101 THINGS TO DO
William Andrew Dillard
On a recent trip, the two hours difference between Central and Pacific time found me up at about 5:30 as usual. The only trouble: it was only 3:30 local time. Retreating to the small lobby of the quaint Hotel in historic Groveland, CA, I saw a commercial paper on the coffee table entitled 101 THINGS TO DO IN THE YOSEMITE AREA. I read many of them with interest, but failed to notice any reference to spiritual activities. Of course, that precipitated paper and pen.
Now in the life of most Americans, one may feel as though there are 1,001 things to do. Similarly few, if any, of these may include spiritual activities. Does this not underscore a terribly skewed lifestyle? Inasmuch as one’s approximate “Threescore and ten” years on this terrestrial ball, compared to the endless ages to live beyond this brief journey, does it not make much more sense to live in continued preparation for that which is to come?
Certainly, one cannot escape many mundane demands in life, but to live as though this world were all there is to life is to play the role of a fool . . . who says in his heart, “There is no God; hence, no accountability to a higher power.” This is the ultimate folly of men reputed to be educated, and intelligent. Could it be that some are educated beyond their intelligence??
Solomon, the wisest man to walk these paths of life left no little information about what men should be pursuing in the brevity of their days. At the end of his writing in Ecclesiastes, he pungently summarized, “Let us hear the conclusion of the matter: fear God and keep His commandments for this is the whole duty of man.” Ecc. 12:13.
Common observation produces evidence that most men are therein derelict in their duty, not understanding that they will live for millions of timeless years regretting it. So, 101 things to do, or 1,001 things to do, wisdom says: prioritize and see to it that personal repentance from sin and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is number ONE! Then living in discipleship to the Savior is to follow consistently. Whatever else is left to do is of little consequence in the scheme of things. Doubtless, you, dear reader, have many things to do. What is your priority? Remember, you and I really are on this planet for specific purposes. I am going to hear and heed the wisdom of Solomon. Here is hoping you will, too!
Epicurean Living
What is life about? A look at life, a true look at life can be very unsettling. Here is this existence we have but what is it for. Why do we exist? Is this life to be a simple emotional roller coaster we ride to the end? Our news programs reach for the emotion in us. They will move from a story about casualties from an earthquake in China, to a car bombing in Iraq, to the latest revelations about the declining housing market in the cities of America, then almost without a pause we move to the latest developing thunderstorms and then with a smile and a shuffle of papers we end “on a lighter note” with a story about a puppy rescued from a storm drain. Our emotions have suffered, we were mad, sad, sorry and glad within the the time of about 30 minutes. Is that what life is about? Emotion, Emotion, Emotion? Many live this way. They live unto themselves.
This is called Epicurean. Epicurus taught his followers that seeking pleasure was life’s greatest good. It teaches that pleasure and happiness are the primary and chief goals in life. It also taught that pleasure was essential in order to attain a state of tranquility and freedom from feat. Ultimately the pursuit of pleasure would eradicate mental suffering and physical pain.
Satan offered Jesus the Epicurean lifestyle when in the wilderness he approached Jesus and made several offers – Turn stone to bread, I will give you power and glory, prove your greatness. These were the same areas Eve was tempted in. Eve yielded, Jesus did not yield.
You know that there are many religious people that live the Epicurean lifestyle. It is reflected in their approach to worshiping God on His day. They set out with an agenda of what they want and how they want to worship. They have become self-willed and changed the worship of God to please themselves.
I like what Jesus said to the woman at the well – “John 4:22 – Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship for salvation is of the Jews.” There are many in the same boat today floating in the waters of worship, know what they are worshiping because they have not determine through God’s Word how HE WANTS TO BE WORSHIPED. Their attitude is, if it is good enough for me and I enjoy it, it should be good enough for God. What a pathetic attitude towards the one that loved us so much He sent His son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16). God sets the standard for worship and that alone is what He accepts. It is time to decide whether we will worship God and revel in self and an Epicurean lifestyle.Technorati Tags: epicurean, lifestyle, salvation, God,
Leave a comment
Filed under Commentary
Tagged as epicurean, God, Jesus, lifestyle, salvation, Son, worship