SLIP, SLIDIN, ASTRAY!

Sunday’s Monday

In 1975 a young artist named Paul Simon released his song titled Slip Sliding Away. It wasn’t written to be or even considered a spiritual song even though it contained a spiritual nugget or two. In 1975 most of the world listened to the song as mere entertainment because of its soothing melody and soft flowing rhythm. Some used it to overcome their romantic troubles while others used it to bring calm to their fears of tomorrow. In any case, Paul Simon gave us this koan in this story about three different people who retreat from their passions when confronted with the vagaries of life. The song shows how we can all watch our dreams pass us by and end up like the absentee father in the third verse, kissing his son as he sleeps and then heading back home. (taken from songfacts.com)

This song title came to my mind with a Godly spin on it, God changed the word away for the word astray. I hadn’t heard or thought of this song in a long long time, yet it still permeates my brain cells and today God is using it. The meaning given in the songfacts.com article shows the power of our decisions and just how overwhelming any situation can quickly become the driver of our lives. This is especially true of those who have merely said the prayer to escape whatever situation they wished to escape. It seems a lot of people have said the prayer asking God to forgive their sins without the passion to serve Him. They have but a simple desire to work the system of God, church, and life to better suit their desires. They quickly learn that joy begets joy, and that sorrow brings immediate attention, ergo they hone such skills toward selfish feel better moments. Being self-absorbed many will retreat to what they had before, and a few will slip into a phew adorning the church every time the doors are open and never know Jesus as Lord and Savior. They completely missed what is written in Hebrews 10:26 (NLT), Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.

Then there are people that genuinely asked and accepted God’s forgiveness relying on His grace and mercy to save their souls from hell. They joined looking for that preverbal bed of roses many Christians speak of and after a while, of paying the consequences for previous sins they lose heart and start slidin back into what they tried to escape. God forgives and forgets the sins, but the aftermath is a lesson to learn. The knowledge can help keep one from falling into the depts from which one tried to escape. Again, we find in Hebrews 10:32 (NLT), Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. God desires our all, Attention, Love, and Loyalty!

Here is where the rubber meets the road should we find ourselves in either of these categories and have gone astray. We need to be reminded of Hebrews 10:35 (NLT), So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! And for those who are steadfast let us be vigilant to bring those astray back into the fold. We all have our moments and only the faithful through their loving relationship with Jesus shall prevail. May we escape the last verse of this song by allowing God to help in all our decision-making. “God only knows, God makes his plan, The information's unavailable, To the mortal man, We work our jobs, Collect our pay, Believe we're gliding down the highway, When in fact we're slip slidin' away!” Please be aware of Satan’s rule over the earth, he is out to steal, kill, and destroy every good thing created. Slip comes in a variety of actions however it is our inaction that leads the way. Our failure to do life with true followers of Jesus leaves us weak. Slidin right back into that “I got this” mode is a sure sign of trouble hiding in one’s future. Astray simply means you once were and now you’re not!

Lord help each of us discover who it is you are, and may we discover as well, who you say we are! Show us the importance of seeking to renew our minds in you each day. Have us embrace Hebrews 10:36 (NLT), Patient endurance is what you need now so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. Father God draw us deeper into your way so that we may never again fall victim to the temptation of going astray. Lord, I pray that each one of us would be doing life “as you lead” with at least one other person to strengthen the relationship we have with you. May we celebrate our confident hope in your promises and overflow our joy on others. Dear Lord, may you be our constant reminder that as we help others, we help ourselves. In the name of Jesus; Amen

HAVE A BLESSED WEEK BY BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS!

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