Greg Chandler
10/20/13
The federal government is again open for business. Upon the announcement, many returned to work and stocks soared. The threat of economic default was averted and life returned to as normal as it gets in Washington, D.C. There was only one problem. No real deal was reached. Instead, the decision was reached to “kick the can down the road.” Come January, the same old fights will reemerge, the talking heads will again argue endlessly on the dire consequences to come, and the Congress and President will reassert their positions. With long hours of debate, they will most likely again simply pass a temporary measure to sustain the next few months until the battle is waged anew.
Such is life in the political world. Sadly, it is also the same formula that many use concerning their relationship with God. For some, God is the answer only in times of crisis. Difficulties arise in life and God is sought for help. Like the old movie cowboy who, hanging from a limb over a chasm, looks heavenward and says “Lord, I’m not a prayin’ man, but I could sure use your help.” Maybe the crisis is brought about by family struggles, economic turmoil, sickness, or the death of a loved one. In grief, one comes to the Lord and promises change in return for the Lord’s help. When the crisis has ended, however, things return to normal and the Lord is quickly forgotten until the next difficulty arises. Even for those who are more faithful to the Lord, there is always the danger of only seeking to deepen one’s relationship with Him when times grow dark. This is a sad existence with a Lord who wants so much more.
Action is paramount in the Bible. A scan through the book of Acts introduces the reader to many who sought salvation through the name of Jesus Christ. There were Jews who, upon realizing they had killed the Son of God, feverishly asked “what shall we do?” A jailor who momentarily thought all his prisoners escaped fell at the feet of Paul and begged to know of this salvation. A eunuch returning from a pilgrimage in Jerusalem sought help in understanding the prophetic words spoken of Jesus Christ. A Gentile who was faithful to His Lord sought help in understanding which direction to go. These, along with several others mentioned in the book, had two things in common. They all sought remission of sins through the waters of baptism and they all did so immediately. There was no waiting, no negotiating with the Lord, no excuses about how this could wait until later, no “kicking the can down the road.” Upon realizing their need for change, they took action. Immediate action!
A second feature found among those the Bible identifies as faithful is their fidelity to the Lord. Sadly, current political arguments center primarily around “what will I get out of it?” Deals are struck that provide room for political legacy or concessions that will bolster support among constituents. The spiritually faithful seek no other motive than a strong and solid relationship with God. The faithful realize they can be a part of what God has sought since the day man was placed on earth. It is summed up in what the Lord offered Israel as they camped near Mount Sinai: “Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you shall be My treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:5-6). Though Israel did not prove faithful enough to obtain this great promise, the Lord offered any who would come to Him the same blessing. Peter, repeating the promise almost verbatim, let both Jew and Gentile alike know that the Lord’s gracious offer still stands (I Peter 2:9-10). All of those the Bible describes as faithful took advantage of this gracious offer and stayed true to Him until their last breath was taken. They had a faith that was solid and unwilling to bend. There was no turning back from the decision they had made. These, along with any who are willing to come to the Lord and stay faithful to Him, will be recipients of the great eternal blessings He has promised.
Where do you stand in your relationship with the Lord? Have you sought Him diligently in times of crisis, only to forget about Him when life returns to normal? Have you once been faithful, but now allowed your service to Him to grow cold? Now is the time to seek Him faithfully, to follow His plan for salvation, and to dedicate your life to him until your final breath is taken. His promise still stands. As the Savior told the Christians in Smyrna, so he tells you: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). Stop kicking the can down the road.