In 2007, according to one source, Quito had a population of over 2 million people. Many of the stores are still of the older type. The Quicentro Shopping Mall is ultramodern – a real change from the norm in Ecuador. The same day that I arrived in Ecuador from, St. Louis, Missouri, USA, we decided to take a quick tour of the shopping complex, before boarding the bus for a long ride to Cotacachi.
This is the main entrance to Quicentro – spacious, bright and welcoming. This, on the other hand, cannot be compared to Jesus who is the Light of the world, and the only Door into Heaven.
The interior of the Mall was beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations. It was exquisite.
There was not one area in the center that did not remind one of the most important season, the time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Quite frankly, every day of every year, we as Christians celebrate Jesus’ coming into the world, and into our lives.
Ovalo means “oval”, but regardless of the shape and size of the stores, and the wares, the entire Quicentro was lovely to see.
“Watch Out” – I wonder what is being sold in this store! Perhaps the word “relojero” will give you a clue.
“Watch Out” rings a spiritual truth. Watch out that you do not miss eternity in Heaven, by rejecting Jesus’ call to turn to Him for forgiveness of all sins, and then to follow Him. In the Bible there are a number of references where the word “Beware” (watch out) is used. One of these is: “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God . . . when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them, . . . . . and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied . . . .” (Deuteronomy 6:10-12). We must always remember that God is the supplier of all good things – even shopping at beautiful Malls.
A “Light that Lures”. That is certainly the case with this beautiful stained glass lampshade. It’s exquisite, with each segment of glass carved to perfection. Would you be so kind as to wait for me to save up for a couple of decades, before you enter the store, and snatch it away from me?
In the meantime “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Your “light” will attract people – not to you – but to God, and He will get the glory!
My advice – avoid this store, and forget what you saw! Failure to do so will leave you starving in the New Year, when you will have to beat your will in order to beat yourself into shape once again.
There is a spiritual truth here too. Listen to the words in Hosea 7:8 – “. . . a cake unturned . . .” referring to an oven heated to a high temperature, and a cake placed in the over, not turned over to bake, but instead being burned on one side and raw on the other. May our spiritual lives never resemble that cake – useless to those with whom we encounter.
Take another tip from me, all of you who suffer from the “sweet-tooth syndrome”. Run past this store at a high speed, not looking left or right, depending on the direction in which you approach it. One look will cost you pounds – in more ways than one!
The sights and aromas were enticing, but it was time to move on. A long bus ride awaited us, and then back home after 6 months in the USA – an extremely beneficial time, gaining experience in teaching students and founding satellite Bible Colleges. No doubt, God has a plan for me in Ecuador!
Talking about a plan, listen to God’s Word:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Whatever situation you are facing this new year, claim God’s promise for your life.
Keep up the pace. We are running for the bus traveling from “Quito to Cotacachi”. Enjoy the ride in my next post.
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