VELCRO

Have you ever heard of this stuff called “Velcro”? Most of us have… unless, of course, we’ve lived under a rock on an island in the middle of a distant ocean! Now, contrary to reports by Agent K in the movie “Men In Black” that it’s alien technology, this fabric fastener was invented in 1941 by Swiss Engineer George De Mestral. After a hunting trip in the Alps, ole George was intrigued by the burs caught in his dog’s fur, and after examining them under a microscope, was inspired to create the two-part fastener.

It’s been used in all sorts of things… From tennis shoes to the Space Shuttle. It’s amazing stuff, isn’t it? My purpose in writing about “Velcro” has less to do with how it functions as a fastener, though, than an illustration for life. On this journey of earthly life, things latch on to us… And they’re not always good things. And like those little burs, we need to get rid of them.

“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21 (NLT)

But, just as “Velcro” has two opposite parts that make it effective, this illustration has another side. Not only are there things that stick to us that we need to get rid of (like the things mentioned above), but there are also things that we need to stick to…

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)

The outcome of “living in the Spirit”, and “keeping in step with the Spirit” is producing good fruit. Have you ever tasted an apple, grape or orange that wasn’t good? Pretty disappointing, especially when you know how they’re supposed to taste. We look for the good ones in the produce aisle, don’t we? So does the Lord when He’s looking at the outcome (the fruit) of our lives. And on that note, may you be inspired to make Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest pleased that He picked you. Now, I dare you to ever look at “Velcro” the same again :)

Darrin