Could We Miss the Bull's Eye?

Could We Miss the Bull's Eye?

Tom Sliva, in his book "I'll Pay You Back," tells of how easy it is to miss the point of living life. 

"Two thieves may independently rob two different banks. As a result of the two independent actions both men find themselves in the same prison cell. The two can now identify with each other and cry on each other's shoulders and share their experiences with one another. These crooks have something in common but are essentially still living in the perpetuation of the crime. They both have settled in to an understanding of what misery is. They have not overcome their plight and their wisdom may go something like this: 'We should have listened to our friends who told us not to do it.' They laugh or cry, but heartily agree and are very sincere.

"This, however, is only the obvious moral answer for two people who are relegated to suffer loss because of wrong choices. They may use their unique opportunity to collaborate ideas. Maybe they discover that by putting their heads together that they can creatively find a way to break out of jail. They may together become resentful and lash out at society or they may turn inward and let their bad luck embitter them. These ideas are all weak, natural interventions and there are many others, some with more merit than others. Though seeming workable fixes, these are the limited kind of life's reactions that are the epitome of sagacity for many. This also included me." (Pages 34, 35)

Two thieves, two teenagers, two girls, two golfers, two professionals, two living in a house together, two people in Burma, Ethiopia, or on a rice paddy in Laos - the story goes on.

Do we miss the mark? Do we realize that our lives are limited by our unregenerate selves? No one can give a real, lasting answer to the problems we face. Have we seen deeply enough that our real problems are ourselves? We miss God. We miss truth. We are deficient, we lack Christ. OK, yes, we may believe in Him, but when it comes to everyday life do we realize He is our answer? We chicken out. We don't dare to really believe Him. We are afraid our "real" issue of pain and trouble will be addressed. "No, we believe God; but my friend and I have talked long and hard," we say.

"Come unto me," Jesus Christ said. "Learn of me. I am meek and lowly in heart. Take my yoke, it is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28, 29).

Yes, let's learn to train our ear to His words of truth that breaks the rock (Jeremiah 20:9; 23:29). Let's be bold enough to believe God for our lives. 

Isn't this the whole point of our new life - a new living dimension, a new grid, a new economy? It is sad to see the pain perpetuated as God pleaded with Israel again and again. (See Jeremiah chapters 2 -10, Hosea chapter 2, Isaiah chapter 56, and Lamentations.)

What can we say? Let us not turn our glory to shame, but decisively embrace Him and what He has said about us. He will turn us, He will heal us - He is here, and willing and able. His love surpasses the knowledge of one dimensional living. Lift up your eyes. God is here and love you.