Expanded beyond reason

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Growing up in the 50’s and 60’s, I experienced a different world than we have now. In many ways it seems that life is better now; however, could it be that it is not better in some very important ways? We have to admit there is more stress due to the fact that we have so much more. Having more means that there are more things to take care of. As a boy we did not have air conditioning in our house but we did have an attic fan. The first air conditioned car I ever saw was in 1962. Our family made a trip to Arizona in mid summer of 1959 without air conditioning in our car. We just rolled down the windows and let the 100 degree air blow in on us. Now, that sounds so primitive, but back then it was normal. We get acclimated to what we have and never miss what we have no knowledge of.

It is said that once we are expanded we cannot go back. These things that have expanded us soon become normal. I cannot imagine going to sleep every night in temperatures of 90 in my bedroom, or making a 2,000 mile trip in 100 degree heat in a car with kids and no air conditioning. I did, however, experience it at one time in my life and didn’t think anything about it because it was all that I knew.

I have to ask myself if there can be an adverse effect in what we might perceive as expansion. As an example; when you are filling a balloon or tire with air, they can only expand to a point and then they will rupture. Are we the same? I listen to the things that people seem to believe and it makes no sense. Then I am reminded that there is evil in the heart of man and if I were to confront them about it, they would insist that they were expanded and enlightened.

Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

It seems that our values are eroding under a scourge of immorality. In his announcement that he was running for president of the United States, Ronald Reagan said: “I believe this nation hungers for a spiritual revival… Government should uphold and not undermine those institutions which are custodians of the very values upon which civilization is founded; religion, education, and above all, family.”

Isaiah 5:23 – “Woe to men who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man!”

We must all examine our lives and realize that without knowledge of God’s Word, we can be deceived and expanded beyond reason.

These are the practical life issues we discuss at the Gathering Place every Sunday morning at 9:30 and 10:30; and Wednesday evening at 7. We have youth group and First Steps Recovery Sunday evening at 6. Come and join in.

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