Black Friday

Sometimes our actions speak louder than our words…

Black Friday

            This is the day after Thanksgiving.  They call it ‘Black Friday.’  If you have ever worked in a retail business, you know where that name comes from.  I remember my days working at JC Penny’s.  The people were unbelievable the day after Thanksgiving.  Folks were on edge from waiting in line, and if something went wrong – well, we won’t talk about that.  This is always one of the biggest shopping days of the year.  Sales staff and service people are in demand all day long.  For those who have to work today, it is, indeed, ‘Black Friday.’

            Personally, I think this is a dark day for another reason.  This is the time of the year when our values and priorities are exposed for everyone to see.  Let me explain.  On ‘Black Friday’ stores open early and offer deep discounts to those who walk through the door first.  Some stores open at the stroke of mid-night.  Others turn the lights on at 5:00 AM, and still others at 6:00 AM.  And people show up.  Lots of them.  I have no doubt that some of you who are reading this little blurb were among those who arose at 4:00 AM to take part in the early-bird sales.  And you thought nothing of it.  There was a sale going on, and you took advantage of it.

            That’s fine.  There’s nothing wrong with a little bargain shopping.  But, tell me, when was the last time you adjusted your schedule for a church event?  Can’t remember?  I’m not surprised.  Through the years I’ve listened to lots of people tell me about their ‘Black Friday’ adventures; rising early in the morning and shopping all day to get the best deals.  Then I’ve watched those same people skip church on Sunday morning because they were ‘tired,’ or they ‘had a lot going on,’ or they ‘needed to recharge their batteries.’

            Such choices may seem inconsequential, but the truth is they reveal a great deal about our values and priorities.  For many people, getting a good buy on Christmas gifts is more important than worshipping with God’s people on Sunday morning.  And that makes me very sad.

            Some of you are reading this, and you’re thinking to yourself, “Lighten up a little bit, Jim.  There’s nothing wrong with missing the occasional church service.  You’re reading too much into this.”  Maybe I am…but I doubt it.  Obviously, there’s no written rule that says you have to be in church every Sunday.  If you miss a service now and then, there’s no punishment that will be forthcoming.  However, true believers – those who have a deep and meaningful relationship with God – look forward to the opportunities they have to gather with God’s people to worship him.  They can’t wait for Sunday morning when they have the chance to sing, praise, worship, and fellowship.  What happens during those two hours on Sunday is the highlight of their week.  In their minds, it’s as close as they can get to heaven on earth, and they wouldn’t miss it for the world.

            The psalmist expressed this sentiment beautifully when he wrote, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

            If you can’t identify with what I wrote in the previous paragraph, maybe it’s time to think about the state of your spiritual life.  We are approaching the Christmas season.  In the church we refer to it as the season of Advent.  Advent is a time for us to reflect on our relationship with the one who was born in the manger so long ago.  Perhaps, you need to take some steps to get closer to him.