Slideshow image
Scripture for the day: 1 Corinthians 1:18-19 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.”
Thought for the day: Have you ever noticed that the smarter people appear to be, the more serious, down-right grouchy and less happy they seem to be? Studies have been done that seem to indicate the opposite is true but I suspect they were conducted by smart people; well, perhaps not as smart as well-educated.
Seriously, the more complicated people try to make things, the less happy they seem to be. Take for instance the gospel of Jesus Christ; the “good news.” It’s pretty simple, isn’t it? Here it is in a format we can all understand. God made, Adam bit, Noah arked, Abraham split, Joseph ruled, Jacob fooled, Bush talked, Moses balked, Pharaoh plagued, People walked, Sea divided, Tablets guided, Promise landed, Saul freaked, David peeked, Prophets warned, Jesus born, God walked, Love talked, Anger crucified, Hope died, Love rose, Spirit flamed, Word spread, God remained. Now that’s simple enough, don’t you think?
Here’s the gospel in an even simpler nutshell. “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not die but have everlasting life.” “For by grace are you saved through faith.” Why do we make this whole thing so complicated?
Please don’t misunderstand; as we grow and mature in the Lord there is much for each of us to learn and we ought to move on into the deeper things of God rather than remain as spiritual infants all our lives. But even as we move on with the Lord, we must surely realize the basics of living our lives in such a way as to please him remain simple and forthright. Obedience isn’t complicated; we make it so. Jesus says for us to “go into all the world and make disciples,” and we spend the next few years picking that command apart, analyzing each word and talking endlessly about what he could have meant by the word “world.” Lord, protect me from becoming so well-versed that I lose my sense of the simple truth of your Word, and the wonder that accompanies our relationship.
A young boy came to know the Lord and had a great desire to share his new-found faith with everyone he met. One day, as he talked with people on the street near his home, a professor from a nearby college happened to walk by. Offended that such a young lad would dare speak of such a lofty subject as God, and wanting to show the boy the truth of atheism, he said, “Boy, I’ve never seen God. I’ve never felt God. I’ve never smelled Him or tasted Him and I’ve certainly never heard him speak. I’ll give you a dollar if you can show me one place where God is.
The boy replied in the hearing of all who stood by to hear the professor, “Mister, I’ve never seen the wind but I’ve seen what it can do. I’ve never heard electricity or touched the sky but I know they’re there. I’ve never done any of those things you spoke about, but I’ll give you five dollars if you can show me one place God is not.”
As you venture into the complex world in which we are forced to function today, try to keep it simple, just to be contrary if for no other reason. Here’s a simple exercise for you to do; no matter who you meet today, whether they like you or not, whether they treat you well or not, whether they even know you or not, smile at them. You don’t have to spend a lot of time talking or sharing some intimate moment; just give them a smile. You’ve got an unlimited supply and will never run out because you give too many away. It’s simple; it’s a simple means of saying to another human being: “I care about you.” Go ahead, give it at try. Start in the bathroom as you look into the mirror. That person staring back at you with the I-can’t-believe-I-have-to-go-to-work-today expression could use a friendly smile as well.
Now go take on your world. - Bill