Last in the Checkout Line

I’ve never really thought a lot about the self-checkout lanes in a negative way until I started seeing different posts about them on social media. I always looked at them as a convenience due to usually being in a hurry, tired or just ready to get out of the store. I never thought about it as taking jobs away from people. I haven’t used one in a while due to this reason, but I can’t say I won’t ever use one again. I’ll just try not to make a habit of it.

There are stores that don’t offer this method, such as the local grocery store in the small town where I live. I go there a lot and most of the time they’re pretty quick about opening another lane when the others get backed up. One day there were quite a few people in line. A big dirt bike event was going on in the county, therefore, extra people were in town and extra customers were rolling in. I caught myself becoming impatient but I came to my senses and realized I’d be ok with just waiting. After all, I wasn’t in too big of a hurry.

Shortly after, a young man opened another register. He said, “I can get someone over here.” I looked, not wanting to jump in front of anyone, but no one left their place in line. I went over, thanked him for opening up his lane, paid for my two items and went on my way.

As the electronic doors opened for me, I thought of being the last one in line. It seems I’ve often been last at a lot my whole life. Last to arrive (haha), last to get the punchline of a joke, last to finish eating or, even going way back to the old days, being the last one to be picked on a team in P.E. class.

In Matthew 19:30 KJV, Jesus said, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” In Matthew 20:16 KJV, He said pretty much the same thing- “So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.”

I know it’s a bit repetitive, but I am thankful He understands those of us that need that extra reminder, or the extra reassurance. He knew what it would be like for us to live in this world of “keeping up with the Jones’s” so I believe He knew He needed to stress this point.

If you read the chapters, you will see when He was speaking of “the last”, He was speaking of those that followed Him, regardless of who or what they lost. To the world it means being last, to Him it means putting Him first.

So next time I’m waiting in line, I hope I will remember to take advantage of the extra time given and use the self-checkout method to check out my heart. The condition of my heart will determine the destination of my soul. One day, when I breathe my last, I want to walk through those doors that are opened for me after my name is called.

Thank you for reading!