A friend of mine reminded me that many of us as Christians wear our, “Christianity” like we wear our sweat pants. Perhaps we started out with the intention, (and practice) of serious, focused and dedicated use of our faith and relationship. Then over time, we got comfortable and wore our faith with the appearance that we exercised it, but in reality it has/had become a matter of comfort and convenience. Going through the motions keeps us warm, but it does not produce the sweat and results that our faith and commitment was designed for. This is easy to do and I am trying very hard to stay away from MY mirror so that I don’t have to look at it!
Have I traded in my original pocket-less spiritual exercise outfit for a, “comfortable and convenient” version? Am I on the treadmill for God and working hard? Am I dedicated and working at it, or just looking as if I am? The good news is that the more we exercise our faith, the closer we get to God and the better shape we are in with Him! So I ask you, what are you wearing and why? The fancy sweatpants will still work, they just have to used. Something to think about…
The new priest is nervous about hearing confessions for the first time, so he asks an older priest to sit in on his sessions. The new priest hears a couple confessions, then the old priest asks him to step out of the confessional for a few suggestions. The old priest suggests, “Cross your arms over your chest, and rub your chin with one hand.” The new priest tries this. The old priest suggests, “Try saying things like, ‘I see,’ ‘yes, go on,’ and ‘I understand.’ ‘How did you feel about that?’ The new priest says those things. The old priest says, “Now, don’t you think that’s a little better than slapping your knee and saying, ‘Really?!? What happened next?’
What happens next between you and God is up to you. Lighthouse of Faith and God welcome you and your family just as you are. We are at 141 E. Main St. Canton. Services are Sun. at 10:30 am. Call 570-673-5912 or visit www.lighthousecanton.com Until next time, look up and smile!