Shamwow & the Holy Spirit?!
June 9, 2010
My values are like a Shamwow. You know, the famous “as seen on T.V.” piece of cloth that can dry off an entire boat. There are many imitators, which if used, can lead to disappointment. But the real thing, now that’s something special!
My values, much like the Vineyard movement’s, are like the story of the Shamwow because the movement is all about making the mysterious real. It’s our expectation that people would experience the supernatural presence of God like Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 when he says “I did not come to speak with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the spirit and power.” You see, the Shamwow took off because of an infomercial – Some crazy guy demonstrating the unreal power of this tiny piece of multi-fiber cloth. Something caught America’s attention. Similarly, the Holy Spirit catches our attention and when we yield to Him, he uses us to do something special.
In our consumer driven society cost influences perceived value. If the Shamwow had stopped the infomercial before addressing price, the experience would not have been complete. It wouldn’t have been the success that it is today. People would have thought that something this special is only for those who could afford it or those who just really like to clean. But it wasn’t. The Shamwow wasn’t just for the elites; it was favorably priced for all people at just $19.99. But God one-upped QVC and the Spike TV Saturday morning infomercials. God covered the cost and gave the “Shamwow” away for free so that everyone could experience its power.
Vineyard aligns with my values in that there is a shared belief that Christianity isn’t just for the “Religious Winners”. We believe “everyone can play”. Jesus told Peter “come follow me”. He didn’t apply spiritual measures. Jesus didn’t say “follow me if you have it all together.” You see, we’re not just some ordinary towel that still leaves a mess and can’t dry up the water. We’re something different, something special – we’re a Shamwow. We are able to reach all people because we’ve equipped ourselves to influence people where they are at, and bring them along for the ride.
When I played football at the University of Cincinnati, I would talk to guys about the faith element of their lives and they’d say “I’ll wait till I get right first.” God didn’t call us with strings attached; He wants us all to participate in what he has in store for us. Many people oftentimes feel that they have to be something first. But God wants us to be who we are and who we are created to be. Some people were created to use the Shamwow for drying cars, some for boats and some for simple household chores where a paper towel would suffice. This story is only made real when we are able to share the Gospel, the undiluted Gospel, in practical and relevant ways that reach people who are considered “the missing”.
Vineyard Community Church has scripted on its building “Small things done with great love can change the world.” There is no value greater than loving God and loving His people. Agape love is not about rules or requirements. It’s not based upon expectations or conditions. It is about incorporating love and the leading of the Holy Spirit into everyday life so that real evangelism is based upon being available.
My football history taught me something priceless: success on the field was about community, a shared vision and values despite the wide variety of differences from race, religion, economics or even education. The Vineyard movement embraces these championship values where God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. While no team is perfect, I want to be on a team that embraces the championship mindset and the Vineyard movement has that mindset.
- Chris Flores, Vineyard Cincinnati leader
