Silly Religion

Psalm 31:6 reads in the New International Version, “I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the Lord.” The Message, translates that verse, “I hate all this silly religion, but you, God, I trust.” Religion can become a worthless idol when the focus is on our doctrines, building and programs. I recall the story that the finger which points to the moon is not the moon. The Church, including her doctrines, buildings and programs, is only a finger pointing to God. It is too easy to focus on the finger rather than that to which it points. Yet, we easily and quickly lose sight of God as we spend our time and energies taking care of our doctrines, buildings and programs. Lord, save us from all our silly religion.

Others

I attended the Falls Creek Baptist Assembly as a teenager and member of the First Baptist Church of Norman, Oklahoma. The Church’s lodge at Falls Creek had the word “others” implanted with large marbles in the front walk’s concrete. Every time anyone went into or out of the Lodge, you would see the word “Others.” Those summer youth assemblies and that front walk taught me that every time I tried to decide whether my behavior or attitude was right or wrong, I was to think about others. It seems to me that many folks have lost that spirit in our time, especially as we deal with COVID. Many folks are only thinking of themselves, their “rights”, what they want, etc. Perhaps we have lost the sense of ‘greater good’. When the Lord asked Cain about his brother Abel, Cain responded, “I do not know, am I my brother’s keeper” (Genesis 4:9). Yes, Cain had killed his brother. Cain’s spirit does not sound like Paul’s instructions in Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burden, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Not considering others and the consequences my behavior and attitude may have on them can cause us to become self-serving even to the point of losing the attitude of serving the greater good. We are headed for serious trouble when we begin to think that we are not our brother or sister’s keeper. I pray and hope that more and more of us will think in terms of “others” as we make decisions.