The Kingdom of God is like . . . Thrift Store Shopping
Jesus seemed to delight in telling stories. Especially stories about the Kingdom of God. Here at Backyard Conversations, we love to talk about the Kingdom of God as well. It was, after all, the central theme of Jesus’ life, work and teachings! Perhaps we should tell more stories here at our blog site.. Like this one about Chloe and Macy. See if you can find the Kingdom in the conversation!
Macy started the conversation. “What if we go looking for a bargain? I know a nice thrift shop close by.”
Chloe suggested back. “I could do that. Or we could just talk.”
“Let’s go shop for a bit and then we can grab lunch and chat. How’s that?”
“Sure.”
A little over an hour later, or maybe a bit more, they met up again at the front of the thrift store. Macy was set to compare ‘treasures.’
“What did you find?” Chloe said with a smile.
Macy lit up. “Quite a bit really, I found a candlestick that is kind of like the others that I have, but
different; a glass pot that I’m not really sure about; this really cool metal box; a pillow for the couch in the spare room downstairs; and a little carved wood container for maybe matchsticks or toothpicks. Just stuff really, but I got good prices. Some of them are 50% off. What did you find?”
“I just mostly looked. I tried on some shoes, but I really didn’t need them. So, nothing this time.”
“Oh, well, that’s too bad. Want to try another store. There is another one that I like.”
“Well, we talked about getting lunch and just chatting.”
“That’s true, but I’m running a bit behind now. What if we connect soon and try lunch then. I’ll drop you off at your home.”
“Umm, well thanks. Sure, that would be great.”
“Actually, you walked to my place from your house. How about if I drive home and then you can walk back to your home from there.”
“I can, sure, I can do that.”
The afternoon was warm and the walk invigorating. Back at home, Chloe thought about her afternoon. She grabbed a small box and began picking out some things from around the house.
A thrice-read book, still in good shape. A warm jacket that she really didn’t need. A coffee pot that was pretty new and since she didn’t really drink that much coffee. A CD of classical ‘hits’ that Chloe thought someone else might enjoy.
Then she went on a short walk on this nice afternoon back to the thrift store. She felt much lighter coming home! She thought to herself that she should call her mom and catch up that evening. She smiled.
Jesus will tell you it is all about relationships! It is never ever about things. The Apostle Paul reminds us:
“Things that are seen are temporary, but things that are unseen are eternal! (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Consider this . . . the Kingdom of God is the most substantial thing in all the universe. Why would we settle for used goods instead?
