Entry #27 -- Barbecue Beans

Sometimes I think I should just wear a bib when I eat! No kidding, it’s not only terribly frustrating, but it can be quite embarrassing as well. The other evening, I was enjoying a wonderful steak & potato burrito from a local fast food taco restaurant—when, blurp—a single oozy drop of juiciness plopped itself down on my shirt. Now I know I am not alone in this; I’m quite sure others share the same propensity for sloppiness that I endure. (Yes, you know who you are!) No problem, I went home washed the shirt and all was well—that was until today’s unfortunate encounter with a single stray barbecue bean leaving a tiny, thread-like, red trail of barbecue sauce—on the same shirt I just washed! It’s amazing what effect a single tiny bean can have.

Well, of course, that event proceeded to get my thoughts rolling. If a single tiny barbecue bean can leave such an obvious effect on a shirt—what lasting effect might an individual Christian have in the life of another individual?

When Christ taught his disciples, he used the analogy of salt. He reminded the disciples that they were to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13, NIV). I think the example carries its intended positive effect even to us in our world today. Often, we see an opportunity, but we hesitate. Perhaps it can be too easy for us to excuse ourselves from opportunities to serve because, after all, “I’m only a single grain of salt—what difference can I make?” True enough, because I like to cook, I can tell you that a single grain of salt cannot and does not change a whole recipe into salt. But I can assure you that a single grain of salt will permanently alter the chemical composition of that recipe. It will never be the same. And given time for other grains of salt to join with you, the result can be quite remarkable.

In the letters of Paul to the early churches, more than once he spoke of opportunities to serve:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

Although it may take some courage as we begin to put into practice, “make the most of every opportunity,” we can draw encouragement from the words written in Psalm 90:17,

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!”

As we enter this new year, try looking for new opportunities to spread a good word of cheer, or take a moment to do a good deed. One small action may not completely change the life of that individual, but I can assure you it will leave its mark of kindness in their heart.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian