| | There is an exception to every rule. Or at least that is what we tell each other. As Americans we're an interesting bunch. If the sign says, "Authorized Personnel Only" we know that is just to keep 'other' unauthorized people out- it's okay if we want to go in. We are special. We are the exception. And we are good at finding exceptions. For instance, if someone says, "Children ought to honor and obey their parents" we say, "But you shouldn't take that too far, I mean, there are exceptions." And we quickly name a few exceptions. We are good at finding exceptions. Bring up Proverbs 22:6 and someone will say, "It doesn't actually mean that. I mean some kids are just gonna rebel." See, there are exceptions to that verse, and we're good at finding them. When we bump into Malachi 3:10 we are all over the map. First of all, that's Old Testament. Second of all cost of living was different back then. Third, we shouldn't set a number on it, that is so legalistic- there should be freedom for each individual to decide what he feels he should do. Fourth, etc, etc-. this is a real hot button issue. It has lots of exceptions and we can find them, because we are good at finding exceptions. We hear, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might." We start sputtering with qualifying statements like, "That means you just need to make sure you love God a little bit more than you love your 4x4 or your 'Stang." Exceptions are everywhere- who can find the most? If the Bible says we ought to "pray without ceasing" we say "that doesn't really mean we have to pray all the time..,." We are good at finding exceptions. What if we took our eyes off the exception book and started focusing on God? What if children everywhere started looking for as many ways as possible to honor and obey their parents? What if parents everywhere started looking for as many ways as possible to raise their children in a Godly manner? What if Christians everywhere started looking for more abundant ways to tithe? What if we all started seeing how many ways we could demonstrate that we love God with all our hearts, souls, and minds? What if we started looking for more ways to pray without ceasing or to meditate on God's Word day and night? What if we quit looking for ways to break every command with our silly search for exceptions and start looking for all the possible ways to fulfill every command? What if? If we stop looking for exceptions and start looking for applications why- We would be truly exceptional people!
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| | Posted 8/5/2009 5:42 PM - 19 Views - 0 eProps - 0 comments
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