In 2005
I was in the best physical shape of my life, hitting the gym four days a week
and cycling daily, riding about 150 miles a week. I actually had the beginning
impression of six-pack abs. One hot humid day I carelessly cycled “free-handed”
while pulling my tee shirt off over my head, being too self-assured to stop and
take it off. A chunk-hole in the road sent me and the cycle head over heels –
my feet locked to the pedals in cycling shoes -- and my shoulder/hip two point
landing put an end to my budding but time consuming career as a sixty year old “body
beautiful” wannabe. The time I had been spending on my physical makeover was
recommitted to studying the Bible and writing.
On that
day, at a time when my time and energy was being drawn away by one of earth’s many
lovers less wild, a speed-bump on the thrashing floor of life derailed my
lustful earthbound intentions and refocused my heart on that which is truly
lovely and worthy of my love. Do I think God orchestrated this event? I don’t
think... I know! For we are not our own, we were purchased with His precious
blood and paid for... made his very own, that we should glorify God with our
body. Ownership does have rights you know. What appeared to be bad luck and
carelessness was the sovereign God reaching into my sandbox and redirecting my
attention. One could say satan put that chunk-hole in my path... intending
evil, and God allowed it, turning it into His purposeful good. And one would be
right!
Endnote:
There are many things in life, desires, pleasures, possessions, family,
friends, occupations, hobbies – many things -- which become love-magnets tugging
at our heart. But God commands: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all
your strength.” These “things” are not necessarily wrong in and of themselves;
they become wrong when our love for them allows them to lay claim to God’s
rightful position in our heart. Saints, God will not share His position as the
supreme love of our life. Let me repeat that: God will not share the number one
spot in our heart with anyone or anything. He knows our heart, and misplaced
love which usurps His rightful position as our supreme love is idolatry plain
and simple. And, the objects of our misplaced love become burnt offering
candidates. Abraham learned this lesson the hard way when he allowed his love
for his son Isaac to overshadow his love for God ... some of us will too...
YOU
SHALL HAVE NO OTHER LOVES (GOD’S) BEFORE ME
(Gen.
22:1-19, 50:20; Rom. 9:28; Mk. 12:30)
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