There was a movie, even before I was born, entitled It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. It wasn’t about the world being angry but about how crazy things can become. It was a comedy based on an eclectic group of strangers in pursuit of a missing suitcase of cash. It was full of slapstick comedy, plenty of one liners and quirky situations. You simply wondered what was going to happen next.
I’m not sure if I have become a character in a new movie or if the world has truly become this crazy. If I’ve had a conversation with you over the last month I’m not including you! 🤪. I’m talking about those weirdos making bad decisions about relationships, life, finances, jobs, and the list could go on and on. Seriously, does no one pray, think Biblically, and logically anymore? Are we just reacting to external pressures in the easiest, quickest way to fleshly satisfaction? Are we running from reality wildly into the unknown?
In another movie reference “Cowboys” John Wayne has hired a group of rambunctious young boys to lead a cattle drive. They all get in a scuffle and he’s picking them up one by one and saying, “Settle down, get back on the fence!” This morning I want to shout at the world, “Settle down, get back on the fence!”
James writes these words:
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
If you have made it this far let me say, I’m writing to you from a shepherd’s heart. Not out of anger or frustration but love. A love that compels me to preach, teach, and disciple the flock has entrusted to my care. If I can ever be of assistance physically or spiritually I will do my best. I love you!
Special Announcment
We will not have a regular Wednesday service tonight. We will be having a meal and a CPR class. The meal will start at 6 in the Family Life Center and we will move back to the church for the class until 9pm