I heard this story. It’s about a guy who was raised in the Appalachian Mountains. He had never worn shoes in his life. He wore overalls or tattered blue jeans. He married a girl just like him. He was a true hillbilly. He, nor his wife, had ever been to a city.
He and his wife were blessed with a son, their only child. They named him Junior. Now, when Junior arrived at about 13 years of age, Dad realized that Junior hadn’t ever seen a big city, just like he and his wife. They hadn’t seen the big city lights, traffic, buildings or so many people all together in one place.
Well, Dad got to thinking about what a great thing it would be for them all to go see one. So, he started saving his money to take a trip to go see all the sights. Sure enough, he saved up enough for them to go and stay a few days in one of those nice hotels. He piled his family into their old pickup and headed out. They drove four and a half hours to get there. They were awed. They had never seen anything like this – the lights, the bustle of movement.
Finally, they arrived at the hotel. He parked in front of it and said, “Momma, you stay here in the truck. Junior and I will check things out and then come and get you.” First thing they saw was a big, gorgeous chandelier hanging down from about three stories up. They just stared at it, transfixed by its beauty. Then, they heard the splashing of water and found a waterfall. That was the first time they had ever seen a waterfall inside a building, under a roof. They also spotted an indoor mall. They were just flabbergasted.
Dad heard something click behind him and saw this little room with blinking lights above the door. The door would slide open and people would step in and the door would close again.
Those little lights would flash and the door would open again. He cried out, “Junior, look at this room!”
About that time, a little old wrinkled lady shuffled up to the door, pushed a button and the doors opened. She walked inside and the doors shut. About 30 seconds later the doors opened again and out walked a beautiful blonde lady. The man said, “Junior, go get Mamma!”
That’s about how we wished things would work for us, isn’t it? Enter a small room, push a button and abracadabra, wham – we walk out of the room changed. Suddenly we have gained spirituality. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. True spirituality takes time to cultivate.
The Apostle Paul, writing back to the new Christians he had left in the churches he had started, stressed again and again that they needed to stay true to the faith they had started in. They need to study, pray, attend church and dedicate themselves to serving the Lord. Be true, even if it means suffering.
To young Timothy, his protege, he says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:5). To the church in Corinth, he instructs them to “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
True spirituality takes daily, devotional commitment to the Word, the Lord Jesus, God’s people, and the willingness to study and grow.
– Just a Thought Dale Fillmore is lead pastor at New Day Church.
