Fownly...

Most of us suffer from this disease called fownly…

You know… “if only”….

If only I was wealthy…

If only my job were more secure…

If only I had a better spouse…

If only I had more time…

If only I were smarter…

If only my kids were…

If only I were healthier…

…I would serve God better, give more faithfully, attend church more regularly…

If only…

It’s a lie you know.  If you’ve been journeying with us through The Story surely you’ve seen it by now.

If only my life were more peaceful, ordered, consistent, joyfilled, etc.  If only all my needs were met and my spouse were more transparent and loving.  If only I didn’t have to worry about putting food on the table or gas in the car or… whatever…

Sounds like paradise… sounds like Eden.  Apparently, paradise wasn’t enough to stop Adam and Eve from trying to “make it on their own.”

Or maybe that’s not your “if only”?  Maybe your “if only” is: I have an area of struggle in my life… health, porn addiction, chemical addiction, depression, unemployment – if only I was free from this bondage I could …would be more faithful to God.

Sounds like Israel groaning beneath the yoke of Egyptian slavery.  Yet when they were set free they became even more disobedient.  At one point they actually say, “We were better off as slaves!”    Apparently, freedom isn’t enough if you suffer from fownly’s disease.

Well, that’s all spiritual hocus pocus!  I’m struggling with the basics – food, shelter, clothing, key relationships – If only I could have the basics provided for… I don’t need to be rich, I just need my basic needs met. 

You mean like Israel in the desert? Having their basic needs met didn’t make them more faithful.

…seeing their enemies defeated didn’t do it

…living in the land of promise didn’t do it

…bold, courageous, anointed judges and prophets was not enough

…well… If only we had a king like the nations that surround us…

…If only we had a temple to worship in

…If only I had more teaching… wisdom… knowledge… 

…If only life were a little more manageable…

The only cure for disobedience is obedience.  An act of your will. 

There is no external circumstance that will cause you to rise to faithfulness.

That’s a path you must choose to walk…

…just sayin’