Precious Cargo

Two paddleboats left Memphis about the same time a long time ago, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side-by-side, sailors from one vessel made a few remarks about the snails pace of the other.

Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South.

One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ships cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but had burned their cargo.

God has entrusted cargo to us, too: children, spouses, friends. Our job is to do our part in seeing that this cargo reaches it’s destination. Yet when the program takes priority over people, people often suffer.

How much cargo do we sacrifice in order to achieve the number one slot? How many people never reach the destination because of the aggressiveness of a competitive captain? It’s a dangerous game.

I went to see a newborn and his family yesterday at the hospital. It’s the part of my job that Tammy is most jealous of. She loves babies. Precious cargo. Big fella weighed almost 10lbs. He was sleeping in his grandmother’s arms. Completely at peace.

Having children gives us an insight into the heart of God. For a season we become completely selfless. This baby can do nothing for anyone yet he will have people falling over themselves trying to take care of his every need. We don’t (and we shouldn’t) expect them to pay us back. They are weak and dependant. If left on their own they won’t make it. They will drain us financially, emotionally, and physically. And yet we love. We sacrifice. We laugh. We cry.

Did you know that was the way God looks at you and at me? I am His precious cargo.

And when the river is deep and wide and long I never have to worry about my captain. He has one thing on His mind. Get me to where I am supposed to be. Time doesn’t matter. Feelings don’t matter. The only thing that matters is the cargo and the destination. If I will trust Him and stay in the boat, I’ll make it. Because I am His precious cargo.

Got any precious cargo aboard your boat? There will be storms that try to get you to give up and jump ship. Don’t leave your cargo. There will be temptations that offer a “better life” for you and your family. Your family doesn’t need a better life, what they need is a better mom, dad, husband, wife, aunt, uncle, brother, sister; you get the picture. Don’t leave the cargo. Not even for a minute.

So, we can burn the cargo and win the race. Or we can keep the cargo and enjoy the ride. I like to win. I mean I really like to win. But sometimes the secret to winning is knowing how to keep score.

Pastor Dad