Signs, signs, everywhere signs...

Maybe you have seen this photo, or a sign somewhere with the same message. I know that some Christians may get their feathers ruffled by it, but don't count me among that group. While I don't agree with its conclusion, my real issue is with its premise. If you believe there is a God, you're riddled with worry and cannot enjoy life? Really? What kind of Christians has the person who made this sign been around?

It sure isn't me, or anyone in my small group Bible study. I conveyed the message of this sign at our Tuesday meeting and we all had a good laugh. In fact I made the point that if could rewrite this sign I would change only one word.

There's probably is God; now stop worrying and enjoy life.

I know there are certain groups of Christians who focus more on the 'Shall nots' rather than the 'Shalls' in the scriptures, and there is a definite place for rebuking a friend who has strayed from the path, but as our pastor says; telling me I'm a sinner isn't good news, in fact, it isn't news at all.

We all fall short of the glory, but the idea that belief in God, especially Christ, is somehow a shackle that keeps me tied in knot of guilt and worry is as wrong as wrong can be. My relationship with Christ Jesus is based on perfect love, overflowing grace and a peace that can only come with the personal relationship I have with my savior. Enjoying life? You darn right I am.

How many folks do we read about who 'have it all', fame, money, success, the adoration of multitudes? I can think of a few who were found dead, alone in a room. They were victims of their own pursuits, trying to find happiness by 'enjoying life'. If you watch an evening of entertainment news, you will find so many broken lives, broken relationships, broken people who, from the outside, seem to "have it all".

I have experienced some very trying times in my life, the death of my father, personal events and more than a few financial challenges. I can honestly say I don't know how I would have made it through some of these darkest days without God. I certainly don't have all the answers, I don't have the secret to never experiencing sorrow and pain in my life, all I know is this; God is with me in all my joys, and my sorrows.

(Mathew 6:34) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Live for today, that is a very cool saying in our culture, live each day like it’s you last. Eat, drink and be merry. Spend all your money on yourself and bounce the check to the undertaker. Those are great slogans for sports drinks and tequila advertisements, but what if there is more to this life? What if there is so much more out there that can never be found by pursuing personal enjoyment?

I may not have a Porsche, or take a two week vacation in the Bahamas each winter, but I am pretty darn happy. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have nice car and take my wife on a nice vacation, but that is not the ultimate pursuit in my life. I want to live each day praising God for his love and grace, everything thing else is just a vapor in the wind.

I am a terrible excuse for a Christian, I get wrapped up in all kinds of worldly desires and wants, but I try to do a little better every day. My goal is to take each day one at a time, because one day, it will be my last one.

What happens after that?

And they think I am the one who is worried?