Trinkets or aloha?

The photo above is one of the entrances to the International Market Place, which was located about two blocks away from where I used to live in Waikiki. It was a very popular tourist trap.

Visitors to the island would stroll down the narrow row of vendors (like the one shown to the right), who would greet you warmly and then suddenly go for the close: “You like? You buy?”

The second you shook your head and said no, the person immediately turned their back on you, looking for more cooperative prey.

As a local, I would often stroll through the area just people-watching. As I became familiar with the sites, I realized many of the places were selling the same cheap trinkets. Shoppers would often weary of seeing the same cheap offerings, so they would head off to other areas of Waikiki or grab a taxi to check out the mall.

Some people are happy with a cheap t-shirt, mass produced ankle bracelets, dancing hula girl statuette or surfer bobble head. Others want something of quality from their visit.

The same is true for people “shopping” churches. Some are happy with a cheap visit, something that makes them feel better for having been to church, but doesn’t cost them much.

But others are looking for real value.

That reminds me of two different medium-sized churches in Honolulu. One offered a great worship experience, complete with sacred hula and a polished service. You could walk in and out without a single person other than the preacher saying a word to you. But at the other church, you couldn’t enter the building without four or five people hugging you, welcoming you, and wrapping a lei around your neck.

What is your church offering to the stranger who walks through your doors? Are they getting the cheap trinket of Christianity, or are they lavished with rich fellowship and the love of Christ?

Scotty