Playing Lumberjack

Matthew 4:6-7 – And [the devil] saith unto [Jesus], If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (KJV)

Years ago, the boys in my neighbourhood used to play a very dangerous game called "lumberjack". It was something our parents did not know about, and it was very foolish to take chances with our lives in this fashion.

One of us would climb a tree, and then the others would chop it down so we could ride down with it. It was amazing that the only serious injury happened when my cousin Jim landed on Rodebaugh's barbed wire fence.

This was a very stupid thing to be doing, but a lot of intelligent people every day take chances with their immortal soul. They never really commit to Jesus Christ. Sunday morning is looked on as an obligation to be fulfilled so that one is free to live one's life the rest of the week. We play at church.

Sunday services should prepare the Christian to do battle. We are there to regroup, not to lick our wounds, not to fulfill an obligation, and not to be entertained. Church prepares a Christian to do battle all week. Marching orders are given on Sunday, but the duty of the Christian lies between Monday and Saturday. Our attitude should be, "Here I am, Lord. Send me."

Prayer: Father, our commitment to you is complete. Use us today in Jesus' name. Amen.

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