My Foot!

My feet are smaller than the feet of some people. Then again, my feet are bigger than the feet of others. When I buy shoes I need to try them on and walk in them a little bit to make sure they feel right; are comfortable, don't slip so as to cause blisters, and provide good support. This is especially important when I consider the shoes in which I will do my distance walking. If they are not right, not only will my feet be affected, but also my legs. Though some clothing may be labeled "One Size Fits All" -- or as I have seen more recently, "One Size Fits Most" -- I have not seen shoes marketed in such a manner.

This past week there was a program on television that interviewed a woman who provides a service offering "cheap" weddings at her little chapel. She made it clear she has done and is willing to do weddings for people of all faiths and then she made a statement that really caught my attention. She said, "Religion is like a pair of shoes. If it fits, wear it."

Accepting religion like buying shoes? "My foot!" What that concept does is relegates "religion" to personal preference rather than to truth. It is the philosophy that says, "If it makes me comfortable, it's for me. If it makes me uncomfortable, forget it!" Now, that may be a fine philosophy for shoes, but how does it compare with the expectation of God?

Paul urged Timothy to remain ready to "preach the word" because. . .
"(3) For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will ACCUMULATE FOR THEMSELVES TEACHERS TO SUIT THEIR OWN PASSIONS, (4) and WILL TURN AWAY FROM LISTENING TO THE TRUTH and wander off into myths." ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

The New Living Translation read, "They will follow their own desires and WILL LOOK FOR TEACHERS WHO WILL TELL THEM WHATEVER THEY WANT TO HEAR." [NLT © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House]

That warning was no more needed then than it is now. There remains the same tendency today. Though the TRUTH may at times make us uncomfortable, that is a good thing. It is a sign we still possess a heart that is touchable by the TRUTH and are able to recognize what needs to change with us. TRUTH is TRUTH! One size does fit all! God's Word is for everyone because He holds out His promises to everyone who will accept His Will and receive. (i.e. John 1:12) Since all of humanity -- when it comes to sin and the need for a means to adequately deal with it -- is in the same boat (note Romans 3:9-12), Jesus remains the same means "by which we must be saved" ( Acts 4:11-12) and by Whom we have access to the Father. ( John 14:6) May we remain mindful of walking in the TRUTH. It does fit the life God purposed to be lived.

Have a great day WITH EARS AIMED FOR THE FEET TO KEEP WALKING TOWARD GOD!
Carl

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