Thoughts while at the dentist
Yesterday, I had the privilege of going to the dentist for a check-up and cleaning. I really don't mind the dentist. As I was sitting there thinking about what they do during a cleaning-remove plaque to prevent decay and see how well you are doing at home (flossing and brushing). I thought of several parallels to our spiritual life.
First, lets talk about plaque that causes decay. We see so much of this in our culture and within the church. We see media full of commercials and tv shows that are not family friendly. We should not have to worry what our kids see when watching a 7 p.m. show. TV and movies are pushing the limits. I am sure our grandparents would be appalled at the things that are on TV on the main networks during the family hour. I know the ratings for movies has changed dramatically. It is sad to know that directors add to or take away whatever is needed to allow for a certain rating.
Even more alarming is the state of the church. The church used to be a place of absolute truth, but so many denominations are now sacrificing the truth of God's Word for tolerance. I agree at times the church has focused so much on truth that grace has been minimized. This is an equal and opposite error. I believe Christ wants the church to be a place that balances grace and truth. When we mess with the truth of God's Word and who Jesus is, plaque is forming and will bring decay in the church. Similarly, when we don't serve others and show grace to those around us, we bring about decay as well.
The dentist also checks to see how well we are taking care of our teeth. For our teeth, it is brushing and flossing. In our spiritual lives, there are things we do on a regular basis to keep ourselves spiritually healthy. Some of these include prayer and reading God's Word. If we want to stay close to God, we must spend time with Him through prayer and His Word. We don't do this to earn God's Love or to show how spiritual we are, but instead because of our love for God. Other important areas of care include serving others and being a part of the church. Service is doing what Jesus did while on earth. We too need to serve others who are in need. We also must be involved in the Body of Christ called the church. We must encourage others there as well as give of our time, energy, and finances. The church needs each of us. We cannot fly solo in the Christian life.
I hope you enjoy your next visit to your dentist and more importantly, that we would be watching for areas of plaque around us that is causing decay as well as taking good care of ourselves spiritually on a regular basis.
First, lets talk about plaque that causes decay. We see so much of this in our culture and within the church. We see media full of commercials and tv shows that are not family friendly. We should not have to worry what our kids see when watching a 7 p.m. show. TV and movies are pushing the limits. I am sure our grandparents would be appalled at the things that are on TV on the main networks during the family hour. I know the ratings for movies has changed dramatically. It is sad to know that directors add to or take away whatever is needed to allow for a certain rating.
Even more alarming is the state of the church. The church used to be a place of absolute truth, but so many denominations are now sacrificing the truth of God's Word for tolerance. I agree at times the church has focused so much on truth that grace has been minimized. This is an equal and opposite error. I believe Christ wants the church to be a place that balances grace and truth. When we mess with the truth of God's Word and who Jesus is, plaque is forming and will bring decay in the church. Similarly, when we don't serve others and show grace to those around us, we bring about decay as well.
The dentist also checks to see how well we are taking care of our teeth. For our teeth, it is brushing and flossing. In our spiritual lives, there are things we do on a regular basis to keep ourselves spiritually healthy. Some of these include prayer and reading God's Word. If we want to stay close to God, we must spend time with Him through prayer and His Word. We don't do this to earn God's Love or to show how spiritual we are, but instead because of our love for God. Other important areas of care include serving others and being a part of the church. Service is doing what Jesus did while on earth. We too need to serve others who are in need. We also must be involved in the Body of Christ called the church. We must encourage others there as well as give of our time, energy, and finances. The church needs each of us. We cannot fly solo in the Christian life.
I hope you enjoy your next visit to your dentist and more importantly, that we would be watching for areas of plaque around us that is causing decay as well as taking good care of ourselves spiritually on a regular basis.
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