PIG-TAIL RELIGION

The natives of Vanuatu (South Pacific Island) had the custom of eating a pig and giving the tail to their heathen god. Some Christians are guilty of this. No, not worshipping heathen gods, but practicing pig-tail religion. We eat the pig and give the tail to God.

The Pig-Tail Of Time. Every person has 24 hours in a day; seven days in a week; and 52 weeks in a year. Why is it that some are always ready and willing to do the Lord’s work and others “just don’t have time?” Is it not because they are eating the pig and giving God the tail? They use their time for themselves and give whatever is left to God. In Ephesians 5:16 Paul writes, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Coffman says this carries the idea of “making the most of the time.” When deciding how to use our time, let’s not give God the tail.

The Pig-Tail Of Talents. In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. While I do realize that to Jesus a talent was a measure of money, I do believe the parable also has application to our abilities. We often use our talents to secure well paying jobs and to achieve promotions. Many church members are leaders in civic endeavors, school projects and other such things. Yet how many, when asked to do something in the church, respond with “I don’t know how,” or “I can’t,” or something similar. Let’s quit giving God the pig-tail of our talents.

The Pig-Tail Of Money. Someone has estimated that the average contribution of members of the church is 3%. It has also been said that 20% of the members give 80% of the contribution. Is 80% of the congregation that poor? Most of them have nice homes, cars, televisions, and other pleasure gadgets. Some have investment portfolios and retirement plans to impress any broker. The difference is not in the income. The difference is that too many are eating the pig and giving God the tail. They have not purposed (2 Corinthians 9:7). Many times they simply reach into their wallet or purse just before the plate comes around and pull something out. We need to quit robbing God by giving Him the leftovers.

This kind of attitude contradicts the teaching of the Scriptures. The following are only a small sample of the passages which teach God must be first in our lives.

Ø Matthew 22:37-38 Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 “This is the first and great commandment.”

Ø Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Ø Deuteronomy 4:29 “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Why do you suppose the natives give the tail to their god? The only reason I can think of is that they have no use for it. Is that the way we are with our time, talent and money? Are you practicing pig-tail religion?

--Lamar