I received a dummy credit card in the mail recently by a company wanting to sell credit to me.
It shows my importance. It signifies purchasing power and my value to the firm who issued it. I am measured by the dollars provided through the sophisticated design of the token in my hand and it indicates my worth. In fact, it is so beautifully designed and elaborate I kept it just to remind myself of my own importance!
Tokens are an integral part of our lives, from a simple wedding ring to one encrusted with precious gems and put together by top designers who, perhaps, charge as much for the design as for the gems! Yet, the plainest wedding ring declares the same vows of loyalty and love.
Sadly, we get caught up in the value of the token rather than the fact that it should be an uncomplicated reminder of something, or someone, far greater than ourselves.
For centuries we have placed great importance on elaborate places of worship and in elaborate rituals and gestures and procedures but a token of our faith was appointed by the Lord to be very simple.
It was so simple it was available to every man, woman and child in the nation and it was so quiet it did not draw attention to the wearer. Instead it drew attention to Someone far greater and to the standard of behaviour He required of His people.
My favourite translation, the Revised English Bible, puts it like this: ‘Make tassels on the corners of your garments, you and your children’s children. Into this tassel you are to work a violet thread, and whenever you see this in the tassel, you will remember all the Lord’s commands and obey them, and not go your own wanton ways, led astray by your own hearts and eyes. This token is to ensure that you remember and obey all my commands, and keep yourselves holy, consecrated to your God.’ Numbers 15:37-40.
Just a coloured thread in a garment worn by ordinary people as well as by important people; worn by men as well as by women; and worn by children. No-one was left without a reminder that they were to treat each other as holy and consecrated to God.
Which do you prefer, a dummy credit card or the real thing?
By Just a Minute team writer Elizabeth Price.
You can contact Elizabeth direct at mailto:reprice@dragnet.com.au