The Boots...

Several years ago my Pastor preached a sermon titled, "What kind of Shoe Are You?"

Lining the platform of the church were various shoes, each one typified a lifestyle for Christ. Oh! it was the greatest of sermons. I don't remember each point, so if I may take liberty with his topic and illustration, I'll make up a few of my own, and from it, you'll get the jist.

There was a dress shoe - It was shiny and polished, and certainly had it's place. It looked much nicer than the others, but in the Lord's service, did it measure up? It was beautiful, but what happened if the weather was rough. The sole was very smooth. It hadn't seen a lot of wear and tear, after all it only came out on Sunday! (We call them Smo's- Sunday Morning Only folk) If the path got a little slippery, it would make it rough to remain standing.

There was penny loafer - It looked pretty too, and loved displaying (and holding tightly) to it's money, but did little else. And again, those slippery soles will get you into trouble.

There was a regular loafer. The comfortable type. A shoe that you just like wearing around when you're not planning on doing anything. It was pretty common, I'd say every church ( I mean closet) has a few pair.

There was an athletic  shoe - A runner! If it could slow down long enough, you might be able to see what it could do. But it was always so busy. Someday it would get involved with the work, but not today... it had entirely too much to do, too much to do....see you later!

One of my favorites was the sneaker! It was a pleasant shoe, everyone liked it. And it looked pretty good. Sometimes it was even a little flashy! But it wasn't always what it appeared to be...

I'll bet you can think of a few shoe analogies of your own. But my very favorite was the work boot! It's the one that I hope typifies my life. It's not the best looking and isn't always suitable for every social affair. But when it comes to the work, it's the best choice. It's always ready to get down in the trenches. It's not afraid of getting a little muddy, so long as it's done in the name of the Lord, and when all is said and done, it comes clean. By that I mean, let them say what they will why I'm in the trench, because I can knock the mud off and look as good as new when the Lord's done with the job.

I'm not saying that the work boot is the only suitable footwear for the church. There has to be a great many people doing a great many things to keep a ministry going. And everyone has different talent and abilities, and shoe styles!

No matter your shoe type, God has a place for you in the ministry. Perhaps you're skilled labor. You've got a refined gift that is unique. That's wonderful... what are you doing with it?