See-Through

For the last few years I’ve taken my grandchildren, now nine and seven, to Wal-Mart to pick out their own Easter baskets. For me it’s fun to see their eyes light up as they peer through the cellophane wrapper at the toys, bling and variety of candy. Before we make a purchase they look at every basket in the store with a discerning eye and discuss why one basket is more appealing than another. This year as we were exiting the store a little boy and his dad were entering. With big eyes on our baskets the boy said, “Dad… dad…can we buy an Easter basket?” The dad appeared to be on a quick trip to the store mission and Easter baskets were obviously not on his shopping list. I have to tell you I really felt bad for that little boy. Even with all the beckoning displays in the store, I doubt he would have thought about buying an Easter basket had he not see other kids leaving the store with their baskets in hand. Something similar takes place when the people we meet can actually see Jesus through the cellophane of the believer’s life. “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” (1 Peter 2:12 NIV)