Dateline: Minneapolis
I once heard a pastor tell a story about how he had seen an old Bible at a garage sale. The Bible was beautifully maintained and looked as though it had never been used. Although he was impressed by the quality of the Bible (considering its age) he lamented that this admirable quality was eclipsed by the fact that the Bible did not serve its purpose…. It was never used and Bibles are meant to be used.
Recently I was talking to a friend of mine about guitars and he suggested I look into a new manufacturer. I did some research and discovered that this particular guitar maker specializes in making "distressed" models. These instruments are brand new but they appear to be used because they are subjected to artificial means of aging.
No doubt the Bible sold for a fraction of its value at that garage sale and apparently people are willing to pay more for a "distressed" guitar than to buy it new and earn the "battle scars."
Let us never forget that God gave us grace and salvation so that we may be of service for His Kingdom. I don't know about you but when I meet my maker I don't want to be like that pristine garage sale Bible or a superficially "used" guitar. I hope to be the human equivalent of the Apostle Paul's Scripture scrolls and King David's lyre; visibly worn because I served the Lord with everything I had and comfortable in His hands because He used me for His purpose.
