Apples of Gold

West Virginia has been very dry this summer. Our front lawn has been struggling to survive. Not only has rain been scarce and temperatures unusually high, but we had a very large tree cut down in the fall. This tree was so big that large portions of the lawn had more of the squishy, mossy consistency of a forest floor than a front lawn. Other lawns have suffered the same fate, dry crackling grass abounds in our community. It seems only those with sprinkler systems, or with the time and discipline required to drench the grass with a hose at the right time of day, have remained unscathed.

Thankfully this weather phenomenon is somewhat isolated and since West Virginia is not exactly the farming capital of the country, the impact will not be very far reaching. Our nation is in much more danger of economic destruction as inflation surges and severely impacts the budgets of all but the very wealthy. 

Regardless of the weather, it is the widely accepted consensus that our nation is in a chronic morality drought. Many in power desire to push God’s moral code, as well as those who follow it, into the realm of radical, fringe zealots. As followers of Jesus, we have our marching orders:

At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14

This Scripture is often associated with a call to prayer. While that is definitely part of the exhortation, there is quite a bit more to it. The first call is to humility. How often do we truly recognize how utterly dependent we are on the benevolence of God? We tend to display our “good works” as if they were a report card, garnering favor and praise. So here is a timely reminder from the Apostle Paul:

And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. Romans 7:18

Isaiah also gives us cause to pause and recognize our fragility.

We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind. Isaiah 64:6

Acknowledging our true condition and the divine remedy is a cure for vanity. 

Notice Chronicles distinguishes between praying and seeking God’s face. Certainly prayer is an avenue for seeking God’s face but often it is more of a spiritual “gift” registry, filled from beginning to end with our wish list of wants and needs. It is important that one of those needs is God Himself. His will, HIs way, His timing for our lives; but we are also compelled to ask Him for Him.

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. Philippians 3:10

Many go after the power. The call is to go after his presence. To know the heart and mind of God-there is no higher pursuit. More of Him and less of me. 

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30

Probably the most conveniently overlooked part of the charge is to turn from our wicked ways. Change-real change. Turning our back and running at a full sprint away from the things that grieve God. Certainly there are obvious things on the outside that conflict with the guidance laid out in the Word of God; but perhaps even more crucial, setting aside the things no one other than God will ever see. Our hearts, our character, our thoughts might not be visible to others but the things concealed there will have a definite impact on not only on us but on those around us. Each of us must guard against having a secret life in the realm of the unseen. 

We have all observed the gushy, sappy Facebook posts that convey a lifestyle that is contrary to everything we observe on a daily basis. Duplicity must be avoided in our spiritual lives. If we look great on the outside but are concealing internal treachery, we are in a world of trouble. May our character be consistent whether we are on a platform or in solitary confinement.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me-now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Psalm 51:7-10