When I was a freshmen many years ago we had to go through an initiation
to become part of the high school. Being an event of the school the initiation
was kept in control and a lot of fun, letting the incoming
class know they were on the bottom of the totem pole. For the party that
night the freshman boys were required to wear a ladies nightgown, wash their
hair and not comb it, and write a love letter to a girl. This letter had to be
read aloud to any senior girl that requested it be read to them. Paraphrasing a
joke I saw in a magazine my love letter went something like this:
Dear love of my
life,
You are the reason for my existence, you
control my heart. There is nothing I would not do to have a moment with you.
There is no mountain high enough, no stream strong enough, nor ocean deep
enough to keep me from your side. I would walk over burning embers with out a
complaint, to gaze into your beautiful eyes. I would fight raging tigers for
the touch of your hand on mine. I would face any danger the world could throw
at me for one sweet kiss from your lips. I would give my life to protect you
and keep you safe from all harm.
I am yours forever.
P.S. I will try
and make it over tomorrow night if it isn’t raining.
Sometimes we treat
our relationship with our Lord in the same manner. It is so easy to make
promises, especially when carried away by emotions. But it is very hard to
bring them into the reality of the world, our everyday life. We add many P.S.’s to our promises or commitments as we strive to
implement them.
I will spend more
time with the Lord. - P.S. as long as it fits into my busy schedule.
I will tell my
friends about Jesus. - P.S. as long as it is the right situation and I won’t
embarrass myself in front of others.
I will only watch
movies and television shows with Christian values. - P.S. some of the good
shows only have a few bad parts so one can overlook them because the rest of
the content is good.
I will take time
to have devotions with my children. - P.S. as long as it can fit in with their
homework, sports, and other activities.
I will give to the
Lord and those less fortunate. - P.S. as long as I have something left over
from living a reasonably pleasurable lifestyle.
I will stand up
for my God when others belittle Him, make jokes about my best friend, use His
name in profanity, or defame Him in any other way. - P.S. surely this means
only when the majority of people around agree with me, otherwise it is better
to ignore the situation.
I love the Lord
more than anything else, even if I have to give up everything to follow Him. -
P.S. Surely the Lord wants me to faithfully take care of myself and my family
so I must consider our needs first. Also if I give up the rest of what I have I
will not be able to support the church, so I will give up only what I have left
over after living a “Christian lifestyle”.
I will give my
life before denying my Savior - P.S. Surely this means your
willing to fight for your beliefs, but if your dead how can you help promote
the Lord’s work. One must be rational to the situation and act according to it.
We all P.S. the
Lord in our own ways, and find excuses to rationalize
our behavior. But it all boils down to the faith, love, and dedication one has
for their God. There are no easy answers to many of the situations we face.
Many times when our beliefs are known it is better to leave, letting all know
you do not want to be part of anything that your Lord
would not approve of. Other times we must let people know we do not want people
berating our best friend, to stand up for Jesus no matter what the cost. But
there is one answer that is sure, until we get rid of the “I”, until we realize
that we alone are unable to do anything, is it possible for the Holy Spirit to
come into our hearts and give us the faith to follow our Lord. For we can do nothing, but everything is possible with the Lord’s
help.