The Parable of The Silos

My wife and I are on vacation. We have stopped at more than a few stores along the way. Some stores are disappointing. But others are extra special.

The "niceness" of a store can be gauged by the cost and the quantity of its items to some degree, We saw one store that was absolutely huge. Thousands and thousands of items trying to appeal to as wide a variety of people and tastes as possible. Bigger isn't necessarily better. There was hardly anyone in the store.

We also saw designer stores, targeting a very specific audience. A smaller audience to be sure but an audience that was very interested in the store owner and the owner's wares. The two stores we visited of this type were driven by television shows and relationships already formed between the shows hosts and the viewer/consumer.

The more specific store, based on an already established relationship, was far more successful than the bigger store's "shotgun" approach to decorating and marketing. Why? That's easy. It was the  previously established relationship between store owner and their customer base.

God actually uses both strategies in His Gospel "marketing strategy." First, He excludes no one. His message of grace and forgiveness of sins is offered to everyone. All are welcome at the foot of the cross. It doesn't matter how much money you make, what you can or cannot afford. Everyone is welcome.

Secondly, God also targets a more specific group. His Church. He cares for the widow and the orphan and wants us to do the same. He also calls specific people for specific purposes. Pastors, elders, ministers, teachers.

And thirdly, like any smart company wanting to increase sales, God offers free stuff to the consumer. His love and the gifts of forgiveness and eternal life are all available to those who desire to enter His family "store." And the shipping is always free. :)

However, there is a catch of sorts. The gift of eternal life came at a cost. His one and only Son died so that we might enter "the store". A sacrifice made just to satisfy the hopes of His clientele. In order to receive God's gifts we need to enter into a relationship with Jesus first. Have you received that gift? Are you in a relationship with Jesus? Are you in a different store? Or are you on the outside looking in?

"I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." - John 10:9-10

Joanna Gaines Testimony of Faith
Chip and Joanna Gaines - I Am Second