Good morning and happy Saturday. Hope you have a chance to get out and enjoy the mild weather we are supposed to have today. The comfort index is forecast to be a pleasant 106 degrees. It is a good day to be thankful for a man named Willis Carrier. He is the one that invented the modern air conditioner. Sadly, he often get overlooked in history just like Johnny Crapper. However, each of our lives are better off because of their inventions.
The other day, Michelle and I were walking on one of the local trails. As we did, we came to a park area. One thing that caught my attention was a sign that said, “Permit play only.” That certainly puts a person in a quandary. What do you do if you see someone doing something other than playing? In reality, Michelle and I were walking for exercise. That would mean we were in violation of the rules. We saw a family sitting at a picnic table eating lunch together. Unfortunately, that isn’t playing. I wondered for a moment what I should do. Should I call the police? Should I take matters into my own hands? What should be the penalty for violating the mandate? There was a creek nearby so I thought maybe I should just toss them and their stuff in the water. Fortunately, Michelle pointed out that the sign meant that you were supposed to have a permit to use the soccer field. I quickly realized that I had interpreted the wording incorrectly and my rage began to subside. I took a deep breath and began to look around once again. And then I saw the sign that said, “Do not move goals.” What? Why not? What if you reach one of your goals?
Signs, signs, everywhere signs. As you wander about, there are signs, notices and banners everywhere. Most of the time, they make sense and you can understand what they are trying to communicate. Other times, not so much. When I was younger (so much younger than today…), I used to go to the KCK City Hall to get information on projects we were bidding and/or building. In the parking lot I used, there were signs mounted along the wall. Apparently, they had too many parking there blocking the lane so they decided to post numerous signs. Each one said, “No Parking. Car will be ticket.” Keep in mind, this was at the official government building for the City. I never saw it actually happen, but I often wondered how they could magically transform your car into a ticket. Wouldn’t it have been great to come back out and discover your car was gone and in its place a parking ticket? All without the use of a tow truck. Or maybe, someone could have proofread the signage and done it correctly.
Anyway, enough rambling on. One thing that we should all keep in mind is that when we are trying to communicate something, make sure others can understand it. Sometimes things may be clear in our minds but others don’t have the foggiest idea of what we are talking about. Probably more closely related to the short sayings on the signs is the usage of texts. It is a very useful tool to communicate in a rapid manner. However, we must keep in mind that sometimes people don’t read it the way that we intended it. Have you ever received a text that initially fired you up and then, after reading it again realized it meant something different?
One message that we must be absolutely clear on is the Gospel. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to be forgiven of your sins and be given eternal life. We live in a pluralistic world and there are many opinions, religions, well-meaning people and even a bunch of whackos out there. There are not multiple ways of getting to heaven. Salvation is not multiple choice. It is not based on popular opinion or wishful thinking. It is based on what Jesus did on the cross. Sadly, we live in a world where that message is being challenged. In a recent poll, many people who profess to be Christians, said that they believe there are other ways to go to heaven. That is why we must be sure that we understand the Gospel ourselves and also be willing to share it with those around us.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
1Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. (1 Corinthians 15:1-8)
May God bless you and guide you to speak the Truth to those around you.
Larry
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