The seasons continue to be in transition. Warmer days have returned for a while, but leaves are turning and beginning to fall. Some of the birds are starting to gather in larger flocks, in preparation for the fall migration.
Maybe it was a senior moment, or just absent-mindedness, but after I turned on the tap and stood waiting for hot water, I soon realized the water was taking a lot longer to arrive at the faucet than normal. It was then I saw that I had turned on the cold tap, instead of the hot. The lesson here is, no matter how long you wait, hot water will not flow through a cold water faucet.
If you are expecting hot water, cold will just not do. If you pick up a salt shaker and get sugar, the results are not the same. Here are some Bible references that illustrate the same basic truth, but in a spiritual context.
James, speaking of the need to control our tongues, had this to say: With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (James 3:9-12).
In a different illustration, Jesus referred to false teachers in this way: By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit…. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Matthew 7:16-20).
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
The lesson for us as Christians is this; If we claim the name of Christ, Christlikeness should flow from us naturally. It follows that our words and actions will be in direct contrast with those who are not genuine Christians.
As Christians, are we hot or cold? That is the question.
Blessings,
Pastor Jerry
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