Devotionals

The World's Most Expensive Trash Bag
The World's Most Expensive Trash Bag
(By Roy Irwin)
[Edited]

It's always the small things.

During the annual running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race several years ago, the lead car began to overheat and was forced to make an unexpected pit stop. The crew frantically inspected every area of the car looking for the cause of the problem. With each passing second, the car fell further behind in the race. Unable to identify the problem, the crew sent the car back out onto the track.

The car continued to overheat, with sensors indicating the temperatures were now reaching critical levels. The car was again forced to make a pit stop. Again the crew checked over the car. They inspected the car's engine, hoses, belts and fluids. Quite by accident, one of the crewmembers looked into one of the air intakes and saw something unusual. He reached in and removed a small plastic trash bag.

The bag had been pulled into the intake and had been blocking the airflow, preventing it from properly cooling the engine. The car went back onto the track but by now was so far behind it had no chance of winning the race.

A plastic bag. It costs less than .01 cent. Yet it prevented this racecar from winning the hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money associated with this race. You could call it the 'World's Most Expensive Trash Bag'.

It's always the small things.

Throughout history we are reminded of this again and again. With Adam and Eve it was their decision to eat the fruit from the tree God had told them not to eat from that forced them out of paradise. With Esau it was a bowl of soup that he traded for his birthright. With Judas it was for 30 silver coins that he betrayed Jesus Christ.

Fruit. A bowl of soup. 30 silver coins. A plastic bag. Small things, really. By themselves they are harmless, innocent, good and useful. Yet they are symbols of larger decisions that resulted in tragic consequences.

It is a question that I am forced to ask myself all the time. What am I giving priority in my life? What is it that is standing between myself and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Is it Pride? Time? Money?

We are given a simple directive in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you as well." (NIV) It is my sincere desire to put Jesus Christ first in every area of my life.

How about you?

What is it that may be keeping you from experiencing a closer walk and deeper relationship with Jesus Christ? What are the things that you need to let go of - as you seek Him first?

"Dear Lord Jesus, There is nothing more worthy of our praise than you. Help us to put You first in every area of our lives every day. Amen."
Davidwayne Lackey 08/15/2015 00:18

Replies:
JT 08/16/2015 07:37
Amen.