Did you ever wonder about the signs that say SLOW CHILDREN? What makes them slow? Is there something the matter with them? And, do they grow up into slow adults?
One of my favorite Bible stories is about Dagon, a pagan god, and the people that worshipped him. And how when put to the test, was found every morning to have fallen from his perch. This carving, if you will, their god, had fallen down, and had to be picked up and set back on his pedestal. Now what kind of god is it that can fall and then have to be picked up by his worshippers. Is there something wrong with this picture?
A man gives his all for his job. Works late, goes in early. Misses kids games, family functions, and puts the job first. Spends vacations taking home work. Lives for the company. And then one day, he is laid off. His god, the thing he lived for, deserting him, when he needs it most. Not there to pick him up. An outsider. Is there something wrong with this picture?
The man's has two classic cars, nice, but over maintained. Every weekend they are waxed, and shines better than it ever did when new. Never has to lift the hood, except to wax the engine compartment, as the car is never driven. Maybe only driven twice a year, gotta keep the miles down. What if something happened while driving? A magazine hears about his cars, and invites him to bring them to a rally for a photo shoot. Except he is late, and misses the shoot. His car wouldn't start, and he had trouble finding the proper battery for it. The machine he worshipped and adored let him down, when it was needed. Under or over maintained? But it sure is shiny! Is something wrong here?
Finally, the Christian couple tells us how it is OK to drink. Socially, and they are very social. All their friends do it. Even the pastor says it fine, just a little won't hurt. Need to unwind from stress at work. The job you know. And so they drink a little, but how do you tell when a little is too much? And when they get word that their daughter is in trouble, and needs them, they can't go to her. They're impaired by the alcohol. That little has become too much, and has gotten between her and them, and she suffers. When she needed her parents most, they were impaired by another god. The drink they worshipped has become a prison. And others have suffered because of their selfishness. Is anything wrong with this picture?
In all the cases, where were the gods of these people when they needed them? What kind of God do you serve that needs to be carried by you? Who do you call out to after your job has ended? Or your car leaves you stuck? Or your daughter suffers because you couldn't get there when needed? We don't look at these things as gods, but anything you worship, or put first in your life, can control you, and will if you choose to let it. Or even not let it. Your life style will tell you much about what you worship. When it should be a who. God is a somebody-not a something.
A man encountered Jesus, and wanted to know about eternal life. He was young, rich, and had much. And had led a good life, keeping the commandments. He thought he was in for sure. But when told to sell all he had, and give it to the poor, he found he couldn't. And wouldn't. His riches were his glory, and kept him from heaven. His good works, and charitable deeds meant nothing, if he had other gods before the one true God.
What are you stumbling over today? Are car payments killing you, because you just had to have the ultimate driving machine, that sits in the garage weekends? Does your house own you, because you must have a 3000 square foot house for the two of you? Are you exhausted on weekends, and miss out seeing your family, because you just had to have that job, and find out the company owns you, take it or leave it, their answer when you ask for time off. Do you look to some federal program to sustain you, instead of the living God? Not too far fetched, and if you aren't in one of these scenarios, you may know someone who is.
Paul admonishes us to be happy in every situation, and when trouble comes, look to God. And not the situation. The victory won at the the cross, is still celebrated today. That still small voice is still speaking today, wanting to direct and bless you. But it is your choice. You can either go out every morning and pick up your god, or you can have God pick you up. A simple choice, but not simply made.
You shall have no other Gods before Him, is the first commandment. It means cars, jobs, the Padres, and yes, even your wife. Put Him first, and get a true perspective. Be truly in love with him, trust Him, and watch as He adds everything else to you. The right house, right car, right job, and right wife. Too bad you can't ask the rich man who refused Christ-you'd have to go to hell to find him, and no one returns from there.
Heaven awaits, eternity begins now. Will your God get you to heaven? On earth, as it is in heaven. And that's a promise, for those who have chosen Jesus. The only true God.
love with compassion.
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
