Anyone Else Hate Molded Plastic Packages?

My wife was pretty frustrated while trying to open one of those impossible clear molded plastic packages, “I wonder how many people wind up with stitches from these stupid plastic packages. I’ll bet the emergency room is full of injured people at Christmastime."

I didn’t blame her for being frustrated. I avoid buying anything packaged that way if I can help it. I actually pay more for an item when it is in a box or a simple container, rather than having to fight with a heat sealed clamshell wrap that becomes razor blade sharp when you start ripping it apart. That’s if you can...there is no easy way to open those horrible things. I figure the little bit of extra money I might spend is cheaper than the deductible at the emergency room. And it’s better for my blood pressure.

The packaging does matter.

And it matters with the Gospel.

I often wonder why people are not rushing to receive this wonderful message that we Christians have to share. Think about it. We are telling people that they can go to heaven. That forgiveness is available to them, they can unload their guilt and be received by a loving God. Our message proclaims that life has meaning, and that God wants them to know his love forever. They can have a relationship with the creator of the universe! Death is not the end and no matter what adversity they face in this life, God will not only walk with them through it but he is now preparing an eternity that is so wonderful it will make the worst of our trials seem trivial in comparison. What a message! Why aren’t more people responding?

I wonder if we have it wrapped in that clear molded plastic packaging that shows off it’s good looks, but is nearly impossible to open and get to the gift.

If you listen to some people they will tell you that you have to do, do, do. Get baptized, join the church, repeat ceremonial prayers enough times, give lots of money, live a moral life, and whatever you do, don’t commit a mortal sin! We tell them, “Here it is, forgiveness, eternal life, heaven!” But then we make it impossible to get to.

Jesus didn’t. He took care of everything for us because he knew we couldn’t. He simply said, “Come to me” (Matthew 11:28). The Apostle Paul tells us to simply believe that Jesus died for you and rose again and ask him to save you, “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).

It’s that simple. Let’s keep it that way and offer the Gospel as it is. No more heat sealed clamshell packaging. Just the gift of God.