By Danny Minton

Growing up, I was taught that the quickest way to divide family or friends was to discuss money, politics, or religion. These three topics have caused many close relationships to be scared or even killed by harsh and unkind words. Most people have strong opinions about them, opinions that, when challenged, lead to arguments or stressful situations. I don’t write much about money unless it’s used to illustrate a point. By the way, money is not “the root of all evil,” as we have often heard. The Bible says, “The LOVE OF MONEY is the root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10). 

I do not discuss politics, especially during a time when every mention of a political party or figure causes people to become opinionated and often argumentative. I leave these discussions up to those who are far more informed than I am. In an election year, the air is filled with hate, misinformation, and manipulation. Promises will be made that will never be kept. Accusations will be made between opponents dwelling on the negative to sway the votes to their side. It’s been that way since the beginning of our country. I will listen to what people say, watch what they do, and then vote. Since my goal in life is to bring people to Christ, my vote will be for those who put up the least obstacles to reaching others with God’s truth. 

Now that I have turned some of you off by briefly discussing money and politics, let’s turn to religion. My goal here is not about the external things about churches and groups but about enriching the inner qualities of Christ in our lives. I hold on to the words of Paul when he wrote to the Philippians, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”  Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV 2011) That is my goal, but also to share the goal of life with others.

In his essay “The Star Thrower,” Loren Eiseley tells of a young man who sees a man walking down the beach doing something and, upon investigation, sees him picking up starfish stranded on the beach and tossing them back into the ocean’s waves.

“In a pool of sand and silt, a starfish had thrust its arms up stiffly and was holding its body away from the stifling mud.

“It’s still alive,” I ventured.

“Yes,” he said, and with a quick yet gentle movement, he picked up the star and spun it over my head and far out into the sea. It sunk in a burst of spume, and the waters roared once more.

“There are not many who come this far,” I said, groping in a sudden embarrassment for words. “Do you collect?”

“Only like this,” he said softly, gesturing amidst the wreckage of the shore. “And only for the living.” He stooped again, oblivious of my curiosity, and skipped another star neatly across the water. “The stars,” he said, “throw well. One can help them.”

“I do not collect,” I said uncomfortably, the wind beating at my garments. “Neither the living nor the dead. I gave it up a long time ago. Death is the only successful collector.” (The Star Thrower, p. 172)

The story reminds us that there is still hope for those alive and that we can make a difference in the lives of those who struggle to survive. In teaching Christ, we can do nothing for those who have passed on. Death in this life seals our fate. However, for those we meet day by day, those with whom we interact, and those people we touch, we can be the ones who help them know there is still hope. It is up to our generation to teach Christ to the world in which we live. 

Later in his essay, after contemplating life, Eiseley realizes the true goal of the Star Thrower and walks to the beach. “On a point of land, I found the star thrower…I spoke once briefly. “I understand,” I said. “Call me another thrower.” Only then I allowed myself to think, He is not alone any longer. After us, there will be others.” (The Star Thrower, p. 181)

In a popular rendition of Eiseley’s essay, an old man sees a young man walking along a beach strewn with starfish washed ashore by the waves, picking them up and tossing them into the sea. The old man tells the boy that with the scores of starfish on the beach it doesn’t make much difference with the little he is doing. The boy picks up another one and tosses it into the salty waters. “It does to that one.” He said.

Each generation of Christians is called to share Christ and teach others to follow Him. What we say and do can make a difference in those who feel pain and helplessness in life. As we teach others about Jesus, we train them to carry on and share Him with the next generation. The church exists today because of the “Star Throwers,” who have shared Christ generation after generation. 

You can avoid talking about money and politics in life. However, never miss the chance to talk about Jesus, especially if it means giving life to someone struggling and dying on the shore. Each generation of Christians is responsible for being “Star Throwers” for the time we are given in life. 

Danny Minton is a former Elder and minister at Southern Hills Church of Christ