Got Fruit ?

After a semi-productive day at the office, I made it over to the church after work to meet with one of our deacon-trustees.  On the rare occasion, I happened to be the one to be early.  While unlocking the church I noticed a vehicle pulling into the church driveway moments after my arrival; I thought nothing of it and continued on about my ways.

After settling into the secretary’s chair and cranking up the PC to check e-mail, some visitors enter the church, which I assumed were folks interested in the church or perhaps looking for more info concerning Sunday Services.

As it turned out they were interested in our services, rather what services they could help the church and it’s congregation with.  The folks were marketing business opportunities (read cynically as pyramid schemes).  Now my Spidey-senses didn’t sound off alarmingly initially, and since they were actually interested in presenting their "pitch" to the pastor; my guard wasn’t quite in full "lock-down" mode until… The conversation graduated from introductory small talk to politely prodding salesmanship type questions (I was in sales at one time, so I’m fairly confident about my feel for these things) to some buzzwords that definitely trip the alarm; especially since we were talking about conducting the business of God be it the church,the congregation or Christianity in a broad sense.  As I made mention earlier, it was the pastor that the visitors expressed interest in, but since he was not in, I suppose I made as good a "mark" as any.  Which "Oh by the way" is a word  that stood out while editing video earlier in the day as a peculiar word to take notice.

So, we’ve gotten past the formalities of introductions and small talk, when those buzzwords enter the conversation, words that no doubt have several applicable uses in marketing but…  cause this Christian to go "Wait!  Hold up.  Something is smelling a little fishy, and it ‘aint me because I showered this morning!"  Words and phrases in the form of questions such as:

Q.The economy is getting tight, everyone could use some EXTRA MONEY, wouldn’t you agree?
A. Sure, but I don’t want any if it’ll cost me my soul, thank you.

Q. Our marketing tools are designed to help you PROSPER.
A.  Really?  Well, God’s got a solid idea on that as well.

Q. Our programs are designed to provide a means of supplemental income, potentially WEALTH.
A.  Hmm.  I’ve got Jesus, I’m wealthy in a way that truly matters.

Q. The marketing services offer a means to FUTURE FINANCIAL SECURITY.
A.  Really?  I’m working that angle already, securing my future that is, and it’s already been paid for by Jesus.

No, I didn’t actually say any of these things, but they did cross my mind.  What took place near the end, after the "line" was cast with a "hook" on the end of the pitch; is that I politely explained that my days were quite full already between commitments to God, family and church.  I also remembered & shared this week’s marquee message:

1st Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Grace and peace be with you