SUCH A LITTLE THING

All you have to do is go to the grocery store looking for hand sanitizer to discover there is a shortage of certain items. “Supply and demand” is an economic concept with which most of us are familiar. But, to summarize, when the demand for a product is greater than the supply, a shortage is inevitable and the price for the item goes up. In a free market environment, most of us in the twenty-first century have not experienced shortages of necessary items until COVID-19 hit across the world. Now, a trip to the store may send you home empty-handed for things like toilet paper, paper towels, and even fresh produce or meat products. While we would all like for this not to be the case, there is little we possess within our power to change it.

In a different arena, I find there is another shortage in supply and that would be in the expression of kindness. Polarization in every category known to mankind seems to be escalating. Is it possible that only “bad news” is what makes the television news ratings go up, therefore we only get bad news? Or, are people on Facebook and Twitter more emboldened because they can remain faceless behind words of hatred and political mudslinging? Now, to make matters worse, face mask requirements somehow encourage some people to “act out” their frustrations, thinking no one can see them.

Friend, the Scripture in Ephesians is very clear. When Paul wrote the letter to the church in Ephesus, the Christians at that time must have looked a little like us today. An interesting fact is that Paul’s message was written, not to unbelievers but to the professed church representation. God wants Christians of any generation to set the example for the world around us because if we do not, who will? Kindness, patience, and self-control have to begin with those of us who say that we bring “Good News” through Jesus Christ.

As we go into a new week, let us commit to show kindness and compassion to those in our path, even when it is in low supply. Remember, “low supply means greater demand.” Christian, we can do this because God is our Supplier and He never runs low on what is needed.