We live in a generation...
Illustration
We live in a generation that often seems to have a Burger King spiritual mentality. We know what we want from God: we clearly place our order for what we want and how we want it. The hymn of the day might be: 'Have it your way. Have it your way. Have it your way at Burger King." Or Christ the King. Or whatever.
Like Naaman, we believe God can help us. Like Naaman, we know that God has the power to answer our prayers. Like Naaman, we often tell God exactly what we want. Like Naaman, we have a Burger King spiritual mentality.
Sometimes God surprises us by answering "yes" to our prayers, as he said yes to Naaman. It is not surprising that he often answers "no" (we dare not forget that no certainly is an answer). Often our prayers are totally self-centered and self-serving.
God says a big Yes to our prayers that we might have real life, and have it more abundantly. He says go to St. Paul's-by-the-gas-station, be immersed in their worship and service, and you will experience eternal, new life, joy, hope, and inspiration.
But, we plead, "I would rather bask in the warm glow of my TV and listen to the media preachers." Or we would rather sit on a rock in the woods. After all, those people at St. Paul's-by-the-gas-station can be disagreeable. Some don't always take a bath on Saturday nights, and many of them sing off-key. Why do I have to sit beside such inadequate people if I want new life, real spiritual healing, and power?
"Because I said so," comes the answer from the Father.
So much for Burger King religion.
Like Naaman, we believe God can help us. Like Naaman, we know that God has the power to answer our prayers. Like Naaman, we often tell God exactly what we want. Like Naaman, we have a Burger King spiritual mentality.
Sometimes God surprises us by answering "yes" to our prayers, as he said yes to Naaman. It is not surprising that he often answers "no" (we dare not forget that no certainly is an answer). Often our prayers are totally self-centered and self-serving.
God says a big Yes to our prayers that we might have real life, and have it more abundantly. He says go to St. Paul's-by-the-gas-station, be immersed in their worship and service, and you will experience eternal, new life, joy, hope, and inspiration.
But, we plead, "I would rather bask in the warm glow of my TV and listen to the media preachers." Or we would rather sit on a rock in the woods. After all, those people at St. Paul's-by-the-gas-station can be disagreeable. Some don't always take a bath on Saturday nights, and many of them sing off-key. Why do I have to sit beside such inadequate people if I want new life, real spiritual healing, and power?
"Because I said so," comes the answer from the Father.
So much for Burger King religion.
