Frustrated by the fact that in spite of going to church regularly, in spite of hearing countless sermons, in spite of attending weekly bible study classes, an individual began to wonder why things were not changing for the better in his life.
First, I responded, sometimes the destination named “Better” is not arrived at quickly by divine design. I elaborated to utter the familiar phrase, “Sometimes God takes you through something until He brings you to something. When you arrive at that destination you will be better regardless if you face battles or flourish in blessings.” Still speaking in an “Adult-to-Adult” transactional style (Eric Berne’s Theory), I stated, “Sometimes we don’t arrive at better because we don’t live better based on the specific messages and scriptural lessons that the Lord gives us.” I added an analogy, “It’s like packing your luggage with all the things you will need on a long trip but never taking them out and using them for the purposes they were intended when you put them in your luggage.”
Feeling it was important to use Jesus’ questioning technique, I went on to ask, “Are you putting into practice what you learn in all your church edifying and Christian education experiences to help you arrive at “better?” At that point, hoping I had made a point, I concluded by saying, “Only you can answer that question. Give it some thought.”
For you and me, we should ask ourselves the same question in the paragraph immediately above. Furthermore, we should ask ourselves the question after soaking in the content of every sermon, each session of bible study class, and after serious, personal studying diligently, the word of God.
Find your way to the “Better” destination in this life by being able to answer the question with either, “Yes!” or “I’m trying to do my best!” Have a great day! Be blessed!
“Great blessings belong to those who live pure lives! They follow the Lord’s teachings. Great blessings belong to those who follow his rules! They seek him with all their heart. They don’t do wrong. They follow his ways. Lord, you gave us your instructions and told us to always obey them. How I wish I could be more faithful in obeying your laws! Then I would never feel ashamed when I look closely at your commands. The more I understand how fair your laws are, the more sincerely I will praise you. I will obey your laws, so please don’t leave me!” (Psalm 119:1-8 Easy-to-Read Bible)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King