Wow, I just got some good news! Well, may be not “good,” for me
physically, perhaps interesting would be a better word. I was reading one of my
favorite medical reports (which I have found to be very informative and
trustworthy) and found a way to justify my oft denied craving for Crispy Cream donuts.
The report said that they have found that there is more sugar in a Starbucks
Frapachino than in a Crispy Cream donut… So, now I can justify myself in
skipping Starbucks and instead picking up a Crispy Cream donut with chocolate
icing!
OK, I’ll continue to skip the donuts, but I still like them and
really could feel more justified in eating one (or two) now. Isn’t it strange
how our minds work? I have often said in considering life, that I can find a
way to justify just about anything I want. Think about it, the “New Car”
commercials on television plant the idea that it would just be great to have a
new car. Suddenly you start hearing noises when you drive. You notice that the
paint is a little more faded and scratched than you had thought. The tires are
going to have to be replaced soon and there are some other repairs that you
have been putting off, so why not start dreaming about the new car. Then before
long the dream becomes a passion and soon you are the owner of a new car (and
new car payments).
Now the same is true of furniture, appliances or even your house.
For some folks it is even their spouse or families that they begin finding
reasons to replace. Some even decide that their lives need some changing (and
not necessarily for the better). They decide to find out about all the world is
trying for fun, excitement and simulation. They become involved in drinking,
gambling and perhaps even sexual relationships outside of the marriage
covenant.
Now the world says this is great, they say: “try new things,”
“live your life anyway you want,” “don’t let old moral
views hold you back,” perhaps even “Crispy Cream donuts are good
for you”. Yet, the apostle Peter warned 2000 years ago, “Be
serious and keep watch; the Evil One, who is against you, goes about like a
lion with open mouth in search of food; Do not give way to him but be strong in
your faith, in the knowledge that your brothers who are in the world undergo
the same troubles. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
So where does this leave us? How do we deal with this issue? King
Solomon gave us an answer a couple of centuries ago when he said: “All
has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every
deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil”.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
--Russ Lawson
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