What are you missing?

                Invariably there comes a time when people feel they may be missing out on something. My dog is like that. He could be lying down resting, but if he hears a noise either inside or outside, he UP and checking it out. He doesn’t want to miss anything that’s going on. I wonder what goes thru their minds at a time like that? People can be like that also. At times those who called themselves Christians may feel THEY are missing something by not being OF THE WORLD. (At least we’re cautioned in scripture not to be.)

                What is so attractive about the things of the world? They speak to the baser side of the human mind. They attempt to draw you in and then lock you up. Once you’re hooked you will need to struggle twice as hard to get out. The seedy side of life can appear attractive from a certain point of view, but it will always leave you wanting something more. That is the way Satan’s web of lies and deceit works. Satan is the “prince of the power of the air”. God kicked him out of heaven for insubordination. He was cast down to earth where he has done his level best to disrupt the natural order of things. While God causes or allows whatever transpires in this life, Satan was given rule & reign over earth. Hence the proliferation of evil that takes place EVERY DAY.

                To live according to worldly standards is to play in Satan’s sandbox. Most folks would never consider that reality, but if the Bible is true, and I believe it is, then that is exactly what we’re dealing with each day. The devil’s toys. The devil’s venue. God gives us all the self-control we will ever need to avoid the pitfalls that arise in this sin-sick, dark, evil world, but we must SEEK IT. It doesn’t happen automatically.

                I got saved at the age of 24. I lived my youth in the world. I found no major attraction in the world that captivated my imagination. Nothing. I followed sports and played basketball or baseball whenever the opportunity presented itself. I grew up in a lifeless denominational church that growing up seemed more like a requirement than something I sought to do on my own. I went because my mom went. Dad stayed home. Nothing really drew me in. If I ever had the occasion to look thru a Penthouse or Playboy magazine as a youth, I quickly considered it something unattainable and dismissed it. I never got hooked on anything of that nature. Nothing in this world was alluring to me. I lived my life and did what I was told to do growing up. I suppose I was one of the fortunate ones. 

                How you look at things as an adult has a lot to do with how you were raised. If your parents were heavy drinkers, you probably will continue the cycle that may go on thru multiple generations until someone or something puts stop to it. If all your friends are addicted to gambling you may fall into the same trap. There isn’t much that is worth the time it takes to involve yourself from a secular perspective, and there isn’t ANYTHING that is worth your time from a spiritual and eternal point of view. 

                  God isn’t some cruel task master who wants to rob you of all your pleasure. What it comes down to is the fact that He knows us better than we know ourselves and has presented us with a blueprint for living a life that can be rewarding, generally peaceful and filled with hope for the future. Try not to dwell on what you feel you may be missing and tap into God’s way of living. Dwelling on negatives gets you nowhere. Shed the negativism and seek the joy of the Lord, which is available by asking God for it. Converse with the Lord regularly to maintain a line of communication. By doing so you can experience the presence of the Lord.  

                  Until next time, walk with the Lord & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries