Patricia's Principles for Living

Over forty-five years ago my mother warned my sisters, brothers and me that we should be ready to experience something very difficult. There was a brewing scandal involving a religious leader who we really adored. She told us to keep our eyes on Jesus. She said that if we had our eyes on man that we could fall. Through the years her advice has stood me in good stead. I have total faith in God and God's Word. I also have respect for those who faithfully minister the Word of God. However I still keep my mother's advice close to my heart. What I have learned through the many ministerial and ministry scandals is that I am always safe when I have my eyes on God. As I watch another popular preacher come under close scrutiny for, at this time, alleged misdeeds and sins I am drawn to keep my eyes on God. God is our only true anchor. I choose to focus on God alone.

One day I attended a meeting of believers. The facilitator of the meeting made several introductions being careful to give each person's title and a brief remark about how she knew the person. When she came to this one particular person she inadvertently did not mention the woman's title. Upon hearing the introduction this person's friend was offended. This person is a reverend she said loudly. I've also been present when a pompous person has declared their own title to make sure that he received special recognition. In this day of superstar preachers, evangelists, apostles, and song leaders, Elisha deserves to be studied. We can contrast this asking and thinking one deserves special privileges with Elisha. The custom of Elisha's day was for travelers to stay in private homes. The hotel industry had not started. Therefore when strangers came into town and needed to have a place to sleep the townspeople would invite them into their homes. They would let them bunk on

In the grocery stores some time you see carts that are filled with merchandise near the check out stands. Or sometimes you see clerks pushing these carts up and down the aisle. They look like reverse shoppers- putting things back not picking them up. These things are called go backs. People got to the check-out stand and for whatever reason they did not want the item. They either plainly changed their mind, the cost was too great, the item wasn't needed, it was a spur of the moment decision or some other reason. Nevertheless they don't purchase the product. That's fair. If you don't want to pay for it you can't have it. However the store owners want to have some profit. The owners have their employees put the items back on the shelf. How like the Christian life, some see it and want it. They are Oprhahs as in the book of Ruth. She went with Naomi and Ruth for a while. However when Naomi started the questioning process of real commitment Oprhah counts the cost. Naomi