Have you ever heard the saying, “Of all the things I’ve ever missed, it’s my mind that I miss the most?” I tell you – I’ve felt like I’m “losing it!” My hard drive crashed a couple of weeks ago, and I got to purchase a new laptop. Surprise! Now for some – that might not be such a big issue. I mean, I needed a new computer anyway, and this new one is a “touch screen,” which is just so cool! But, what has been so frustrating is trying to remember the user names and passwords to all of our accounts! “Autosave” is not my friend! Everything was “saved” on the computer that will no longer even come on! Now, we’re told that we should never use the same user name and password for more than one account. And there are some accounts where you HAVE to change the password periodically. But, let’s get real – passwords are usually changed because we can’t remember them! You might say, “Courtney – write them down and keep them in a safe place!” And, believe it or not – I thought I did, but, alas, it has taken “an act of Congress” to make our house payment.
Every time I’d attempt to “log in,” it would come up and say “user name and password” unknown and “try again.” Friends, have you forgotten who you are? Those who once wore the name “Christian,” have let the pandemic, their family, their recreational activities, and well, life in general, lead them away from the church. They no longer feel the need to “gather together” with the Lord’s body and partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week. Being a faithful Christian requires more than just being a “good person.” Have you forgotten what your “user name – Christian” requires?
Perhaps, it’s your “password” that you just can’t remember. If your user name is “Christian,” than, your password should be “obedience,” for they go hand in hand. You must hear (Romans 10:17), believe (John 8:24), repent (Acts 3:19), confess Christ is Lord (Romans 10:9), and be baptized for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). But, that’s just the beginning. Then, you must “follow in His steps” (I Peter 2:21). Where did Jesus go? He went to the temple to worship and “be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). He went into the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:1-11), but He was able to withstand the temptations because of the “words that He had hidden in His heart (Psalms 119:11). He went home with Zacchaeus, who was considered to be a publican and sinner (Luke 19:1-10). He taught thousands at a time – feeding them physically and spiritually (Matthew 14:13-21). He was able to sleep during a storm because He knew Who was in control (Mark 4:34-41), and He went to His heavenly Father in prayer over and over for He knew the power of prayer (Luke 6:12; John 17; Matthew 26:36-44).
Friends, I’ve learned the hard way – that you can’t just have your user name or just your password – you’ve got to have both! May you remember “Who” you are and “Whose” you are. Simply blessed, Courtney