It was sometime ago that my brother asserted that people do not always come to the Lord with ‘noble’ intent. Well it has been said, that people go to church to search! Not infrequently we hear the charge that people flock to church for food, for fellowship, for welfare. For the destitute, a warm meal, a roof over one’s head and a clean bed in exchange for simulated prayer and devotion? Not exactly a high price to pay, considering the alternative, if any.
But are we any different? If it is salvation we seek, or forgiveness from above, or eternal life per se. Many desire blessing, purpose and power in this life or a future in heaven. There will always be seekers. There are those who seek fame or notoriety, the gift, prestige and pinnacle of oratory; the ability to move man through depths and up heights of ecstasy, to make a man move his being with one’s words. To influence other men; to speak as it were, with the voice of an angel, with authority and power. To perform mighty deeds, perchance miracles!
We would not forthrightly admit to Jesus Christ being our insurance underwriter. We want the salvation He provides, we want the blessings He showers. So like the destitute, what is so onerous about doing church? He is our savior but not our Lord, though we unashamedly would so call Him. He is good only until His blessing seems amiss in the midst of troubles. We may want a place in heaven, but not with Him around us all the time, less He would cramp our space or style. We may want a lot of what He can provide but not quite Himself. Does it not seem most awkward, to be wanted only for what we can provide and in the name of love?
Trouble tends to turn our eyes unto the Lord. In such circumstance, we are prone to cry out, pray, fast, weep, and like David, lie in the dust. We oft make promises we do not even remember, so what is there left to keep? When the storms subside, like the darks clouds, we too, fly away.
It is immensely difficult to keep our eyes upon the Lord. Earthly, temporal fascinations glimmer away our attention. It is no exaggeration that where the eyes lead, our hearts follow. Troubles are often good for our souls yet we will bemoan their advent. Humility is not quite our forte.
The LORD is gracious and remembers that we are, but dust. Still, it is good to remember that we are bought with a price; that we are not our own. Paul reminds us to strenuously work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
We are reminded also, that the Lord did ask “Why call Me Lord, Lord?”
God bless.
But are we any different? If it is salvation we seek, or forgiveness from above, or eternal life per se. Many desire blessing, purpose and power in this life or a future in heaven. There will always be seekers. There are those who seek fame or notoriety, the gift, prestige and pinnacle of oratory; the ability to move man through depths and up heights of ecstasy, to make a man move his being with one’s words. To influence other men; to speak as it were, with the voice of an angel, with authority and power. To perform mighty deeds, perchance miracles!
We would not forthrightly admit to Jesus Christ being our insurance underwriter. We want the salvation He provides, we want the blessings He showers. So like the destitute, what is so onerous about doing church? He is our savior but not our Lord, though we unashamedly would so call Him. He is good only until His blessing seems amiss in the midst of troubles. We may want a place in heaven, but not with Him around us all the time, less He would cramp our space or style. We may want a lot of what He can provide but not quite Himself. Does it not seem most awkward, to be wanted only for what we can provide and in the name of love?
Trouble tends to turn our eyes unto the Lord. In such circumstance, we are prone to cry out, pray, fast, weep, and like David, lie in the dust. We oft make promises we do not even remember, so what is there left to keep? When the storms subside, like the darks clouds, we too, fly away.
It is immensely difficult to keep our eyes upon the Lord. Earthly, temporal fascinations glimmer away our attention. It is no exaggeration that where the eyes lead, our hearts follow. Troubles are often good for our souls yet we will bemoan their advent. Humility is not quite our forte.
The LORD is gracious and remembers that we are, but dust. Still, it is good to remember that we are bought with a price; that we are not our own. Paul reminds us to strenuously work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
We are reminded also, that the Lord did ask “Why call Me Lord, Lord?”
God bless.
/ckh
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