ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 3, 2022
Yesterday, I went to visit someone at Memorial Hermann Hospital in the Woodlands. After the visit, I needed to run by the church and grab a few things. It took me exactly two hours and four minutes to go the 15 miles to the church. I made the mistake of checking my map and its recommendation to take a slightly different route that would be seven minutes faster (47 minutes was how long it said the trip would be). Usually, I ignore such recommendations. To get my attention, it needs to be more like 15 or 20 minutes faster, but not this time. Have you ever taken a so-called shortcut that was no shortcut? Have you ever been searching for the perfect path only to find yourself on the highway to Hades? In Proverbs 21:5, we read: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Now I’m not suggesting all shortcuts will lead to financial ruin, but there is much in life that requires the long road of experience. Throughout my ministry, I have met many people requesting the shortcuts of faith—the time-saving path to peace, comfort, healing and hope. Maybe it exists, but I sure have not found it. And the occasional attempts have left me stuck in the juggernaut of all journeys. There is the old story of a friend finding W.C. Fields flipping through a Bible. This was a bit unusual, so the friend asked what he was doing. Fields replied, “I’m looking for loopholes.”
I know you love me, O Lord, but I also believe it will take a lifetime of study and exploring to even begin to fathom its depth and power. May each day be an opportunity to know, share and honor this amazing gift. Amen.
