It Takes Time

“A husband and wife take hours and days and years to know each other, and yet some would know God before the parking meter expires. Lifetime questions take a lifetime; questions of conscience require conscience; issues of morals and religion can be handled only after one has achieved some size, some dimensions of pathos, sympathy, concern and sensitivity” (Fred C. Craddock, Overhearing the Gospel, preaching.com).

We have become a culture that doesn’t like to wait. “Veruca Salt ain't got nothing on us. We are a society that revels in instant gratification. Our food is fast, our Internet is high speed, and our shipping is next day. If we don't have to wait for something, why should we? What would be the point?” (Jennifer Baumgartner, “I Want It…Now!”, psychologytoday.com). We have been conditioned to expect instant results. While that may not be problematic in many areas of life, it can be unrealistic in others. Take spirituality, for example.

As He prayed to His Father on behalf of His disciples, Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3). It’s clear -- we must know God and His Son to have eternal life. But knowing God is not an instantaneous endeavor. It’s something in which we grow and mature. By faith, we come to know God initially, but that initial knowledge becomes more full and intimate as we learn and grow in our relationship with Him.

In the article referenced above, Baumgartner continued her thoughts: “Sometimes we want something instantly when it would be better for it to have happened more slowly...getting married, having children, leaving a job, having our dreams come true, even possessing our most coveted items. Sometimes better things do come to those who wait.” As Craddock says: “Lifetime questions take a lifetime.” Don’t be frustrated in your quest to know God. It won’t happen overnight and that is okay. True knowledge takes time. And each of us has all the time we need. Take time to know God.

God loves you!

Mike

 

Mom Quotes

I found a list titled: “THINGS THAT MOM WOULD NEVER SAY.”*  I’m guessing none of you ever heard any of these statements from your own mother:

1) “How on earth can you see the TV sitting so far back?”

2) “Yeah, I used to skip school a lot myself when I was your age!”

3) “Just leave all the lights on … it makes the house look more cheery.”

4) “Let me smell that shirt — Yeah, it’s good for another week.”

5) “Go ahead and keep that stray dog, honey. I’ll be glad to feed and walk him every day.”

6) “Well, if Bobby’s mamma says it’s OK, that’s good enough for me.”

7) “The curfew is just a general time to shoot for. It’s not like I’m running a prison around here.”

8) “I don’t have a tissue with me…. just blow your nose on your sleeve.”

9) “Well, I guess if everyone is jumping off the cliff, it’s fine with me, too!”

There is a statement from Mary, the mother of Jesus, that may be the wisest thing any mother ever said. In the gospel of John chapter 2, Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding. As the party progressed, the wine ran out. Mary has knowledge of the situation and approaches her Son for help with the problem. Jesus appears reluctant at first but Mary, who perhaps knew Him better than anyone else, senses that He won’t remain on the sidelines. She tells the servants: “Whatever He says to you, do it” (John 2:5).

That is the greatest “mom quote” ever! While I doubt Mary is making a deep theological point here, the point is still taken. It’s always best to do what Jesus says. It’s a very wise mother indeed who shares that instruction with her children. Listening to, loving, and obeying the Lord will never steer you wrong (John 5:24; 14:15,21,23,24; 15:14). 

God loves you!

Mike

*sermoncentral.com