Trusting Vain Things

I have spent a lot of time with baseball players. It is amazing the routines that they use because they believe these things bring them luck. It could be socks that they wore when their hitting streak began and now they refuse to wear any other socks, or even to wash the trusted socks. It could be their routine or walkup music when they approach the batter’s box. Again they don’t want to change anything in the slightest, because they believe in the luck that these things supposedly bring. We do the same thing in different situations. We may believe that one path to the workplace leads to a quick drive and a good day. Some people believe that their morning coffee is essential to how their day will go.

Acts 14:15 says, “We bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and all that is in them.” The good news is the simple message of turning away from things that offer no real truth or value. Instead, turn to the God who created all things and put your trust in Him. Trusting in ourselves, our routines, our favorite things and our thoughts will ultimately lead us down the wrong path and into futility. Turning from these things and trusting God will lead us down the right path, providing us with what we truly desire.

Restoration

Suppose that you have furniture that you want to restore. You research possible design features and make your choice. Then, you have to remove old finishes and upholstery. You may have to rebuild parts of the furniture. Then, you can begin to put on the new design. When the project is finished, hopefully, you are satisfied with the new look and function of the furniture.

Psalm 51:12 says, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” God always wants to do these two works in us; bringing us the joy of the salvation and placing a spirit within us that is willing to follow Him. His restoration project in us will involve removing old behaviors and attitudes. He will make us into new creations of His specific design upon our lives. As He does this magnificent work, He will give us joy, though the process may be difficult for us. If we agree, He will put a willing spirit within us, so that the result may be beautiful.

Sacrifice

I believe that we look upon sacrifices incorrectly. When we think of sacrifice, we think of what it costs us. We should be thinking of what it does for others, rather than how much it costs us. For instance, we talk about sacrificing some time to help others. But the reality, and most significant part of this act, is the benefit that it provides the one that is helped. We don’t feel the cost as much when we focus on the benefits.

In Psalms 50:14-15 God says, “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Continually offer thanksgiving to God and follow through on the promises you make to Him, as these are the sacrifices that He will always accept. These sacrifices glorify God. Call upon God when you are facing troubles, and He promises to deliver you through them, as this brings praise to Him.

Think Before Speaking

We all have heard the expression, “think before you speak.” We have probably experienced many situations when we wished we had done just that. Or at least, we have heard something that other people probably regretted saying later. We are so eager to speak at times that we fail to consider the words that we should use, rather than just reacting to what has been said.

Proverbs 15:28 says, “The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.” When we think before we speak, we give time for the Lord to give us wisdom in what we will say, rather than just reacting to what has been said. This godly wisdom will lead us to speak into the need of the moment and provide wisdom and encouragement to the listeners.

Do Overs

Sometimes I wish I could have a “do over”. When I mess something up or do something with unintended consequences, I want to erase what happened and try it again. God doesn’t give us do overs when we sin or fail. But He does give us the opportunity to start afresh, cleansed from the dirt we created in our lives.

Acts 15:8-9 says, “And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” God knows our hearts, and yet, still loves us steadfastly. When we fail, He knows. He is ready to cleanse our hearts and bear witness that we are His child by the Holy Spirit in us. We just need to return to Him and confess our sins, turning away from them and return back to God.