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Topic: Worship (05/03/04)
TITLE: Everyone Worships, Especially the Jones' By Joanne Malley 05/07/04 |
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By Joanne Malley
"Aaaah! Now, this is the life," sighs Michael Jones. Thank goodness I have the day off. I really need a breather, he thinks. He's home because he's taking a well-deserved day of relaxation and a break from his latest, very profitable business venture. He's been in his comfy, blue easy chair equipped with the pulsating back and leg vibrators. It was a very expensive gift to himself for being so sly and intelligent on his last big deal.
He has been planted in it for the past three hours and has just polished down his fifth bottle of light beer. Psssssttt! The refreshing sound of release the bottle cap makes always excites my taste buds, he thinks with pleasure. Is this my fifth beer, he questions himself. Realizing that it is, he thinks, no biggy! I drink it only to relax. At 27, with the amount of beer he drinks, he's lucky the beer gut hasn't caught up with him yet! .
His wife, Sarah, has been in the gourmet kitchen of their beautiful 6,000 sq. foot home, custom designed with cherry cabinetry and a professional grade stainless steel stove. She's a lovely Christian woman, and mother of two, who even though could afford a cook, would rather tend to it herself. There's nothing like a warm, home-cooked meal, she remembers, as she recollects the love she always felt from her mother doing a nurturing task such as this. After her meal gets started, she retreats to the library where she can enjoy a toasty, warm fire and continue reading the Book of John.
Back in the family room, MTV has been blaring on the television where Michael is sure to catch his favorite rock idols, and he just can't get enough of the heart-pounding music and lyrics. He thinks they're soooo cool and is in awe of their stage presence and popularity. One would think by now he'd outgrow his need for such a connection, but he still catches every concert that he can. He is always in one of the front rows in a verbal, idolizing frenzy. Since he was a teenager, he's always wished he was one of them.
On his next trip to the fridge where he's happy to find another cold one, he dials his business partner with the hand adorned with a masculine diamond pinky ring. "Hey, Chuck, what's going on with the Wilson deal? I forgot to speak with you about it. I'm sure we can convince him to act now, don't you think?" "Absolutely. Dealing with him is like getting a small kid to take a piece of candy," replies Chuck. "Have you any idea how much money this could mean for us," asks Michael. "About two cool million, pal, two coooool million," exclaims Chuck. "I can feel and smell the color of green already," responds Michael excitedly.
Sarah feels her eyes getting sleepy, and hears the faint sound of Micheal's television channel down the hall. She loves him, but doesn't feel totally connected, for his lack of faith truly separates them. Moist tears of regret fill up her eyes as she thinks back to the biggest mistake of her life. Getting pregnant out of wedlock many years ago is a reminder of what could happen to anyone in a moment of weakness. He did the right thing and married her, though, and thankfully, she's past the guilt. She knows the Lord truly forgives all who trust in him. But, now, she has no choice but to make the best of her life and hope she can get her husband to see the goodness of God.
As Michael retires for the night, he kisses Sarah, adjusts his pillow and thinks, life doesn't get any better than this! Little does he know how wrong he is. Sarah returns the kiss, and responds, I love you; have a good sleep. Michael falls asleep almost immediately. All of that beer must have caught up with him once again.
She can now have her quiet moments with God and prays with all her heart and soul. Dear Lord, she prays, having you in my life and worshiping you gives me peace and contentment. Please change Michael's act of worship into an act that is pure, right and holy. He only worships himself, his ice cold beer and our millions. Please let him see that his constant attention to them is wrong. For we owe our thanks and our worship only to you. Please direct Michael's path straight. Amen. As she drifts off, she's thinking about her life and thanking God for all of her blessings. Praying for Michael each night has become a ritual, for she is hopeful he will one day come to only worship God.