Being a Christian is Like a Pumpkin

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” make his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:26

Fall season brings the tradition of decorating with pumpkins and it can be seen at almost every store and every home. People seem to love the changing of seasons, the crisp air and the multicolored beauty of the hills that surround our town. You can’t drive down Highway 76 in Branson and not see pumpkins, fall colored leaves and lively scarecrow decorations. It is hard to think about fall and not think about pumpkins. Our desire is to find things that will resonate in the hearts of our young children that will stay with them for a lifetime of service to the Lord. One of the things we like to do during this holiday season is to use an analogy of carving a pumpkin to show the children how God changes our lives when we decide to follow him. I would like to share it with you today.

First, just like we walk through the pumpkin patch looking for the perfect pumpkin, God picks us and brings us in. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit-fruit that will last-and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you (John 15:16).

The pumpkin patch is a dirty dusty place. There is not a pumpkin in the patch that is not covered in dirt. No one wants a “dirty” pumpkin for their fall decorations. So, after choosing just the right pumpkin, all the dirt must be washed off. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Then God opens you up and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. I should mention that when we have this lesson, we always make sure to have a dirty pumpkin for an example. It is great to hear the cries of the children as we remove the “yucky stuff” inside just like God removes it from our hearts. No one but Christ can make that change. Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6).

There are many wonderful things about salvation. One of the things I like the most is to see the change on the face of a new Christian. Just as we begin to carve a smile on the pumpkin for the kids, I smile at the change in my life and the lives of those around me. God will put a smile on your face too. So the ransomed of the Lord will return and come with joyful shouting to Zion, and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away (Isaiah 51:11).

The last thing we do is place a light inside the pumpkin just like God puts His light inside us to shine for all the world to see. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).

Whenever you see fall decorations, I pray that you will reflect on the work that Christ has performed in your life. Give a smile, shine your light.

Pastor Julia Scott