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Business trick or treaters

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James 1:17 “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

“I am attending a business trick or treat!” Those were my thoughts the other day as Dad and I manned our company’s booth at the Farm Science Review near London, Ohio. It was obvious as I watched the thousands of attendees milling around the tents and outbuildings that just about everyone loves a free gift.

From the moment the visitors stepped through the gate they received bright yellow bags from a very savvy advertiser. By the time 9 a.m. rolled around, there were dozens of yellow sacks frequenting every aisle. Many of the new owners of these handy pouches seemed to have one goal in mind – to fill them with as many freebies as they could hold.

Young, old, men, women, teenage, and adolescent, were all drawn to the items that lay on most of the vendors’ tables, and in short order the supplies dwindled. I had to replenish our pads and pens numerous times as curious bystanders would sidle up to the table grab a few, stuff it in the bag, and move on. It was so fascinating.

As our next door vendor restocked his supply of cup holders for the fifth time, we joked about the greediness of some of the yellow bag holders. Though these trinkets and advertising items were free for the attendees, they didn’t seem to realize that the “freebies” actually cost the businesses quite a bit of money. Nothing is really free!

I wonder how many of these “business trick or treaters” understand all the free gifts that God makes available for them every day. “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above.” Whether it be the warm sunshine of a beautiful autumn morning, the love of friends and family, or the milk that is used to make a delicious chocolate shake (thanks to a freebie from Farm Credit Services, I visited the Ohio Dairy Farmer’s Association tent), they all come from the Father of lights and are available for everyone.

But the greatest free gift is the salvation that is “brought forth by the word of truth.” Through faith, we can have our sins forgiven and be assured of a home in heaven. This opportunity, free for all who believe, cost God the highest price. He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for our sin on the cross. He died a horrible death so that we wouldn’t have to, and rose again to bring us new life.

Unfortunately, many who love freebies have missed this opportunity to receive the best gift ever offered. What a shame!

So as you live your life here on earth keep an eye out for all “business trick or treaters.” Make sure to point them to the One Who is offering the best freebie of all time. When they receive this perfect gift, all the pens, pencils, windshield scrapers, magnets, notepads, measuring sticks, cup holders, cell phone stands, bright yellow sacks, and many other neat bag stuffers will fade in value as they consider the eternal worth of the salvation that is found only in Jesus Christ. – Love Mama

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By Sandra Sheridan

Sandra Sheridan is a Greene County Resident and guest columnist.