the grass is always greener but it's not always God

by Pastor Jim Rovaggi

Did you know, it’s been suggested that glass is actually a liquid? If someone had asked me years ago, “Is glass in a solid or a liquid state?” I would have confidently answered; it’s in a solid state. I would have been wrong. Take a look at a really old pane of glass some time. You’ll notice it looks sort of droopy. Have you ever been utterly convinced about something only to find out later you were wrong? When was the last time you asked God, “Am I in the right state? Is my heart and mind in the right condition? Even the Psalmist David had to say “Search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me”

Let’s talk about obedience briefly. It’s mighty easy to consider myself obedient if I never ask the Lord, “What should I be doing?”

My precious little boy has developed a knack for deflecting blame that would make a politician proud. Here is how the scenario plays out: From a seated position I would say, “Julian, put down the stuffed giraffe and come here, it’s time for breakfast”. His immediate response? “noooo”. “Julian, now!” I’m still sitting, but now my posture has gone rigid. Once again, “noooo”. At this point I’m annoyed that I have to go collect him physically, and it’s written all over my face. Upon reaching the little guy I sternly ask, “Why are you not obeying daddy!?” His reaction? He very sweetly offers up the stuffed giraffe to me accompanied by an adorable smile. Now if I can manage to not break down into a fit of giggles at his diabolical cuteness, it is time to put him in “time out” for being rebellious. At two years of age, these battles with discipline are about fifty-fifty between being strong disciplinarians and smothering the little guy with kisses, but because my wife and I love him and want to see him mature, addressing the rebellion is rapidly climbing. Very much, I imagine, like God does with us.

I’m reminded of the story in 1 Samuel 15:10-25 when Saul gets caught in disobedience and tries to squirm out of it by claiming he was sacrificing for the Lord. Well friends, there’s no squirming out of accountability with God.

1 Samuel 15: 22 But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.

As the children of a loving but disciplinary Father, we need to make a point of examining our hearts to make sure that we find sincere obedience there! I’ve witnessed people who are faithful, and even generous with their tithes and offerings, and use that as license to not get involved in any area of ministry! The reverse is also popular among the faithful. I‘ve heard a brother or sister say, “This is the ministry I sacrifice to the Lord and I’m happy to serve because we’re really in no position to give from our finances.” NEWS FLASH. Neither outlook is acceptable before God. It’s not one or the other. He is looking for obedience.
There is another side to all this of course. The negative side is that we invite discipline of our Father’s love when we are disobedient, but conversely, when we follow the Lord in obedience, we are rewarded with peace and confidence!
I had a conversation last week with a dear sister who shall remain nameless. Let’s call her Ethel. She’s married to an officer, lives a handful of blocks from my wife and I, and works for an attorney, but I digress. So as we chatted, “Ethel” shared how much she had enjoyed a recent trip, and how nice it would be to relocate there but the difficult truth was, that wasn’t in the plan of God at this time. My wife and I experienced a similar situation years ago. We thought perhaps the Lord was moving us to “greener pastures” but as we sought to be obedient we realized it wasn’t to be. I’m not able to say, “Everything has been just perfect!” but I am able to clearly see the many blessings we received for being obedient, including the birth of our precious child. As I spoke with “Ethel”, a thought settled into my spirit. How many followers of Christ have stepped off the path of obedience God had for them in favor of chasing greener grass only to find God putting them in “time out”? Will you take some time today and have a conversation with Jesus? He went to the very cross for you and I. Are you willing to go where He asks? Or for that matter, are you willing to stay put? Are you willing to obey? I pray that you are so that you can experience His great blessing.
Well I have to go folks. A giraffe just came flying by head. It’s time for a father’s love.

God Bless You! ...And may He make us blessable!

Pastor Jimmy E. Rovaggi
Associate Pastor
West Hudson Christian Center
557 Kearny Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032
p 201-997-7762
c-973-600-8544