Monday Marqee...

Well, it's happened again. You know me and those dumb church marquees. People probably think that I only see the negative ones...or the ones I disagree with but the truth is that I don't feel inspired to write about the ones I agree with...they encourage me and I move on with my day. The others are so irritating that it sort of grinds on me until I decide to write about it and free it to the cyber world.

Today's marquee:

"Lend to God and Earth. They give the best interest."

First, why is Earth even in this equation? Are we now to believe in God and Mother Earth/Father Time? Why is Earth personified? This going green thing is totally getting to me. I believe we are to be good stewards of earth but come on! First, we must remember that God created the earth. He created the earth to bring glory to himself. Not the other way around. Romans 1:25 says, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator–who is forever praised.” Worshipping the creation rather than the Creator is idolatry. May I be as bold as to say that this new “green” movement is a form of idolatry. As Christians we must remember that the earth is ours to rule over. God gave us the earth and all that is in it as our domain. However, we must use it and enjoy it in a God-honoring way. We should be careful not to abuse it or destroy it. We must also be careful not to worship the creation. God is the creator, the one who deserves all our praise! The creation reflects God’s glory and because of that we need to respect the creation and care for it and remember that it’s resources are not infinite. Yes, Christians have a great responsibility to the environment, but it is one that is balanced and viewed through the pages of the Word of God. This earth is perishing, but that does not mean that we turn our backs on what God has entrusted to us. We must be excellent stewards of what God has given us! So, “go green”(to the degree that it is reasonable), but remember that it is all for the glory of God!

Second, the word LEND? I believe that it all belongs to God. Looking at it from that perspective it is He that is lending to us...if there is any lending going on. It seems a bit presumptuous to tell a Sovereign God that I'll lend him some of my stuff. I'd be careful with that attitude. You might just find yourself with nothing. On the other hand, John Piper had a great article on Lending to God based on Proverbs 19:17, "He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,and he will repay him for his deed. " From that angle we could all improve. This is a great article...check it out.

Third, what is meant by interest? God is interested in us...John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." However, I'm assuming this is supposed to be cute from an economic stand point. So, financial interest...well, I'm not a big fan of the health and wealth concept. The Bible does not say that being a christian is going to make us healthy wealthy and wise...quite the contrary. "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).

Lastly, I will give some points for the idea of our being blessed when we follow him. I do believe that he blesses our obedience. Psalm 1:1-3, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." That concept of good interest I can deal with.

Overall, a weird marquee at best.
Happy Marqee Monday!