Where Faith Meets Trials

I often have moments that involve opening my mouth and inserting my foot. A couple of days ago, I put on my Facebook something I thought sounded good in my head but was flawed when I read it. “Get between a man and his iPad, you get anger. Get between a man and his salvation, you get sin/death.”

It sounds good at first. But when you really let the words sink in, a few questions pop up. “What if the thing getting between the man and his salvation is Jesus? Wouldn’t that lead to life?” “What happens when you get between a man and his salvation that leads to death?” “What are you talking about?” Just to name a few.

I realize now that I need to further elaborate on this. Working in retail, or just taking a step out your front door, you begin to realize that today’s society has a heavy dependence on technology. We essentially live on technology in our day to day. But the moment something comes up to interrupt our dependence (which at this point, can be defined as worship) on our precious tech, we become so enraged that our fury rivals that of the classic green hulk. Which, in some occupations, is understandable. A computer goes down and you can’t carry on your business, every minute is a dollar lost.

But what I’ve noticed is the amount of people flocking to stores for the latest gadget under the illusion that they absolutely have to have that device…almost as if…it would bring salvation to their life. Which, to be honest, is something we all want. We hear constantly about an end time or a Rapture and it freaks us out. We want whatever will keep us out of that. But the problem is, all too often we put things between us and salvation, thinking that what is between us and salvation ultimately leads to salvation but in reality, it leads to disappointment, shame and, in some cases, death. Now, that death can be physical, mental or spiritual. But, aren’t the three ultimately connected?

What I’m getting at is the newest cell phone won’t bring redemption to your life. Sure, it’ll allow you to do multiple things at once but you have to remember that that cell phone won’t keep you from facing God. The latest tablet, video game, movie, alcohol, sexual conquest; that stuff will not lead to ultimate happiness. Nor will it lead to salvation. Or enlightenment.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came so that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

As much of a Sunday School answer that is, Jesus is the way to living a full life. I mean, consider this: haven’t you wondered why whatever it is you’re trying to fill your life hasn’t been bringing true happiness? That the happiness is there a short while and then fades, leaving us in a constant, blood-thirsty chase for a new high? Are we really finding that salvation we so desperately crave?

Something to think about.