Christ, our true Safety Deposit Box

Like many other folks here in Eugene, I am going to apply for a part time, seasonal position with Harry and David tomorrow morning at 10. If they like me, they'll keep me for about four hours, testing and training me to take telephone orders for their Christmas catalog.

I went to the safe deposit box today to get my passport for proof of citizenship for the HR people. It's been ages since I was in that box. We rarely disturb it, and when we do it's usually Steve who is in need of something.

I spent a while tripping down memory lane, looking at all our birth certificates, our marriage license and our wills, the deed to Steve's family's cabin and my mom's wedding ring. Precious and important things, but not the most precious and important: those things can't be put in boxes for safekeeping.

My favorite philosopher-theologian, Thomas Aquinas, says the greatest good is that which increases the more it is shared. And what is that good? Christ--given to us through the Spirit by the grace of God. So when we have a chance to minister to those around us with the love and truth and life of Christ, it really is a privilege. We are making deposits in Him even as He is depositing Himself in us.

I Timothy 1:
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you--guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Christ is simultaneously our safety deposit box, our deposit, and our inheritance. The most important deposits we make are by Him, with Him, and in Him.