"Do as I say, not as I do" was a common quote my mom used when I was growing up. She smoked several packs of cigarettes each day, all the while detailing the dangers of smoking to us kids. "But mom, you smoke," we'd point out. Then she'd quote that infamous line to us. She knew what she should do, but for whatever reason she didn't do it.
Many of us are still like that today. Consider all the plans, pills and patches on the market for weight loss. We all know the two things need to lose weight: Eat less and move (or exercise) more. Yet we spend millions of dollars each year for gimmicks because although we know what we should do,w e just don't do it.
Nike, the famous athletic apparel company, coined the phrase "Just do it." But it's not that easy. The apostle Paul was more on target when he said, "What I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do - this I keep on doing." (Rom 7:19) So we keep on smoking or overeating or failing to do what we know we should.
The Bible gives us a summary of what we must do to put feet to our faith....
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"Sign, Sign, Everywhere a sign, blocking out the scenery breaking my mind,
do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?" Signs, Five Man Electrical Band, 1971
As a Christian, I tend to look for signs (from God) everywhere. Having a real and relevant heavenly Father means that I believe nothing happens by coincidence. Yet do I sometimes put too much credence into "signs?" For instance, when I lost the Bible study book I was thinking of doing for my study group was that a sign from God to select another book? Or simply a sign of my lack of organization?
In the book of Judges, there is a man named Gideon. The Lord sent Gideon out to save Israel. Gideon was afraid, so he asked God for a sign. Not only does Gideon ask for one sign, but he then asks for confirmation of that with another sign. God provided Gideon all the signs he needed.
However, in the New Testament Jesus says, "A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!" when the Pharisees were trying to test in Matthew 12. Is it wrong to look for a sign?
I believe the difference is Gideon looked for a sign in faith. He wanted to make sure his step in faith was the correct step in following God. (And yes, I think he was a bit scared too). The Pharisees on the other hand, we not asking for signs because of their faith, but their lack of faith. They were hoping to prove that Jesus was not the Son of God.
We also have to be careful to test our signs. Jesus goes on in Matthew 24 saying, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible."
There are signs, signs, everywhere signs. We just need to make sure we're reading them the right way.
Musical Musings: 1. What happenings in your life do you need to seek answers about from God? 2. What are some ways you can judge whether something is a sign from God? 3. Prayerfully ask God to show you the way.
Karaoke: Dear Lord, sometimes I’m confused as to what to do in my life. Thank you for providing answers in the Bible. Thank you that I can pray to you for direction. Help me follow the right signs. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Rock On: Read the story of Gideon found in Judges 6 and 7.
