That is how he lived his life. He spent his time chasing the things the world said would make him happy.

He said he was a Christian. He did those things that Christians do, but God would have to settle for what this busy man would spare of his time, talent and energy. The Big Lie of the world beckoned, and he sold out to buy in.

It began innocently enough. All he wanted was some land of his own, financial freedom and enough so that his children would not have to go without. In the deepest recesses of his heart, he knew that what he really wanted was approval. Just for once, he wanted to be the center of attention and to hear the praise that always seemed to go to someone else.

There wasn't a second to waste. He worked away the numbness, and, with a bottle of bourbon, washed away the loneliness. At the end, he felt as empty as the bottle in front of him. His wife and children never knew exactly where he was. His friends and brethren finally stopped coming to see him. For years, he was captive of the clock.

But now, finally, all that had changed. Despite the well-meaning warnings and the dire predictions, even his critics had to admit that his sacrifices had brought him everything he thought he had ever wanted -- some land, release from financial worry, provision for his family, even the attention he secretly craved.

But ... as the crowd dispersed, the first shovel of dirt resounded against the casket lid with a faint echo of finality. He was given one earthly life. He wasted it.

There was not a second to waste! (Luke 12:20, Matthew 16:26; Romans 8:5-8).

Brethren, this life is not some rehearsal for a second earthly life somewhere down the road! On that great day there will not be a second life issued us. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad!" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

The shame
of it was despised by Christ.
The gift
of it, grace to our lives.

It was never intended,
certainly not recommended,
or even implied
to be iconically contrived.

Wood, stone, brass, brick
Embossed, reflects
Concave, covex
Building facade
Pulpit veneer
"Just ignore"
"It was already here"
"That's the way they come"
"We don't want one"
Catholicism
Protestant's symbol
Condone, explain
Impious, profane
Inconsistent
Rid it's existence!

The place
of it is here in our hearts.

It was never to be fashioned
by man's graven art.