On one Andy Griffith episode, the council is considering selling the town canon. As Andy and Barney discuss the matter prior to the meeting, it’s evident Andy favors selling the canon while Barney doesn’t. Andy remarks, “You don’t like change do you.” Barney replies, “As a matter of fact, I don’t.”
Mary Magdalene didn’t care for it either. She visits Jesus’ grave early Sunday morning and is surprised to find the tomb entrance open and his body gone. Running to find Peter and John, she tells them someone has stolen Jesus’ body. Despite Jesus’ efforts to teach his followers about his death and resurrection, they just didn’t get it-or want to. They liked Jesus’ company.
Peter and John run to the tomb. Mary’s news is true. They leave but Mary stays behind weeping. Suddenly Jesus is there. Mary grabs him but hears, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father.”(John 20:17). Mary wants things like they were, but the resurrection changed everything.
Religious ruts and life routines are easily fallen into but difficult to escape. Change requires thinking and acting differently as well as going against the current. It’s required to enter God’s Kingdom. We must exchange our sinful nature for a new one. Change is also necessary for abundant living.
Religious rituals such as church attendance, prayer and Bible reading can easily lose their meaning. God gives new opportunities to serve him, but success requires adapting our methods. What can you change to be more effective for God?
Prayer: Father, help us develop fresh approaches to share Your love.
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God hates religion, if we keep our relationship with Him intact and thriving, we cannot go wrong. Thanks for sharing Martin, God bless.
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