The Swiffer Effect

The Swiffer Effect

Good Morning Friends,

People may not think that the Bible is romantic, but there are plenty of heartwarming stories of inspiring couples. Think of Adam and Eve, Abraham and Sarah, Jacob and Rachel, Ruth and Boaz, the bride and groom in the Song of Solomon, and Mary and Joseph. This Jewish heritage of lovers is impressive and not without drama and a few laughs.

But this morning I am thinking of the everyday lives of Morty and Lee Kaufman, the adorable, real life 90 year old married couple who banter back and forth hilariously in the documentary-form commercial they star in called, “The Swiffer Effect.”

Scripture: So clean house! Make a clean sweep of malice and pretense, envy and hurtful talk. You’ve had a taste of God. Now, like infants at the breast, drink deep of God’s pure kindness. Then you’ll grow up mature and whole in God.

1 Peter 2:1-3 (The Message)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NRSV)

Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Psalm 73:25-26 (NIV)

Now eagerly desire the greater gifts. Love Is Indispensable. And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

1 Corinthians 12:31 (NIV)

Message: Yesterday I may have given some the impression that the future was more important than the present and want to correct that here. It does not get any more important than loving another person right here right now. Morty and Lee Kaufman seem to demonstrate that very well. If you have not seen the commercial then check it out on YouTube. View this happy union. What I like about them is that they are so content to live and enjoy moment by moment. In fact that is one of their secrets for a marriage that gets better with age. For them patience, humor, and being genuine are key elements. Then they say there has to be a little structure to allow for family and friends and hobbies and interests. They communicate well and pay attention as they look after each other. I do not know what is in their minds and hearts but they seem to actually love each other. Now the application for today’s message. Friends, there is much about loving God we learn from lessons in relationship with our helpmates. I learn from my wife Amy every day. She is as I have said before a good teacher. My friend Malcolm who is also a good teacher puts it this way, “When we see God in the people and the world around us as it was meant to be in the beginning, we can’t help but be filled with awe, joy, wonder, and humility.” Friends we are called in our daily activities to share love that flows from the deeper love of God. It is the best way. Now back to the “Swiffer Effect.” The unscripted commercial ends with Lee singing to Morty, Let Me Call You Sweetheart. Morty then says, “me too.” And then they kiss. “It’s nice to sing to you like that,” she says. “It’s nice to be sung to,” he answers. Maybe we all hope for health and mental agility and love like this in our nineties. Perhaps we get there moment by moment experiencing the mercies and love of life. Maybe it is not the Swiffer Effect at all but the love of years bearing fruit.

Pray we realize that by raising God’s glory, we increase our own. Pray we discover in our relationships with others God’s love and care renewed each morning. Pray we appreciate our spouses. Pray we appreciate our God. Pray we show affection for our spouses. Pray we show affection for God. Pray we adore our spouses. Pray we adore God. Pray we dedicate ourselves to our spouses. Pray we dedicate ourselves to God. Pray we have the faith to take the next step in love. Pray we glorify God by loving each other today.  

Blessings,

John Lawson