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Take It Easy
“Take it easy” is an oft-repeated expression.
Many say it thoughtlessly. But it does reflect the philosophy of
the age. It is the only principle of life some people have.
Jesus told of a man whose greatest ambition was comfort and ease
(Luke 12:19). In this great age of ease, we have labor saving devices
galore. Life was hard and rugged for our fathers. It is soft
and easy for us. This philosophy has afflicted all realms of life.
Let us consider a few.
It Has Affected Our Political Thinking
It has converted strong statesman into cheap politicians
who are in mad competition with each other to see who can offer the voters
the most for nothing. Past civilizations have decayed and perished
because their peoples became indolent, careless and wicked. Our American
heritage stands in jeopardy today because our people wish to “take it easy;”
because they love ease more than strength, and pleasure more than God.
From the very beginning, God has commanded men to work (Genesis 2:15; Exodus
20:9; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10).
It Has Invaded The Realm Of Training
And Disciplining Children
To some the school has become a place for play and fun rather
than a place to develop thinking and
increase knowledge. The philosophy is: make life
easy for them. Very little discipline. No wonder we have developed
a generation of softies who worship ease and pleasure (Proverbs 22:1; 29:15;
Luke 2:52).
This Attitude Has Also Invaded Religion
Churches have gone all out to please men who want an easy
religion. A rugged religion which demands the best there is in a
person has become unpopular. The majority prefer to be coddled, lulled
and soothed. Consequently, many churches are in a mad race to see
which one can make religion easiest instead of the safest. Standards
are lowered in order to draw a crowd. A life of cross-bearing is
not emphasized. And, it is out of the question to discipline them.
Instead churches operate on the basis that these poor sinners must be permitted
to live as they please, lest they be discouraged and antagonized.
Many wanted a life of ease during the first century. Their only interest
was materialism (John 6:26).
It Keeps The Church From doing The Work It Is To
Do!
Christianity is not a religion of ease. It was not
easy for Jesus to die for us. It was not easy for Paul to go through
those trying experiences spoken of in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. It
was not easy for Peter and John, who were threatened, to say, “We must
obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Yes,
Christianity offers no special sales or bargain days. There are no
marked down prices. We must pay the full price.
A Boy's Meditation
My Daddy thinks it's nice for me to go to Sunday
school
To hear the helpful lessons and to learn the Golden Rule.
And if some Sunday morning something else I'd like to
do,
My Dad looks very stern and says, "I am surprised at
you."
So I dress very neatly and I travel off alone
While Daddy hunts the paper and decides he'll stay at
home.
Now I have often wondered yes, time and time again.
Why Sunday school's so good for boys and not for grown-up
men.
--Author Unknown, Life Lines, Beckley, WV
Submitted by Mark McWhorter
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