The Parable of the Lost Chip Clip

The other day I went looking for a chip clip to seal up a bag of chips I had opened. Simple enough task, right? Except I couldn’t find a single one. Apparently, they must’ve run away to the same mysterious place where missing socks, TV remotes, eyeglasses, and that pen you just had in your hand all disappear to.

As I searched around the kitchen, I caught myself chuckling at the thought: If Jesus were telling parables today, would He use these kinds of examples? We’re used to hearing Him say, “The kingdom of heaven is like a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one lost sheep,” or “a woman who sweeps her house to find her lost coin.” But I couldn’t help but wonder if, in today’s world, He might say, “Which of you, if you lose your remote control, does not turn over every cushion in the living room until it is found? And when you find it, do you not rejoice greatly, for now you can finally watch your show?”

It’s a silly thought, but it also reminded me of something important: Jesus chose everyday, ordinary objects to teach about God’s extraordinary love. He knew people could relate to losing sheep and coins in His day. If He were here walking among us now, I imagine He’d do the same with our everyday frustrations and joys—remotes, socks, and yes, even chip clips.

The point of those parables was never really about sheep or coins; it was about how much God cares for us. Just as a shepherd searches for one missing sheep and a woman rejoices over a single coin, God searches for us when we wander and celebrates when we are found.

So maybe the next time we’re frustrated by something “lost,” we can take a deep breath and remember: God never loses track of us. Not ever. And in His eyes, you are worth infinitely more than a chip clip.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester