The Art of Being Used

There are many things in this world that can be bought used, and there are many things that should never, ever be bought used. I will let you discern the 'never ever' list for yourself, but as a college student, I rather enjoy renting or buying used textbooks. They tend to have a positive affect on both my bank account and my learning - they're cheaper, and they often have the important parts already highlighted or circled from helpful friends who have come before me. On a very lucky day, the previous owner of the book has left a helpful sticky note inside.

Another thing I find that I must have used is my bible - maybe I'm just picky. The bible I currently use is about three years old, and I purchased it about nine months before the death of a close friend. Now, three years later, it has a few ripped pages, some sticky notes inside, and lots and lots of notes in pen from every stage that I've been in in the last three years. Additionally, some of the pages are actually falling out, so I have to be extra careful when it's in my backpack. Essentially, if I carry that bible around with me, the idea is that I should be able to handle just about anything. I often have trouble if I don't have that bible. I have three or four other bibles at home - and yet every single time I come home for the weekend, I feel it necessary to tote my bible along with me.

I was thinking about this the other day as one of my classes was discussing privileges in the world that Christians do or don't have. Some of the views from my classmates made it clear that they see Christians either as perfect, or much closer to it than them - causing us to be the 'privileged' group in the debate. Whether or not we're privileged isn't really the point of this, or really my responsibility to decide, but it did make me wonder how I come across to those I come into contact with - regardless of their religion, relationship to me, etc.? Do I let Jesus toss me in his backpack in the morning willingly, or do I stray away because I'm weary of the sheer possibility of highlights and eraser marks from His work?