POTATO
CHIP LOYALTY

Topics: Commitment; Friends; Loyalty

References: Psalm 16:8; Proverbs 3:5–6; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 3:17–18

Recently I was shopping at our local grocery store. After picking up some staples, I headed to the all-important potato chip aisle. Unlike my usual routine, I had already decided what kind of chips to buy. With my eyes set like flint, I walked down the center of the aisle, ignoring the siren calls of various brands until I reached the Mike Sells chip display.

After I had picked up two bags of Mike Sells chips, I heard a familiar voice behind me saying, “Thanks a lot, buddy.” It was my friend Chuck, a member of the congregation I pastor and a deliveryman for Mike Sells.

Now, imagine how I would have felt if Chuck had seen me hugging a bag of Ruffles. Thirty minutes earlier I had run into Chuck at the local bakery. He and I had spent a few minutes talking together, and then we each went our way. When I arrived at the grocery store and began considering what chips to buy, I remembered that Chuck worked for Mike Sells and would probably be pleased if I purchased the brand he sold. So, spending some time together influenced my choice.

The whole experience reminded me of something important. Spending time with my heavenly Father and being reminded of what pleases him will likely result in making decisions pleasing to him. Perhaps I’ll even get a “Way to go, Van!”

—Van Morris, Mount Washington, Kentucky