Tuesday, November 15, 2011

FOR THE HEAVEN OF IT

And the tongue is a fire.  The tongue is an unrighteous world among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the cycle of nature, and set on fire by hell (James 3:6, emphasis mine).

Sometimes, listening to the tractor radio stimulates my thinking as I work.  Listening to a sports broadcast or call-in show, it is not uncommon to hear it said, "That was a helluva play," or "he's a hell of a coach."  But, if one stops to think about it, those descriptions meant to be complimentary are anything but complimentary.  Hell is a place for those with no positive self-discipline; there is only excellence in evil.  Hell is a place for the destructive.  Hell is a place for the self-centered, there are no team players in hell.  Hell is the capital city of evil, destruction and torment.  I never want it to be said about me, "He's a hell of a guy," though there have been times when that statement would have been true.  Thank you, Jesus, for making it not true!!!

Think about it.  God's people should be the toughest competitors because they can persevere.  They are tough because they are willing to do what it takes to become the best they can be.  More than anybody, God people practice teamwork, working together to bring about success for each member, not just for one's self.  God's team is not a team of individual stars, but a team made up of people who serve each other.  Heaven's team practices teamwork, hell's team is individual stars out for their own glory.

Perhaps it is because there is no single syllable word for Heaven, that Heaven has not achieved the same popularity as hell, but I really believe that the lost really enjoy spitting at God and raising hell, not Heaven.  What team are you part of: Heaven's or hell's?  Your language indicates the team you are cheering for.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom

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