Reminders for Your Spiritual Journey

British publisher Ernest Benn (1875-1954) said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”  His assessment still seems quite accurate all these years later. The Week, 5/24/24, p.17. Almost all politicians are prone to make promises, saying that if you elect me, I will make your life better in some way.  Sometimes they follow through, but all too often, they fall far short of what they say they will do.  Maybe that is one of the reasons it is so hard for us to put our trust in anyone, including God himself. 

It is true that no human being can guarantee that the things they promise will come to pass, so we often take their assurance of they will definitely do, give, or arrange with a healthy dose of skepticism.  God’s promises, on the other hand, can be completely relied upon. In the Bible, God promises: His constant presence, provision, protection, forgiveness, peace, guidance, strength, hope, and eternal life.  He also offers believers support in troubles, wisdom for decision making, and the assurance that He fulfilled His promise of salvation through Jesus Christ’s death on the cross.   

God’s promises are very specific.  For example, in Deuteronomy 31:8 He says: "I will never leave you." In Jeremiah 29:11 He says, "I have plans to prosper you." In Philippians 4:19 He says:” I will provide for all your needs" and in John 3:16 He says: "I will give you eternal life."  The only thing he asks in return, is that we believe Him and trust Him completely.  Therein lies the problem, because we tend to apply the same skepticism to God’s promises as we do to the promises of human beings. What’s more, we are by nature impatient and often grow weary and frustrated when we have to wait for God to respond to our requests or when God does not fulfill His promises in the manor we might have hoped or anticipated. Turning our lives and expectations over to God, requires that we not only believe that he is true to His Word, but also that he always has our best interest in mind, no matter how we might perceive what happens.

The truth is that it is almost impossible for us to have a complete level of trust on our own.  The key is to not only believe, but to also trust that God will help us through whatever doubts or apprehensions we might have. His power and understanding are the source we need to let go and let God work in our lives.  It is only than that we are able to overcome our doubts and fears and trust God to fulfill all His promises in a way that is best for us. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5-6.

Entertainment can be the action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment as in sitting in front of the TV to be entertained. It can also be an event, performance, or activity designed to entertain others such as a theatrical performance. Sometimes it is the action of receiving a guest or guests and providing them with food and drink. In all cases, entertainment provides a diversion from our everyday lives and helps us get away from our usual problems and pursuits.  It can be a way to refresh our minds and bodies.  Whether we are a provider of entertainment or a consumer of it, we all need it to refresh our mental and physical wellbeing. 

God Himself rested after creation, showing that rest and relaxation are integral to life, and He desires us to find satisfaction and joy in His provisions.  Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 states: ^“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.  That each of them may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”  All activities, including entertainment, should ultimately be used to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 puts it this way: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Rest is necessary for well-being, allowing for recuperation from work and life's busyness. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30. Elsewhere, scripture mentions feasts, festivals, and friendship as essential parts of life. 

Like many other things, entertainment can be either good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, and however we choose to participate in it, we need to be sure it is wholesome and beneficial. The bible describes leisure as a God-given gift for enjoyment, rest, and spiritual renewal, not inherently sinful, but it must be balanced with responsibility and done to God's glory, avoiding neglecting our duties. Christians are to use free time for worship, fellowship, serving others, and enjoying creation, while ensuring activities like sports or hobbies don't replace God as our central focus. 

Entertainment becomes sinful when pleasures become more important than God, replacing worship or divine calling. Allowing leisure activities to cause neglect of work, family, or spiritual responsibilities is a misuse of time. Entertainment shouldn't become a temptation or cause others to stumble in their faith. In essence, Christians should view our leisure as another facet of stewardship, using our time intentionally to honor God, build up ourselves and others, and enjoy the blessings of life, rather than just escaping work or pursuing worldly distractions. 

In 1952, John Steinbeck released one of his classic novels, East of Eden. In 1955, East of Eden hit the big screen starring James Dean as the lead as Cal Trask. The central theme of the book and movie is the personal struggle between good and evil–not just in the world but in the human heart. The title, East of Eden, is a reference to the region where Cain went after killing his brother Abel (Genesis 4:16). East of Eden is a metaphor and a reality of life for us all as sin has separated us from God and created turmoil within every culture and every heart. In his novel, Steinbeck referenced the concept of “Timshel.” It’s a Hebrew word that means “Thou mayest.” It reflects the power to choose between a life of good or evil…to decide to follow God rather than the darkness of our own heart. East of Eden, John Steinbeck, 1952, p.301.

Steinbeck’s book focuses on family dynamics, love, acceptance, free will (Timshel), identity, and the profound impact of choice on the human condition. Key themes include the search for meaning, the search for acceptance, the battle against one's darker impulses and the power of having choices. When God decided to give us choices rather than treating us as puppets, He gave us the ability to decide for ourselves how to live. He did not create us to do bad things, and He does not expect us to be perfect, but for us to be able to know what is good, he allows us to fail to teach us to distinguish between good and evil. He challenges us to choose wisely and to do what is right, but he does not force us to act in specific ways. He acts more like a good parent by showing us the way but not making the choices for us. Like any good parent, or teacher of any kind, He allows us to learn by doing, first by imitating then by trying on our own, practicing and finally doing things right. He delights in our accomplishments and encourages us to continue doing good. A famous quote from Steinbeck’s book says, “Now that you know you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.”

The Bible teaches that humans are created with the freedom to choose, but our choices can lead to serious life or death outcomes and are central to a relationship with God. He encourages us to seek His wisdom to help us make wise decisions, to trust Him to direct our paths and to understand that actions have consequences. Deuteronomy 30:19 put it this way to the Israelites: “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” Choosing life means seeking God's guidance, following His counsel, and taking responsibility for our own choices. Choosing a life in God leads to life eternal due to God’s saving grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.