One of my favorite cartoons is Family Circus. In one of the cartoons, Billy’s teacher says to the class, “Remember class, the shortest distance from point A to point B is a straight line.” The next picture shows Billy’s path from the bus (A) to the door of his home (B). It is anything but straight, and Billy is saying, “But a crooked line is more fun.”
As we walk the Christian walk, I’m sure there are many times we are challenged to do other than get from point A to point B in a straight line. As Billy stated “a crooked line is more fun.” Sin is fun! Or at least a great deal is fun. However, I am not implying that having fun is a sin. Sin is self-centered and to get from point A to point B in a straight line spiritually, we must be Christ centered.
As Christians committed to following Christ, we don’t call on Jesus just during those times WE get ourselves into trouble or situations from which we want him to bail us out. Nor do we tell God how we’re going to live life, especially not if we are seeking to follow him from point A to point B in a Christ like manner.
The straight line from point A to point B for Christians is stated in John 14:15, “If you love me you will obey what I command.” (NIV) Is it easy? NO! At least it’s not usually easy. That is why Jesus continues on to say in verse 16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.”
A good question for all of us to mull over from time to time is, do we Spiritually get from point A to point B in a straight line, or do we wander all over the “neighborhood” having fun?
May your Joy be in the Lord, and your path made straight with the help of The Counselor.
Rev. Mark Jervis
Chair
Ministerial Leadership Committee (MLC) |
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