I recently went to a book sale that was being held as a fundraiser. When I arrived and parked, I was surprised to see hundreds of people already lined up. I made my way to the back of the line, and as the doors opened, we all began to enter in. What I saw inside immediately surprised—and even agitated—me.

Some people rushed to the tables and began scanning books frantically, moving from one to the next like addicts desperate for a high. They flipped through titles so quickly, it looked like they were in a race. I had no idea what was going on, so after the sale, I decided to look into what this was all about.

I learned that people scan books at sales mostly to see if they can resell them for a profit. They use apps like ScoutIQ, Amazon Seller, or eBay to check prices. Some are trying to avoid buying duplicates, find the right edition, or check reviews. Collectors might scan to see how valuable a book is. Most of the time, it’s not about reading—it’s about finding books that are worth money.

I, on the other hand, was simply looking for books to add to my personal library. But what happened next was unexpected, to say the least. One of the people scanning books rushed over beside me and got so close that we were shoulder to shoulder. They even started scanning the books directly in front of me, which really irritated me. I looked at the man and said, “Ayo, you need to get out of my space.” He got the message, stepped aside, and gave me room.

Another situation happened shortly after. As I was browsing, a scanner rushed up next to me while I was holding volume one of a two-volume series. While I was still examining it, he came right beside me and grabbed volume two—which was directly in front of me. I told him I was looking at it and about to place it in my bag. After a bit of back and forth, I ended up keeping volume two. I stood there in disbelief, amazed at how some people could be so rude—invading personal space and grabbing whatever they wanted without any consideration.

Afterwards, I shared the story with some friends, and let’s just say we couldn’t stop laughing as I recounted what happened. One of my friends jokingly said, “Maybe they were missionaries,” to which I replied, “Missionaries don’t act like that!” That made us laugh even harder—especially considering how I felt and responded to the scanners in the moment.

I’m a pastor, and afterward I had to stop and ask myself, “Do pastors act like that?” My attitude and what was going on in my heart were a clear reminder that I’m still in need of ongoing sanctification. I have a long way to go. None of us are exempt from falling short. The way I reacted—telling them to back off—wasn’t just about needing space; it was also about wanting things my way. While I had a right to protect my space, I could’ve handled it differently. I didn’t need to come off like I was still from the streets (even though I am), and I should’ve been more mindful of my posture toward them.

I couldn’t help but think, “What if the Wu-Tang Clan were here looking for books? How would they have handled these scanners?” LOL. Honestly, it could’ve gone a lot worse—but let’s be real, the Wu-Tang Clan probably wouldn’t be caught dead at a book sale. SMH. Still, I can’t deny the thought crossed my mind. Growing up in the streets, that side of us can try to rise up in moments like these. I’m grateful, tho—grateful that after 35 years of walking with Christ, I haven’t gone “ghetto” on anyone. But even so, what I felt in that moment was a humbling reminder: even if I didn’t act on it, the old self still tries to show up. And that’s why I must keep putting it off, daily.

Ephesians 4:17–32 speaks clearly about the need to put off the old self. Paul urges believers not to live like the those outside of Christ because their thinking is futile and they are hopelessly confused. Their hearts are darkened, and they are alienated from the life of God. In contrast, believers are called to be renewed in their minds and to live in a way that reflects the new life they have in Christ.

Paul continues to talk about those who are apart from Christ with minds that are darkened and distant from the life God offers. Their hearts are hardened, their minds are closed to the truth, and they have lost all sense of shame. They live for selfish pleasure and openly pursue all kinds of impurity. Paul reminds the Ephesian believers that this is not what they learned when they came to know Christ. Since they had heard the truth about Jesus, they were called to put off their old sinful nature and former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, it is the Holy Spirit who renews our thoughts and attitudes, and because of that, we are called to put on the new nature—one that reflects God’s righteousness and holiness.

We are called to stop lying and speak the truth, because we are all members of the same body in Christ. We must not let anger control us, and we shouldn’t hold onto it—Paul says not to let the sun go down while we are still angry, because doing so gives the devil a foothold. Instead of holding onto bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander—or any kind of evil behavior—we’re to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving toward one another, just as God has forgiven us through Christ.

This is who I am—but sadly, in certain moments, that can get lost. When things happen that frustrate us or get under our skin, it’s easy to forget who we are in Christ and lose sight of the bigger picture—that this world isn’t all there is, and the people around us need the gospel more than anything. Holding on to an eternal mindset while living in this world is hard.

I remember some Christian MCs flipping the C.R.E.A.M. acronym from the original song from the Wu-Tang Clan. From “Cash Rules Everything Around Me, Christian MCs said, “Christ Rules Everything Around Me.” That truth should’ve anchored me in kindness and compassion in that moment—but instead, it served as another reminder of my ongoing need to put off the old and to put on the new. 

Thankfully, I didn’t get Wu-Tang on them. But if I’m honest, my heart and my posture still didn’t reflect the Lord the way He deserves to be represented. And to make it even more ironic—this all happened in the religion section of the book sale! Lord help me. SMH.