaching, and they were insuring that the customer did not miss it. Heart-shaped balloons were everywhere. Boxes of candy, cookies, and flowers graced the end of each aisle. Special Valentine cards were within easy access. They were trying to appeal to the customer’s interest, and they were confident that the customer would also browse the rest of the store. Of course Wall-Mart is trying to “sell” their commodities. The sad reality is that many churches can’t “give” theirs away.
For the life of me, I can’t understand pastors who refuse to meet the needs of people in order to get them in the door.
For the life of me, I can’t understand pastors who refuse to accommodate, please, serve, appeal, help, assist, comfort, and meet the needs of people in order to get them in the door. If we can get them in the door, perhaps we can convince them to accept the “free gift” we have for them.
I’m aware that it is none of my businesses what you do. This is just my observation. If you are doing nothing and it works for you, keep doing nothing. But, for those who think they could learn something from the “children of this world,” we submit this Wall-Mart example.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.
Just as you saw the signs in the Wal-Mart store that a special day was approaching, it reminds me of the special day soon approaching when Christ will come and take us home. The Bible also reveals to us the signs of this day approaching. I was so blessed to be in a church that teaches me these Bible truths all these years. Even though you have moved on, the teachings that you built ODBC on still remain. Thank you Pastor Blue.
Yes what a valentine Jesus has for us
The children of the world is sometimes wiser than the children of light. Great walmart example!
Oops! I should have said, “The children of the world ARE sometimes wiser than the children of light.”
We not only have greeter’s as people enter our doors, but those who will show them around and hopefully help them find what they are looking for.
Everyone is looking for the perfect Valentine. If they don’t find what they need when they visit our church, they will go down the street to another.
When we started our church plant here in Maricopa, we spent 6 months just analyzing the needs of our community. We then spent the small resources we had working toward meeting those needs, which in turn has given us a great church family. I totally agree Pastor, it is important to find out what those around you need, meet those needs and the fruit will come from that.