Boxes of Books!

As many of you know by now, I’m currently in the process of retiring from over 40 years of pastoral ministry. My final Sunday at First Assembly of God of Shrewsbury, NJ will be September 7, just over a week from now. Thus over the past few weeks, I’ve been dismantling my office, piece by piece and book by book. And, have I collected a lot of books! After all, in ministry one is constantly using books. 

Some of those books were one time reads. Some were kept on hand for help with further study and sermon preparation. I had my share of commentaries, word study books, concordances, counseling books, leadership books, and more. Some I’ve given away. Some I’ve reshelved in another room in our church office for use by others. And there are a number that I’ve boxed up to bring home. Thus, both my office and my home now have boxes of books.  

Admittedly, it’s not easy for me to part with books that have been on my shelves for so many years. In fact, the other day I found myself getting a bit emotional as I boxed my books. After all, many of them have been with me for almost 40 years. But I don’t have room for all of them at home; thus I’ve had to make some difficult decisions as to which to keep and which to give away. It felt to me like a whole piece of my life was being boxed up; it felt as if I myself was being boxed up. After all, the boxing up, giving away, and reshelving of my books is indicative of the fact that a huge season of my life—an extremely important part of my life—is now coming to an end. 

The Bible reminds us that there are few things in life that will last. Our very own lives are “but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) The Apostle Peter quoting from the book of Isaiah wrote, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall…” I guess that includes my books! 

But then the Bible says, “…but the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 3:24-25) And throughout, the Bible tells us that those things that are part of God’s kingdom—his Word, his salvation, his love, etc.—they will last forever.  They will never have to be boxed up, stored away, or destroyed.  Instead they will follow us into eternity.

Believe me, I’ve still got plenty of books at home. And I’ve brought enough home to warrant buying another bookshelf. But the fact remains, the boxing of my books is but a small sign that my life is moving into another season. And it’s a call to make sure I continue to invest my life into those things that will count in eternity—i.e., those things that will never be boxed up. 

Have a great day!

-  Pastor Tim Harris