The YFC team took part of the mall’s annual Giving Fair. It’s when all the local non-profits set up tables throughout the mall w/ the goal (I’m assuming) of getting their name out to the community. We were strategically located between Starbucks and Indian River Counties equivalent of the Humane Society. Interesting fact, people are now training dogs to call 911. I was fortunate enough to witness a demonstration (my life is now complete). As I was sitting there alongside my wife and good friend Aaron I came to a realization. People are more interested in dogs and cats than they are the Gospel. As I write this, I’m reminded of that Adopt a Dog commercial with Sara McLoughlin. Obviously, my findings are little skewed but it was interesting to watch how many people would give us a glance, smile, then walk on past to pet the dog w/ three legs. We were there for over two hours and only three people came by. A Sunday School teacher, a missionary, and a sweet old lady w/ an “I Love Jesus” hat. Even the guy selling potpourri was getting more draw than we were. Sadly enough (even though Lucky the dog was cute), I think the blame lies exclusively on us . . . believers. It’s a sad reality when people will pay $25 for Third Day tickets but, when its just Jesus (and the tickets are free) there isn’t much of a draw. I don’t mean that in a Ticket=Salvation sense. What I’m trying to get at is, what did we do to make Jesus irrelevant? Is it the guy w/ the bullhorn? Is it televangelists who turn the Scriptures into their own currency? Is it William Shatner? Is it the ones who have all the anwers? Is it me? Though we’re all so vastly different, unfortunately we often get painted with the same brush.

The Giving Fair, perfect title and all, was a great reminder. Jesus never sat behind a table hoping people would come by and say hello. Come to think of it, He actually had a tendency of knocking them over. Instead, He was a part of the community. Jesus found and fulfilled the needs of those who were hurting. If described w/ one word, He would be defined as love. He was the one going out and saying hello. Though believers tend to disagree on a lot of things, my prayer is that one thing is universal. Love. During His last encounter w/ his disciples before the crucifixion and before He ascended into heaven, Jesus reminded us in order to love Him, we must love people. If YFC or anybody else that flies the banner of Christ has a chance of being more important than cats and dogs, we must begin to selflessly serve others. Go forth and preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.

Mike McAuliff