Target or WalMart?

Well, which do you prefer, Target or WalMart? Think about it! How do you feel when you are in Target? What feelings do you experience when you are in WalMart? Are there major differences? Well, I think so! These might seem like silly questions, but I believe that there is something to be learned here!

I was in Target today, just cruising around and talking with one of my clients. He became interested in a video game and I had a few moments to ponder, yes think! I looked around me. Wow! Everything seemed so clean and fresh; so simple! All the products on the shelves seemed to be perfectly lined up, as if each one had been intentionally placed there and been dared not to move. The big screen HD TV’s were meticulously marching along in step with one another. Each piece of clothing was hung deliberately on its rack as if to whisper, “I’m the only one. Pick me!” Sales associates and stockers dressed in their bright red and khaki, moved almost in rhythm and appeared to work scientifically. (I think really they are all clones!) And haven’t you ever noticed the “clean sheet” smell when you first walk into the store. Totally identifiable to Target! And let me ask you this! We all know that if we took time to look around the store, we would see many different colors, but if we were asked what color the store was, we would definitely say simply, “RED AND WHITE”! What a smooth running machine! And how pleasant it was there! There was no confusion, no clutter! Just a nice sense of peace! I felt really relaxed. I just felt good!

And then I got to thinking about WalMart! The first word that came to my mind was “chaos”! Clothes in WalMart amazingly reproduce while hanging on the rack, and when they are not reproducing they are pushing and shoving and knocking each other down. The products on the shelves have battled it out so many times that they have been bruised, crushed and crippled. Droves of people, like ants on a mission, are totally oblivious to each other and are darting here and there, hurrying to find the shortest check out line. People even yell when you enter and leave the store, yes, YELL! “WELCOME TO WALMART”! “THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AT WALMART!” And now to add to all the confusion, there are TV monitors in every department, all turned up and fighting to get our attention. The floors are a battleground, with fleets of shopping carts begging to be emptied of “needing to be re-shelved” merchandise. HELP! Get me out of here!

Our pastor preached on “simplicity” Sunday. Simplicity! Do we even know the word? We live in a world in which we are endlessly trying to add stuff to our lives? Our days are frenzied rat races and we are desperately trying to get to the front of the line. We make mountains out of mole hills. Our lives are so complicated! Jesus set the example for us! Study up on Him a little and then you decide: Target or WalMart!

“For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33

“Cease striving and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” 1 Corinthians 14:40

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
IT DOESN’T GET ANY SIMPLER THAN THIS!