Getting on the Wrong Track

I try to every year read the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. It is a good habit to acquire. It takes about 15-20 minutes a day to complete. When you read a passage from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms And Proverbs everyday, you get a good overall view of the lessons from the Holy Scriptures. Sometimes, like today, it hits you a little harder than others. Today, I was reading the first three chapters of Ecclesiastes. Here’s a summary: All is vanity, that is meaningless or worthless; that just like animals we all die and return to dust, so what is the use, just enjoy yourself as much as you can; and there is a season for just about everything. Think about the Byrds, a 1960’s band singing “Turn, Turn, Turn,” And you have the general idea.

The passage I read was written by King Solomon, David’s Son, the one selected by David to follow him as king. He asked God for wisdom and God granted it, along with riches untold. I started thinking, what happened to him? My purpose today is not to discuss specifically what happened to Solomon, but rather to make the point that you can start well and finish poorly. It is what happens when you get on the wrong track. This can happen both corporately and individually. I began to think so many churches, specifically holiness churches, that lost their fire after the second generation from the founders. The old tried and true Gospel message, that brought results, needs never to change. The method of delivery will change (circuit riders on horses are gone), but the message doesn’t. When the message changes, you have taken the wrong track.

I have seen some that change the message either by reducing standards for an easy grace and others that become legalistic by adding to the Gospel message additional requirements to be saved. I knew one group that taught if you had a metal bumper on your car, you were lost and going to hell. The true Gospel message is found in the Word of God. Now I am not opposed to books written by man, I have thousands in my library, but a good Christian book must be based on the Holy Scriptures.

We need to ask ourselves, have we gotten off track? For churches, looking at the history of your church, why it started, what was its message?  Are we remaining true to the original purpose of the founders? If the founders come visit your church, what would their reaction be? More importantly, what would Jesus say about the faithfulness of your church to His Word.

As individuals, we should ask ourselves the same questions? Am I more in love with Jesus than I was a year ago? If not, something is wrong, you have gotten off track. Don’t end up like Solomon. Seek everyday in the Word of God. Commit to praying, not gossiping. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to direct your path today and fall in love with Him all over again. If you struggle with any of this, ask God to do a work in your heart. Be willing to be willing and watch Him work and keep you on the right track.