What's In Your "Spiritual" Wallet Series

There is a commercial that asks the question “What’s in your wallet?” I think a lot can be discovered about an individual based on that question. As I thought about the answer to this question concerning my own wallet, I pondered what items found there reflected on my relationship with God.

Although everyone’s wallet could contain different items I want to teach on 6 common things that might be found.

1) Driver’s License

When I was 17 I went for my first road test to get my driver’s license. In order to receive this privilege to drive an officer accompanied me to observe my skills. As part of the test I was required to make a 3 point road turn on a narrow road. I pulled forward, turned my wheel, and proceeded to back into a ditch. It had rained the previous day so the car was mired in the mud. The officer reluctantly proceeded to assist me in getting the stuck car back on the road.

“I am going to push the car. When I say go, gently push on the gas pedal.” He then walked to the back of the car and said “Go!” I heard the sound of spinning tires and a resounding “Stop! Stop! Stop!”

It is forever seared into my mind the image of a police officer, covered in mud, leaning into my car window with a single drop of muddy water hanging from the end of his nose as he said through clenched teeth “I said ‘gently’ son, ‘gently’.”

After another driver trying for their license came along, we were assisted in getting on our way. Back at the station I was told to wait while the officer ‘cleaned up’ and renewed my learners permit. One year later I got the nerve to try again. And I passed and now part of my job includes me driving.

A driver’s license gives you the legal right to operate a motorized vehicle. It is also used as an identification document.

In fact it is the most common accepted document for that purpose.

God has given us a license also. That license identifies us his child (1 John 5:1). We were not required to take any test; we just needed to believe that Jesus was the Son of God. And when we are found mired in the mud, Jesus doesn’t leave us there. We can be assured that He will rescue us without getting any mud on himself.

We realize that if we are stopped by a police officer, he will ask to see our license. When satan and his demonic forces are attacking you with temptations and doubt, show them your license and watch them scatter. Rely on 1 John 5:4 “For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.”

2) Business card

When someone sees an acquaintance that they haven’t seen in some time the first question is usually “How have you been?” The second question usually varies. For ladies it’s usually “How’s the family?” For guys it’s usually “So what have you been up to?”

For guys it’s about accomplishments. We are asking “What have you done lately? Are you doing better than me? Can I brag or have you accomplished more than me?”

A business card says I have an identity. But sometimes it can backfire and send the wrong message.

Clairol introduced the "Mist Stick", a curling iron, into German only to find out that "mist" is slang for manure. Not too many people had use for the "manure stick."

When Gerber started selling baby food in Africa, they used the same packaging as in the US, with a beautiful Caucasian baby on the label. Later they learned that in Africa, companies prefer to put pictures on the label of what's inside, since most people can't read.

Colgate introduced a toothpaste in France called Cue, the name of a notorious porno magazine.

Pepsi's "Come alive with the Pepsi Generation" translated into "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the grave", in Chinese.

The Coca-Cola name in China was first read as "Ke-kou-ke-la", meaning "Bite the wax tadpole" or "female horse stuffed with wax", depending on the dialect. Coke then researched 40,000 characters to find a phonetic equivalent "ko-kou-ko-le", translating into "happiness in the mouth."

Business cards do not really identify people. They can mislead you. Anyone can purchase them to relay any message they want. As a follower of Jesus your business card is your actions (Matt 7:20). Your business card should reflect your life in truth. “So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:25-29)