Hokey Pokey Christians

March 3, 2017 – Friday

Read:  Luke 16:13 – 15, TLB
Focus:  v. 13, TLB

 “For neither you nor anyone else can serve two masters. You will hate one
and show loyalty to the other, or else the other way around – you will be enthusiastic
about one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

The scripture here describes a person whose priorities are out of alignment. He is trying to please his master, but in a dishonest way. Jesus says that this cannot be done in God’s Kingdom. We cannot fully serve God and earthly things at the same time.

I was noticing a while ago that one of my favorite lockets has a habit of turning itself around as I move through the day. One minute it faces forward (as desired) and the next time I look it has hidden its face and presents another side for viewing. It is sort of like “the Hokey-Pokey” that we used to do as youngsters. We did all sorts of motions and then turned ourselves around and “that’s what it’s all about!”

Now, think of some Christians who seem to turn themselves around to fit the conversation, or the situation, or the occasion. They present a different face each time, to fit in or to gain approval. They tell themselves, “God knows my heart and He will understand.” Well, yes, He does understand our hearts, as verse 15 here says. But He does not approve when blessing and cursing come from the same mouth. He does not approve when you smile at coarse language or wink at what He has called evil. He wants your whole heart because that is the only acceptable way. We can use Christ’s example of the commitment to the Father’s will at the crucifixion and face straight ahead, with no veering to the right or the left.

By becoming a Christian, you have “turned yourself around.” You have found “what it’s all about” – don’t let the world get in the way. “Put your whole self in” and stay there!