Mindless Mentality

This past week while not feeling well, I was forced to rest in bed. My mentality was not at its sharpest, so it was nice to mindlessly watch some television. And while some of that was nice, I couldn’t afford to watch mindlessly.

Viewing a Christmas movie, totally dazed and comforted with blankets, snug as a bug, was enjoyable. However watching some other things was quite alarming. We don’t watch television very often. We usually turn it on for a few minutes in the morning for the news, and then if there is a good program on in the late evening we’ll give it a watch. So, to be exposed to all the daytime chat, the who’s who in Hollywood, and the latest televangelists was truly eye-opening.

I was really thankful for a great Pastor when I came across one show in particular. A pastor was attempting to answer the question, “Why does God not answer our prayers?” Great question and I’m sure he had many listeners. Who doesn’t at one time or another ask that question? He went on to answer it with “Because of sin.” He quoted a familiar verse and I agree that sin can be a hindrance to prayer. However, this man took a very different approach when we began reading a story about the Israelites, inferring that we are like them and God can not hear us because of our sin. He said that we need to be doing good things to continue to be in right relationship with Him so He can hear us. And, he went so far as to say that when we do that, just like He blessed the Israelites with crops and fertility, He will bless us. He said, “You know that house you want, or maybe that car or job… He’ll give that to you when you walk in obedience. That’s His blessing on you.” Really?

The thing that troubled me beyond the personal prosperity message and trying to encourage people to obey for selfish reasons is that we aren’t the Israelites. The Israelites were part of a conditional covenant. God’s relationship with them was dependant on their obedience. But, as believers in Christ today, we are part of a new covenant that is everlasting because of Jesus’ work on the cross. It’s not dependant on our obedience but on what Christ has done to pay for the penalty of our sin. And, He’s come to offer forgiveness, grace, freedom, and truth, not a better house or car. I’m not saying that He can’t provide those things for us. I think He can. He certainly cared for us in making provision for our car when ours was totaled. He faithfully provided a new job for S that very same day. He is so tremendously good in caring for us. But, our trust is not in that “better” thing. It’s trusting in the work of Christ and the wisdom and character of God.

I can recall a moment a few years ago when we were going through a rather rough patch of sin and hardship. I was often puzzled at the fact that God continued to use us in situations. Granted, there were areas where we saw definite consequences for sin and still do to this day, but we also continued to be graciously used by God in the lives of others. A friend said to us at that time, “Christ is greater than your sin. Do you really think that He can’t use you in the midst of it?” He came to save us because of His great love in light of our sin. We needed a Savior. And, yet even after salvation, who among us can say we are good or righteous? Apart from Christ, we are and have nothing. It is all His work. So, isn’t it also His continued work that can use our redeemed souls in light of our continued fight with sin?

As I said, sin has consequences. It can hinder our prayers and relationships. But, let us dare not say that our purpose for choosing obedience is to be materially blessed. Our purpose in desiring obedience is to honor God, to show gratitude for salvation, and to live a life worthy of our calling in Christ.

All these thoughts from a sick one... so thankful God’s Spirit is strong in our weakness!