Every day I must remind myself of this simple truth: People are great ... God is better :-)
People are important... God is Supreme.
Once in a dimly-lit workshop there were a group of freshly-made clay pots, who lined a wooden shelf near the window. It seemed very quiet in the dark shop, so the pots began to shyly introduce themselves and talk with each other. The pots were very pleased to observe how much in common they shared. "It's almost like we're brothers!" they cried in amazement, squinting to admire their similar smooth glaze finish and vibrant red colors. As they spoke more, the pots also found themselves laughing about their differences -- some were quite tall, others stooped low, some were thin, some were fat. They found much to discuss really: the dry weather, which made them crack so badly; and also the beautiful sunshine, and how more windows were needed in the dreary little shop. The pots completely forgot their surroundings and the hours passed quickly. Just as the sun was beginning to fade, a temporary hush stole over the group as they yawned and considered how nice it was to be surrounded by so many good friends. Just as a few eyes began to droop, there was a loud commotion at the door, and then the door swung open. Lantern in hand, a tall figure of a man framed the shadows. "What's that?" cried one of the braver pots, a bit alarmed. "Who is there?" "It is I," said the man. "The Potter." "The Potter?" demanded the little pot. "And who is the Potter?" The man shook his head in disbelief. "Have you forgotten me already?" he asked. He stretched out his open palms, and showed to the little group his strong delicate fingers, fingers that had made each one of them. "Have you forgotten these hands, little pots?"-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For all the "social butterflies" of the world, there is a lot of fun to be had in passing time with likeminded people. It is fascinating to lose yourself in animated conversation with someone who thinks the same way about the same things. Certainly the Republican loves to eat dinner with another Republican, and they spout politics in between bread slices. There's a flag football team that practices several times a week, but little do their wives know these men spend more time exercising their jaws than they do practicing "the option".
A group of teachers in the same high school get together the first Thursday night of each month to share ideas-- and pizza. And of course, our own Baptist denominations -- the huge flood of pastors and deacons and members storm into a new big city every summer for a week of mixed "business" and pleasure at their National Convention.
Yes, we certainly love to connect with people. When we wrap ourselves up in these kinds of interesting, daily conversations with others, the dreaded reality of "Boredom" rarely sets in. :-) Also, we get that unspoken feeling of "strength in numbers", and that very rewarding sense of "unity" and "brotherhood".
But how sad when we replace God with people. On our list of importance, people deserve everday interactions.
Interactions with God come on rare occasions, and because of our unfamiliarity with Him, a conversation with God may seem awkward.
We sometimes feel it is not our fault that this is so awkward-- we excuse ourselves saying that God should show Himself to us more and be more available and less invisible. Yet we cannot honestly say we have truly looked in the rearview mirror of our speeding lives, because we would see that God was standing there patiently waiting for us all the time. We get so wrapped up in conversations with others, we rudely never even look for God. Our Best Friend, our Maker, is uninteresting -- to believers!
The situation has become like Fred, a man who drives thru at the bank every payday Friday. Fred waits his turn in line, and flashes a friendly smile at the bank teller. As she slowly counts out his money, he secretly questions what could possibly take her so long to cash a simple check. His grin is frozen to his lips, though. She obviously does not appreciate his time, he imagines, because he has a bowling game tonight, and he feels a bit put out that she makes no hurry. Still, as he slips the money into his pocket and puts the car in motion, Fred waves an obliged "Thank you" and pulls away, pleased with himself that he was so kind, patient and generous to the bank employee. Although he sees her every week and speaks with her briefly, she is not his friend. She is his resource.
God can be forgotten as a Friend, and viewed instead as a resource. When a need arises, we pull into the bank of prayer, and impatiently wait in a long line of insincere thanksgivings and blessings. We feel a bit put out that we should have to spend our time interacting with God, Who is supposed to know exactly what we need and want; there are so many better things to be doing. And so God becomes a Resource, not a Friend.
We will always be able to sing, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" -- because He is always faithful and will never leave or forsake us. But it is sad to say, there are few Christians who can say they are a friend to God.
We choose people over God, and that is a mistake every time. People are great, but God is better. People are important, but God is Supreme.
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