Chump Change

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

Most everyone will remember the days of the Susan B. Anthony dollar. It only lasted for three years and there is a very good reason. It looked too much like a quarter and people didn’t like all of the confusion. In the public’s mind a dollar needed to look like it was worth 4 quarters, not just 25 cents. The coin seemed like “chump change,” so it became another memory and fell out of circulation.

Christians can learn a poignant lesson from the U.S. Treasury’s error. The world expects believers to look like Christ, not a cheap imitation. People outside of the church see too many professing Christians who look more like “chump change” than the real thing. Live in such a way that others will easily recognize a significant difference.

This Christmas, don’t let the world put you into their box or mold you. Live in such a way that you remind them what Christmas is really about. It’s not about spending, shopping, and rush, rush, rush - it’s about Christ, His Birth, God’s love, and the hope we have in Him. Christmas is Christ! Be an ambassador for Christ. Let the love, joy, peace, and compassion of Christ flow through you this season and be a blessing to the culture you live in. Don’t be an imitation - be the real thing!