(Title Translation: Pop dropped dishes during move.)
I remember a nice set of dinnerware my parents received as a wedding gift. The giver obviously thought a great deal about my parents as the gift was very expensive. And I’m sure the giver must have hoped that it would be used often and enjoyed for many years.
I remember a nice set of dinnerware my parents received as a wedding gift. The giver obviously thought a great deal about my parents as the gift was very expensive. And I’m sure the giver must have hoped that it would be used often and enjoyed for many years.
My mother cherished and protected them for years and kept them for special occasions. But we never had any occasions quite special enough to bring out the good china. And since mom didn’t have a china hutch to display them in, she kept them carefully wrapped and stored away in a closet so she never really enjoyed them.
One day when we were moving, my dad was carrying mom’s treasured china into our new home when he stumbled on the threshold and dropped the box. Almost every piece was broken that day. After a lot of crying, we picked up all the pieces and carried them out to the trash can.
God is a good gift-giver. He has given us many gifts including the priceless gift of His own Son, Jesus Christ. But some people treat th
at gift like my mom treated that set of dishes. They never really enjoy Him. Rather than experiencing an intimate personal relationship with Him, they keep Him neatly wrapped up in the sacred shroud of religion and carefully set Him aside like some kind of impotent idol. Occasionally they pull Him out for special occasions, admire His beauty and recognize His value but then they quickly pack Him up put Him away. And then when the hazards of life trip them up, their religion is dropped and their shallow faith is shattered. Then they gather up the broken, meaningless pieces and toss them away.
at gift like my mom treated that set of dishes. They never really enjoy Him. Rather than experiencing an intimate personal relationship with Him, they keep Him neatly wrapped up in the sacred shroud of religion and carefully set Him aside like some kind of impotent idol. Occasionally they pull Him out for special occasions, admire His beauty and recognize His value but then they quickly pack Him up put Him away. And then when the hazards of life trip them up, their religion is dropped and their shallow faith is shattered. Then they gather up the broken, meaningless pieces and toss them away.
Do you have a god for special occasions? The Lord Jesus Christ wants to be included in our everyday lives. He has a strong rebuke for those who have all the accoutrements and embellishments of a fine religion but do not include Him in it.
“Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.” Rev 3:20 NLT
12/2/07
12/2/07
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