One Ronalds
In 1966 McDonald's redesigned the original clumsy version of Ronald McDonald, gave him a makeover including floppy feet, and went public.
In 1966 McDonald's redesigned the original clumsy version of Ronald McDonald, gave him a makeover including floppy feet, and went public. He became such a hit that in 1972 they realized that they needed more than one Ronald McDonald. So McDonald's created a book: "Ronald and How." It details proper makeup application techniques and appropriate Ronald behavior – especially around children. Everything you need to know about being Ronald is in the book.
The coveted clown job currently pays about 40 grand a year, but a busy Ronald can make up to 100 G's by performing about 400 shows. The premier Ronald, who performs for national commercials, pulls in about $300,000.
Twice a year there's a secret gathering of the estimated 250 Ronalds – not visible, not open to the public. McDonald's policy forbids any two Ronalds from meeting in public lest the illusion of one Ronald be shattered. At the Ronald convention, Ronald trainers are present and each Ronald must pass inspection or go home without a job.
In A.D. 55 the Christian church in Corinth got a makeover because a professional consultant, namely, the apostle Paul, wrote a letter. In 1 Corinthians Paul is guided by the Holy Spirit to write, "There are many parts, but one body" (12:20). This flies in the face of the Ronald strategy. Instead of producing Jesus look-a-likes who imitate their Lord's mannerisms and voice with the passion of an Elvis impersonator, the Bible says that all believers are different and should rejoice in our distinctly given abilities. "There are different kinds of gifts" (12:4) and God "gives them to each one, just as he determines" (12:11).
So God, instead of advertising his saving love with one recognizable figure, puts it into action using different people with different gifts. Wisdom. Extreme, dependent trust. Generosity. Compassion. You're-more-important-than-my-plans kind of service. Leadership. Listening. Talking. Praying. Teaching an adult Bible class. Leading a children's choir. Keeping financial records at the church. Shoveling. Organizing vacation Bible school. Celebrating "Clergy Appreciation Month." Singing in the choir. Assembling church mailings. Delivering brownies to worship visitors. Writing articles for the newsletter. Showing up at church an hour early to turn on the heat. Ushering with a smile – both before church and an hour after church when you're still cleaning up. Fixing the church garbage disposal. Coaching the grade school basketball team. Writing a $13,457 check at the end of the year to make up for the budget deficit and not expecting any recognition while on this earth. Asking God to bless your synod today.
No one child of God can do all this, as much as the human body cannot be just one significant body part like an eye or an ear (12:17). We all can do something. Christ created us that way. Christ saved us that way. Christ loves us that way.
PRAYER: Teach me, Christ, to realize my gifts, recognize opportunities, and rejoice in putting your handiwork into practice. Keep me from coveting what others have and help me find satisfaction in the gifts you've given me. Instill in my church a spirit of community and cooperation as many different believers work toward one, common task. Amen.