Do you know what “junk for Jesus” is? I’m not talking about “Jesus Junk,” like the thousands of religious-themed items marketed at the less discerning. I mean junk given for God’s work by well-meaning people. You know what I mean: toasters from 1950, chairs from the ’70s, etc. Every pastor knows what I am talking about. It seems that junk that we don’t want, and the local thrift store won’t accept, is somehow valuable to God. Now, I understand that many give out poverty and a good heart. I also know that many times we give God our “leftovers” to salve our conscience. Let me give you a few examples.
1. Time: This is the big one. I mean, it is easy to squeeze in a few hours to play hockey, or go shopping, or visit a relative. But somehow Bible time and church attendance get the leftover “junk” time we don’t already have scheduled. We don’t think of rescheduling the doctor’s appointment, why do we not make plans to spend time with the Great Physician? How we spend our time is a great indicator of our priorities. Did you spend any time with Jesus today, or are you hoping there will be time to give Him some “leftovers?” Friend, the Creator of the Universe, and the Redeemer of your soul wants to talk with you! Don’t you think He deserves priority?
2. Finances: I was privileged to have a father who taught me the importance of giving to God. Through the years I have endeavored to faithfully give my tithes and offerings, and have learned the truth of God’s care for me when I put Him first. Yet why is it so easy for some to invest thousands in stocks and RRSP’s, yet so hard to invest serious money into God’s work. Do we not believe that eternal things are worth investing in, or do we think this world gives a better return on investment? Perhaps we simply reflect Jesus’ statement in Matthew 6:21, For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
3. Our heart: If the truth were told, many would be ashamed to admit just how much of their lives were given to Christ. If we had to prove that we were truly devoted to God, could we do it? Would there be enough evidence to prove that we loved Jesus with all our heart? Would we shine like Daniel as faithful followers, or would we fade from view like Demas, “having loved this present world.”(2Tim 4:10)
Friend, let us not be guilty of giving Jesus our junk time, our junk finances, and the leftover pieces of our heart. Let’s give him the best of our lives.
frozenpreacher
