Trending
The other day I was "surfing the Internet." So many items and gadgets kept popping up faster than I could even think. Technology is increasing beyond our wildest dreams. I remember when we got our first microwave. It was huge! We were excited to have it and yet afraid to use it. Now it seems as if we cannot cook without it. Right now, I am typing this article on a computer that actually depreciated in value the moment I bought it. I don’t even know all that this computer can be used for. And newer, better models are already available. We can stay at home and have the world at our fingertips.
It is hard for us to envision a world without technology and the miracles of modern medicine. There are so many advancements and cures. However, for all of these marvels of mankind, people are still hurting, empty and suffering. Why? Because we are pulling further and further away from God. Relying on man's own thinking, feelings, abilities and discoveries. A great example of this is the Tower of Babel found in Genesis 11. After the flood, people were increasing and spreading out. Everyone spoke the same language and were unified. However, this unity was deceptive. They started to think they could get the best and be the best on their own. In complete agreement and maybe it was to save themselves from a second flood, they decided to build a city that reached to the heavens so that they could be "famous," not depending on God. Having seen what and knowing why men were building the tower, the Lord decided to create differences among them starting with their language. God knew in their rebellion against Him, "no evil thing they imagine they can do will be impossible for them." Genesis 11:6. I think today we are seeing the same intentions and motivations as the people of Babel. All our money, knowledge and technology will never satisfy us. No matter what direction we choose, we will always end up in the same place, needing God. We cannot "build" our own way to God.
Do not misunderstand, I am very thankful for many of our "inventions." My point is we cannot live by them alone. We were not created and designed to live by our own will. We are made in the image of God, needing God. One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Psalm 1, especially the first three verses. According to Psalm 1:1, blessed is the person who does not "follow" man's evil ways, does not "stand" in the path of sinners or "sit" with mockers. Basically, we are living for God. Verse 2 explains how to reach God, by looking to Him and His Word first and always. In verse 3, the result is we will be like a tree "firmly planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in due season. Its leaf does not wither and all that it does prospers." We need a transplant, be transformed and transplanted.
Transplant literally means to "move from one place to another; to replace." Ezekiel 36: 26-27 explains that through the Holy Spirit, God can replace our selfish, worldly and prideful hearts with a new loving, kind and grateful heart which will unite our desires with God. He has given each of us a universal donor, Jesus who paid the price for us to be forgiven, have salvation and live forever. We do not have to build a tower of our own invention; we just need to receive and believe in God's gift of Jesus.
A "transplanted" heart is expected to function, doing what it is meant to do. Once Jesus is in our hearts, we will be transformed. Becoming more like Jesus in our thoughts, words and actions. Understanding God more and having a greater connection with God through prayer, scripture, worship, fellowship and knowing God by putting Him first in our lives.
Sometimes as plants grow, they need to be transplanted to a bigger, new pot so that they can continue to grow and produce fruit. The same is true of us. God expects us to grow spiritually so that our faith will influence and help others who will believe in Jesus and live for God. Will it always be easy? No...Will there be times of difficulty and even suffering? Yes...There is always a risk in transplanting a plant that it will take root and thrive. But this is for sure and this I know; God will be with you every moment of every day and you will never be alone. The ultimate prize is to know that we are forgiven, cared for, protected and will live forever with God in love and peace with no more tears, no more pain.
With all our "so-called" wisdom, we can see our world weaken physically, mentally and spiritually every day. But there is hope! Jesus is our hope! He can give us new life, a new "heart," new values and desires that will last forever. And it is the only way. "Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.'" John 14:6
Now is the time to give your heart to Jesus with a transplant, transformed and transplanted. "But the godly will flourish like palm trees and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. For they are transplanted to the Lord's own house. They flourish in the courts of God. Even in their old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green. They will declare, The Lord is Just! He is my rock! There is no evil in him!" Psalm 92:13-15 NLT
-- -- -- --
Finding Faith is written by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Janis Heiser, who pastors a Home Church online and in Lock Haven.