SARAN WRAP CHRISTIANS
Of all the houses I ever visited as a child, I remember this one the most! Why, you ask? Was it because of it's warm beauty? No, can't say that it was. Well, then was it a house of impressive size, or opulent splendour? It may have been, but that's not why I remember it. Let me explain.
I was around eight years old at the time, and living in Toronto. The house in question was where a friend of mine lived. Now, to be honest, I really don't remember all that much about this house except for the living room where I spent the majority of my visit. But, before going on, let me ask you a question: "When I say living room, what comes to mind?" To me a living room is a place where the family spends a lot of their time. It is a comfortable place, a warm place. Well, this particular living room was more like a shrine to Saran Wrap than my idea of a living room.
As you entered the room there were those clear plastic runners that you usually see only in office buildings or schools. They went in every direction. The layout made the living room look more like a major international airport with several runways, than a living room. Let me tell you, It was clear, even to my socially untrained eight-year-old mind, that to step on any unprotected rug would have been a mistake of the highest order! So, upon entering the room, I carefully "taxied" down the appropriate runway to the couch.
Now, the couch and chairs looked very comfortable with plush fabric and well-stuffed cushions, but I really can't say that they were comfortable, or plush. You see, the couch, chairs, and lampshades were covered in thick plastic as well. And the tables had more coasters on them than a checkerboard has men!
I remember sitting there with a small drink and talking to my friend's mother. But I don't remember a thing about how she looked, how her voice sounded, or what we talked about because the entire time the only thing I could do was worry about spilling my drink!
But the worst part of all was when I got up. "Why, what happened," you ask? Well, let me ask you another question: "What does a hot summer day, shorts, sweaty thighs and a plastic covered couch equal when you finally have to leave?" Let me give you a hint, it was very apPEALing, and of course extremely painful!
Does this description of my friends living room ring any bells with you? Have you ever encountered a house that was more of a shrine than anything else? I guess some people see their houses as showplaces, and other see their home as a place in which to live and enjoy life. The question this story leaves with me is: "Why go to the trouble of acquiring expensive possessions if you will never allow yourself to enjoy them?"
But you know what? Sadly, many Christians do the very same thing with their faith. They have in their possession the greatest wealth ever given, but they never enjoy, or get close to it. One of my favorite verses in Philippians is: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil 4:4). I like the way the Message paraphrases this verse by saying, "Celebrate God all day, everyday, I mean, revel in Him!"
I know what you're thinking! "Celebrate God, revel, all day, everyday, come on!" I've got bills to pay, kids to get off to school, a job I hate. Don't tell me to celebrate all day, everyday! But notice that we aren't to just celebrate, nor are we to put on a happy face when there's nothing happy happening to us. Paul says, "Celebrate GOD! All day, everyday".
The point is this: regardless of our circumstances, we as Christians have more reason to rejoice and celebrate than anyone else. Why? Because through Jesus we now have a relationship with God! The problem is that we often keep the blessings, the relationship, the joy of knowing God under the rapping of legalism. Oh, we believe that we are saved by faith, but we live according to our own works. Our faith is wrapped up in so many man-made rules and regulations that we can't feel the presence of God, let alone revel in it!
Are you a Saran Wrap Christian? Is your faith more about image then a heart connection? Is your faith kept shiny, sterile, and under wraps, or do you view your relationship with God, as something you live in, something that is comfortable, organic, secure, and enjoyable?
Here's a few questions to help you answer that question:
Do you frequently look at the living rooms of other Christians and take note of the "Spiritual Dust Bunnies" that you don't have in your living room? If you have a sense of smugness about your living room and you're sure it's more pleasing to God then everyone else's. Beware. You need to get rid of the Saran Wrap.
Is your living room just for show? Does it look great on the outside, because it's never really used? God doesn't care about the outward appearance of your faith, what He really cares about is whether or not He has your heart. You may have all the right doctrine, go to the right church, and do all the right things, but if all these things haven't had an impact upon your heart, you're in trouble.
Are you growing in Christ-like humbleness, joy, forgiveness, and love?
Do you know that the Lord loves you, even though you have a few stains on your carpet and a couple of scratches on your coffee table?
Finally, remember the best living room is the one that has a well-worn chair that has been broken in by the daily visits of our Lord into you life. Does your living room have such a chair?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father. Thank You that you have given us a place of life, not a place of show. Thank You that in You we can find great joy and celebration, if we just understand that our faith is about heart, not appearance; growth, not plastic stagnation. Lord, help us to relate to You as a part of our family, as someone who is welcome regardless of the state of the house! Finally, Lord, rip away the plastic that covers any part of our lives and help us live, use, grow in, and celebrate our relationship with You! Amen!
