Not Everything Is Disposable

Growing up, my step-father saved everything. He saved scrap pieces of lumber, extra bolts and screws, and, yes, even bent nails pulled from used lumber. He did not throw away much, but repurposed most everything.

I remember hearing stories from my grandparents about making dresses from flour sacks and using jelly jars for drinking glasses. They wasted very little.

In contrast, modern America has become a disposable society. Last year, America produced approximately 220 million tons of garbage. We throw away a great deal of stuff.


As a disposable society, much of what we use and encounter is utilized only once and then tossed in the garbage. We have disposable razors, disposable cups, and disposable plates. We use tissues instead of handkerchiefs. We use paper towels instead of rags. We use disposable diapers instead of cloth ones. Electronics are not economical to repair, so our televisions and our computers become disposable. Instead of researching a product, some folks just buy their first option, knowing they can easily sell it to someone else if it does not satisfy.


This disposable mindset has spilled over into many areas of our lives. As a result marriages are viewed as disposable, jobs are disposable, and churches are disposable.


If a spouse becomes unhappy with or bored with another spouse, the marriage is disposed of through divorce.  If an employee decides that reporting for work is a bother, the situation is resolved through a resignation. If a church member feels distant or doesn’t like the way a children’s worker spoke to their child, the situation is solved through seeking another church.


Fortunately, God does not view Christ-followers as disposable. In spite of our failures, our weaknesses, our sin, and our dumb decisions, the Father has announced that nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:35-39). God is committed to you and me. He is in a relationship with us for the long haul.


So what’s the point? Not everything is disposable!! 1) You are the object of God’s great love, invest in that relationship. While there may be ups and downs, invest in that relationship. While you may occasionally entertain thoughts of walking away, invest in that relationship. While you may feel abandoned at times, invest in that relationship. 2) Cultivate foundational relationships diligently. Key relationships like marriage relationships, mentor-mentee relationships, and family relationships are priceless. Fight for them.   3) Investment implies intentionality, commitment, and perseverance.  Let’s get to work and make these things last!!