The last 30 minutes of school was always the hardest for me. I couldn't wait to get out, and go home and play with my friends in the neighborhood. And I'm sure the teacher felt the same thing, because she had 25-30 kids thinking the same thing, while she was trying to teach them the difference between a noun and a verb! And it was amazing how much energy we had, after learning all day we were tired as we squirmed in our seats in class-rarely do you see kids running to school-running home to change and play-well make room-here we come. If you don't believe in resurrection, look out for kids getting out of school-and coming back to life.
And my kids were not much different, except they had more programs for afterschool. And into the weekends. And I watched the other day as my neighbor's son, was playing football with two friends on our circle. I never see him, but he was having fun, just playing. You see, he is in year round soccer, and baseball. Organized. And it takes him and his family out of town, late nights, and weekends-all his free time sort of speak. And leaves him no time just to be a kid. To play. It seems that we have been taken over by programs. And free time to play isn't included in them.
I can remember playing sports, and it dominated my life. Until I got hurt and couldn't, and found a whole new world of things to do. Cars, motorcycles, and just hanging out. I made other friends, and suddenly my free time was my time. And as much as I had enjoyed sports, now I could have fun! You see everything you do isn't a win/lose situation. Tell that one to the coach. The team shouldn't own you-look at Curt Flood and where free agency is today. Bottom line-there is always someone, or some group that wants to control you, and sometimes under the guise of belonging, or peer pressure or "I did it when I was your age," kids get swallowed up in organized programs. And it is really sad when the parents find it is their only social outlet, and the kids are the pawns. Don't think so, go to a ball game and listen to the parents. They often are oblivious to the game, until their kid is up to bat, then they break the chatter, and watch. Does anybody know the score? Does anybody care?
So we have preplanned family nights, where family members each plan a night. So what if their favorite show is on-you'll do what the other planned, and you're gonna have fun, anyway! Follow the rules, no room for flexibility-unless the coach calls a special practice-then they're off.
And within the church, it is no better, sometimes. The world didn't have to invade the church, many opened the doors, invited it in, and then shut them behind it. Churches that claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, but the only teaching that comes from their pulpit is studying another book. Pastors that don't pastor. Where are all the people who were taught 40 Days of Purpose? What happened on day 41? Did they ever stop and compare the statements found in it to those found in the Bible? Or do you remember it was a best seller, I guess that makes it good. But the Bible still outsells it, and the gospel is still free. Who can give better advice than God?
Don't be so trendy! Remember when "What Would Jesus Do?" was popular. My question to those who call themselves Christians-you have to ask? You don't know? 40 Days won't teach you either! And if your church isn't teaching Jesus, but embracing every new trend to come along, well maybe it isn't a true Christian church. Who is in charge, you or God? Think it's easy being a pastor? He will be accountable for what He teaches you!
And as I get around I find churches talking on faith, then admonishing their flock for not giving more-where are your pledges for the building program? So what if you need to eat-meet your obligation to the church first. Woe to those church leaders who do not follow God, and teach any other gospel than Jesus Christ! His words-look it up! Pay attention church-not everyone who teaches is a Christian-and any other agenda than Jesus is heresy! Strong words-yes. True-yes. So where do you stand? Going both ways, you will be spit out of God's mouth. No Christian church set out to fail, but somewhere along the line the leader is tested. Do you follow God, or the denomination? Do you follow God or the Pastor? Do you follow God or a teaching? ARE YOU SEEKING GOD?
All lies are based on truth. Change one word, or an idea, and you have created a lie. Jesus tells us to come to Him as children. Do your programs allow your kids time to go to Him? Do you? Jesus didn't come to be popular, but to separate the sheep from the goats. His believers from the lost. No program can change your heart, but it can change your mind. Beware!
And don't ever say "Mike says!" Check it out with God. Test the scripture. We are to become like Jesus, not Him like us. Let God be true in your life, and all men liars, and watch as the truth surely will set you free! Jesus pointed to God in everything He did. Let us be able to say the same thing! Let us be driven by the person of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and no other purpose! Unless God builds the house-you will labor in vain!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com