September 10 , 2007

Which Ride Are You On?

I was thinking about different rides and what each one offers.

Merry-go-rounds do just that, they go round and round and round. After you reach a certain age merry-go-rounds are no longer as exciting as they once were. They no longer have the same draw they once had. You pay your money, pick a horse or bench you want to sit on and sit down. You never really hear about anything tragic or exciting happening on the merry-go-round, but on a merry-go-round you really don’t take any chances either. The merry-go-round represents the life that is going nowhere.

Then there is the roller coaster and it seems that every amusement park is trying harder to out do the other with having the best, most exciting roller coaster. The roller coaster that causes you to scream from the minute you get on until the minute you get off and to continue talking about it long after the ride is over. After all of that you find the longest lines in the park are at the roller coaster ride. Everybody wants the thrill of the ride. After experiencing the craziness for ourselves how many of us will get in line again and again to try to get that same excitement or more.

We will even take our hands off the safety bar to make it more exciting. We are riding with no limits and the exhilaration can’t be matched. Up, down, around, whipping our heads, hair, necks and bodies in all directions. Many of us live our lives on a roller coaster ride, moving from one drama to another. We move from one rush to the next let down. It could describe life on drugs or alcohol, baby momma or daddy drama, job or family life, whatever it is like a roller coaster ride it is never ending. The ride can go on and on as long as you want it to with a different buzz each time depending on how you position yourself for the ride.

Then I thought about a subway (not the sandwich shop), a subway ride or an airplane. It picks you up at one place and deposits you at another. The ride may be bumpy or eventful depending on what’s going on. Unlike the individuals riding the merry-go-round or the roller coaster most people catching a plane or riding the subway are going somewhere. You usually do not get on to make an immediate trip right back to the same location. A subway or plane rider usually has a purpose or a destination in mind. Yes, they may have some days that go around and around, or some days filled with drama, but usually they are on their way somewhere.

The question for today is which ride are you on? Are you on the ride that is leading to the fulfilling of your purpose, calling or are you just trying to be entertained? Are you just doing something to say that you did?

In order to know which ride you are on you will need to know your purpose, why has God placed you here? When you look back over the last few years are you any closer to your purpose? Does it seem like you are going through the motions of life (merry-go-round)? Does it seem like there has been a lot of activity, a lot has happened (drama), but with no real results (rollercoaster)? If either of these identifies your ride/life it is time to make an adjustment. Seek God for directions on how to get off the ride you are currently on so you can catch a plane, train, subway or the bus to make some real forward progress. It’s time to leave the park of amusement and move into the park of purpose.

Which park are you in and what are you going to do about it?

 Weekly Scripture:

Jeremiah 29:11-14 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

We just worked out spiritually. If you have not worked out your physical temple get up and put your video in or go for a walk, but do something. Remember to work out at least 3 times per week (20-30 minutes per day) to experience a New Beginning physically. Work out to music, workout and pray. Just workout.

For further discussion contact angela@mynewtemple.org or write to us on the message board