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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Which Do You Prefer: Flowers of Weeds?
Saturday morning was “hot-cakes” time at my house as a boy. Mother could really make good ones. Dad was a bit careful with the syrup, but that was a Saturday treat.
I didn’t know what “pure maple syrup” was until the 90’s, and I was so accustomed to the imitation that I still prefer it to the real thing.
In my yard, with the soil available, native grasses and weeds grow better than what I “sodded in” back in ’99. Eventually we get to the point where we prefer weeds to flowers, the imitation rather than the original.
“I’m Satisfied Where I Am”
If you have ever talked to family or friends about the Bible you have probably heard these words: “I’m satisfied where I am.” Even if I am offered “pure maple syrup” I usually say, “I’ll take the imitation.” That is what people are satisfied with in the religious world today—the imitation instead of the real thing, the Gospel.
It may be because of lethargy, or fear of condemning Mom and Dad. It may just be the “easy” way to look at the subject—it takes little effort to be “satisfied” with your condition. That is dangerous in regard to one’s health, and it is far more dangerous to one’s soul (See Luke 12:4-5).
When Jesus spoke of an “easy” way, that way did not lead to life, but “destruction,” Matthew 7:13-14.
What We Grow Up With
What we grow up with—the things we were taught as children stay with us a long time. As far as I know, my father never brought “pure maple syrup” home—it was always the imitation. He may have never heard of the “pure,” and may have never even thought about it. The imitation became the natural choice. It tasted good, I liked the taste—and still do. What you get accustomed to is what you keep on doing. In “church” and in “hot-cakes.”
One wonderful thing he did bring into our home—the genuine, Bible-tested gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Imitation is Cheaper
That’s right, the “pure maple syrup” is more expensive than the imitation—quite a bit more expensive. If Dad ever considered “pure maple syrup” he probably was not ready to pay the price for it. The imitation did and still does cost less.
You already know that many use this same standard to determine the “religion” they embrace. Those who were studying with me have asked the question of me: “Will I have to quit drinking and dancing?” No, we don’t want a “religion” that costs too much. We can be satisfied with the imitation, even though in eternity it will have been the most expensive choice we have ever made—by far!
Some came to Jesus wanting to be His disciple, but Jesus warned them first to “Count the cost” of being a disciple, Luke 14:25-35. The cost is high, but well worth it!
All Natural and 100% Pure
In New England, beautiful maple trees are everywhere, and many people are engaged in harvesting the pure maple syrup. Each jar says something about having “natural” ingredients and being 100% pure.
There is a place for “imitations” in the market place. Wars and material shortages often are the motivation behind them and they serve a need.
But why does man begin to look for an imitation to God’s real thing? It may be for the reasons already stated, but it also may be that we think the imitation is better than the original. What we substitute for God’s “pure” is in some minds better. But is it? When Joshua was given the reins to lead Israel, God told him:
“Be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go. This book of the law must never depart out of your mouth; but you must meditate therein day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success,” Joshua 1:7-8.
These words, while given long ago under very different circumstances unfamiliar to us, tell us why God’s “pure” teachings are not only better for us but are mandated by God. They make it possible for us to “prosper” and have “good success.”
There has never been a time in which God gave man permission to leave His Word behind and replace it with our very own. From the very first, God demanded respect for His Word, and forbade every imitation.
Lost your Taste for the “pure”?
If you grew up on imitation maple syrup you may never acquire a taste for the “pure.” The same is true with the Gospel. Parents must make sure their children are reared on the pure truth of God’s Word. Once they lose their taste for Truth, it is easier for them to seek out the imitation.
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The Dying Goal - The Christian Who
Separates Himself from Others
A member of a certain church, who previously had been attending services regularly, suddenly stopped coming to services. After a few weeks, one of the elders decided to visit. He found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the elder’s visit, the man welcomed him, led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace, and waited.
The visitor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, he took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember's flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and lifeless.
The visiting elder glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember, and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
As he reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his check, "Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in services next Sunday."
What silent message would God have you share with someone today? “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven," Matthew 5:16.
A man may go to heaven...without health, without wealth, without fame, without a great name, without learning, without earnings, without culture, without beauty, without friends, and without ten thousand other things......But he can NEVER go to Heaven without Christ. We need each other to keep the flame burning.
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