God’s amazing creation consists of natural adrenaline which lifts the body and spirit above the realm of reality, even if but for a moment. The moment, regardless of what it might be, may not be felt until a few days have passed. Both highs and lows; successes and heartbreaks might not be felt for some time. Nevertheless, a few days later, reality sets in and the realization is settled.
I know that this is not considered spiritual, but I submit that God has made our bodies to be sufficient in physical and mental health. So in triumph or defeat, we are given the ability to enjoy or overcome the moment. The biblical description of the day after is found in the phrase, “and it came to pass.”
Given this premise, I am seeing the other side of the moment when our past choices affect our present reality. For instance, sometimes people win arguments, but afterward they are left with less than they began. Some prove their point, but lose the greater ground of moral authority. Our choices can result in spiritual gain or fleshly endeavors. Our decisions, both individually and corporately, determine who we are and what we become. If the new reality shows us carnal, then we know that we have sacrificed the wrong thing. However, if we have given ourselves to the things of God, then there will be a spiritual strength.
In short, the reality of our current day is directly related to our conduct, conversation, and thought. We are who we have decided to be. We are making a trade everyday of our lives. We are either trading individualism to be hid in Christ or we are trading holiness in order to be carnal. Being accepted by the world means that compromises have taken place. Being accepted by God might mean that we have been rejected by the world. We are and will be the conclusion of our cumulative choices.
Jesus said it this way, “And what shall man give in exchange for his soul?” The question has an answer and sometimes it is not “nothing.” For some the answer is “something.” Paul wrote, “What shall separate us from the love of God?” The list is extensive, but the point is that there are things that will separate us from God. Even writing this I feel it to be a turn off, as if it’s too much hyperbole. It’s like the “Preacher’s rhetoric” bellowing from his soapbox…just a man sermonizing on paper. Nevertheless, I am compelled to ask, “What happens afterward?” I’m compelled to ask you “what then” after the adrenaline has faded and the trade has been made? I am compelled not to go quietly into the sunset, and become a teacher who fails to challenge the lifestyle of the professed Christian.
We cannot gamble on our salvation, but we must make our calling and election sure. “And it came to pass” is on its way which should make us sober and intentional in the lives we are living.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole