Do you like sparkly things?

If you do not like sparkly things, it may be because you no longer get excited about that kind of thing.  However, if you give a child a picture along with some glitter and fancy stickers, a masterpiece of colors and creativity will soon be created.  As that child ages though, the desire to express that kind of creativity lessens.

Think about a certain fast-food restaurant also.  Years ago, you could walk into it and be overwhelmed by the bright colors and the massive playground full of children.  But today those restaurants look more like a utilitarian warehouse than in its early days.  We often move away from sparkly things.

This phenomenon may be normal, but it can be an issue when we also move away from excitement and joy over the things that should thrill us.  That is especially true when it comes to our faith.

Robert Louis Stevenson is quoted as saying, “I have been to church today, and I am not depressed.”  If I could ask him a question, it would be, “Why do you think church should leave you depressed?”  For that matter, why do many people seem to believe that church should cause us to feel unhappy and miserable?  Could it be that we sometimes give that impression?

I realize that we often move away from things that excite us, but how can we move away from the thrill of knowing that our soul is saved and we have an eternal home in Heaven?  Could there be anything in life that is more exciting than that?

Before you go to church this week, I urge you to consider why you worship.  Is it out of routine?  Is it out of a sense of duty?  Is it because you think others expect you to do it?  Or is it because you want to worship Jesus because of who He is, what He has done, and what He has in store?

Clearly, we must worship for the right reason.  Jesus desires and demands our wholehearted worship and devotion.  He deserves it, and we need it.

As the psalmist ends his amazing psalm about praising God in all ways, I encourage you with his words: “Let everything that breathes praise the LORD.  Hallelujah!” (Psalm 150: 6)

When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church)  in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.

Image created by Andy Oldham using Deepimg.ai