Deuteronomy 18:10-13
Don’t sacrifice your son or
daughter. And don’t try to use any kind of magic or witchcraft to tell
fortunes or to cast spells or to talk with spirits of the dead.
The
Lord is disgusted with anyone who does these things, and that’s why he
will help you destroy the nations that are in the land. Never be guilty
of doing any of these disgusting things!
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The
media is buzzing over what was apparently false news reporting by NBC
Nightly News anchor Brian Williams, who has admitted that he exaggerated
his involvement in an incident in 2003 that involved military
helicopters and soldiers he accompanied during the opening weeks of the
war in Iraq. If you are like a lot of people, you’ve been a little
disappointed – and surprised – by this disclosure. After all, we
“welcome” these news anchors into our homes each evening – and let’s be
honest – we make them “like family” and trust them to deliver the news
with integrity and accuracy.
We ought to know better, but it’s
human nature to want to believe these people. And it’s no different for
many who desperately want to hear a “medium” tell them that their mother
or father is “stepping forward with a message” from beyond. Who
wouldn’t like to think that their dearly departed loved one is standing
beside them saying, “Everything is okay.” When these people who claim
to hear from “Spirit”, ask a few questions and seem to divulge
information that only you could know, some are convinced that they truly
are hearing from those on “the other side”.
Many of us have
attached significance to rituals and practices of the church that
erroneously elevate these to a level that God did not ordain. God is no
more present at the altar of your church sanctuary than in your home,
your car, or at your favorite fishing hole. The act of giving up
something for Lent or fasting doesn’t necessarily make one more holy –
or even draw you closer to God. These are not bad – or wrong –
practices. But we must carefully examine our motives and the context
and make sure that we are not seeking God in something because it makes
us feel good about our faith.
When we fully unpack all of this,
we see that the pervading desire is to draw closer to God…to find Him
and hear from Him in a personal, significant way. And we don’t need
witchcraft, sacrifices, rituals or communication with the dead to
accomplish this. We’ve made so much of our faith into something that is
not what God planned…so it’s no wonder that we have trouble finding
Him!
The time has come for us to simplify…to reduce the “white
noise” and outside voices…and truly spend some time in the still and
quiet of God’s presence. Make the effort – and for many,
it will be just that – to shut out the world for a few minutes and just
“be” with God. Open your Bible and let God’s word speak to you – the
Psalms are a great place to begin. Start a dialog with God…simply say,
“Come Holy Spirit”…and invite Him to commence the conversation. Even if
your mind wanders at first, direct your attention back to God and this
quiet moment, and learn to connect with Him in a new and profound way.
Many
of us are looking for truth in all the wrong places…the news media,
friends and acquaintances, celebrities, elected officials, and even
church leaders. While a lot of these folks truly are “good” people…even
faith-filled Christians…they are all human – and imperfect. God is
calling us to count on Him as our compass…not the world. He is ready,
willing and more than able to meet us right where we are, but we have to
give Him our full attention and devotion. Are you seeking His will and
His word? Are you looking in the right places for God? Isn’t it time
you were?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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