You’re at that St. Andrew’s Church, aren’t you?

Ran into Whole Foods to pick up a few things and I noticed that their already high prices had gone up a bit more (due to the rising cost of gas, I was told – by the way, the same product made by a different company was $1.50 cheaper at Trader Joe’s).  Annoyed, I picked up a couple of items and headed to the check-out counter.  I noticed the clerk eye-balling Sammy and me and she says/asks, “You’re at that St. Andrew’s Church, aren’t you?”

“I am.”

“Yeah, I thought so. I’ve seen you in the Faith and Values section of the paper (the Post & Courier) a few times.  And, I see you in here from time to time.  I live at the far end of the Old Village and I often ride my bike past your church.  There sure are a lot of people at your church.  Doesn’t matter when I ride by, there’s always a lot of cars . . . I notice that the people . . . when they leave are in a good way.  They seem happy.  They say, “hi” to me.  They’re not driving like they can’t wait to get out of there.  There’s a lot of churches around the Old Village.  Yours is different.  I see you come in here with your wife sometimes, or one of your sons.  You seem happy.  I see people shopping hug you or wave to you.  You’re a nice man – you must have a really nice church.”

“We have a wonderful church.  Filled with wonderful people.  But best of all, Jesus is at St. Andrew’s.  He’s what makes it wonderful.  I’d love to have you come by sometime and meet him.”

“I’m not sure I’m the church-going type.  But maybe I will.  You’re a nice man and you’re church sure seems like a good place.  Have a good weekend.”

She was right on one count, St. Andrew’s is a really nice church.  And, of course, we do have a wonderful Saviour.  But, how’s that for an attitude adjustment of a “nice man” (Romans 7.24-25) and the uncovering of the sin beneath my sin?