We spend quite a bit of time on the road and I love to read the clever signs that people post for their town or business. Keith and I chuckled for miles after we read this sign on entering a small town in western Montana: “Population: 345 real nice folks, and 2 old soreheads.” Then Houston, B.C. had this clever safety reminder: “Hospitals—0 Cemeteries—1: Please slow down!”
As far as church signs go, I see some pretty serious-sounding ones that make God seem forbidding and even unfriendly. But my acquaintance with our Creator confirms that He is not arbitrary, unforgiving, severe, or unfriendly. In fact, He is quite the opposite. And on that note, I rather like this church sign that we saw one day while driving to Terrace: “Is God your steering wheel or your spare tire?” The contrast in this question points to a distinct difference – one item is essential, the other merely (and, yes, very) convenient.
I have a friend who loves God and very often talks about how we need “to be ready” for Jesus’ return. He also talks of “working hard” so that Jesus can come even sooner. While I do not question or judge his sincerity, I am often sorry to see that he is not very happy. I share the following story that suggests, I believe, a truer understanding of how God intends us to live. As the story goes, Francis of Assisi was approached by one of his parishioners as he was hoeing in the garden.
“Brother Francis,” the man asked, “what would you do if you knew that the Lord would be returning tomorrow?” The wise old churchman leaned for a moment on his hoe and then spoke with assurance, “I do believe,” he said, “that I would finish hoeing my garden.”
Jesus pointedly refused to tell His disciples the time when He would return, because He didn’t want that to be the reason for their obedience.
He didn’t want them keeping an eye on the calendar rather than on Him.
He wanted them to be moved by love for Him and the magnificence of His ways. And since we tend to live our lives in the pattern of those we worship and admire, the key to “being ready” would be to know Him. Jesus said: “Hold yourselves ready. . .because the Son of Man will come at the time you least expect him.” (Matt. 24:44 NEB)
That sounds like good advice for steady steering.
Peggy Corbett is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Quesnel.
