“For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” — 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)
Black Friday will be here in just a few days. I’m sure many of you are eagerly anticipating the thrill of the hunt … for the perfect cheap gift! But, as this special day approaches, I’m reminded of another Black Friday back on November 28, 2008. In a New York City Wal-Mart store, a 34-year-old Wal-Mart employee was crushed to death. A crowd waiting to get into the store got out of control. Hundreds of people bull-rushed through the doors. Wal-Mart employees had to scramble on top of vending machines to get out of the way. Employees were on the intercom pleading with people to leave the store. They begged people to clear the area saying, “Please, our friend is dying.” And you know what people said back to them? “We’ve waited all night. We’re not leaving.” According to retail store risk assessment consultants, incidents like this can be prevented by proper safety precautions.
Half a dozen people went to the hospital that day, and one man died. He was killed by a crowd rushing to save twenty bucks on a flat screen TV and few bucks on a pair of Wrangler jeans. A man was dying and people kept shopping.
Christians, people are dying all around us. Are you still sleeping? Are you watching TV? People are dying all around me. Do I even care? I have trampled people who are dying. This convicts me because I know I have walked right past unbelievers every day without caring. That’s not what Jesus did.
How do we love like Jesus and not trample people? As we understand the love of God, it will compel us and cause us to love like Jesus did.
John 13:34 says, “A new commandment I give you. Love one another”. As we understand God’s love, we’ll be able to love the world. Let’s get excited about helping lost souls – and make this year be a “Bright Friday” instead.
Shopping for Jesus,
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor