What You See Ain't Always What You've Got!

Interesting how God speaks to us through the everyday things! Today I spent some time in the dentist's chair, dealing with a broken tooth that was the side anchor for a dental bridge. The tooth had been bothering me from time to time, especially when I took the removable bridge in and out, and finally, it gave up the struggle and just cracked off. Apparently, this began as a little cavity under a crown, out of sight, out of mind, ultimately resulting in an extraction and the need for further repairs and expense.

How like our Christian lives that can be! A little "hole" develops -- too tired for worship this week? Well, maybe next week when things slow down a bit.  Budget's a little tight? I'll catch up on my giving next payday. Been a little irritable lately? Well, with all the pressure I've been under...  Bible Study and Prayer? You've got to be kidding - I can barely get the laundry done! A small accountability group or mission project? Out of the question!!  Little by little we put God on hold, and let the things of this world take precedence, weakening the structure of our faith. Little by little, our support system breaks loose and our response to Christ decays. Oh, we may look fine on the outside, but underneath, our relationship with God has disappeared, and the shell that remains is insufficient to bear the pressure of life's trials. 

This is not the first time I have been through this situation! A previous dentist was able to x-ray a bothersome tooth, disclose the extent of hidden damage, drill through the outer shell and remove the decay within. Then he put in a post, and built up the surrounding material until the tooth was once again able to support the bridge. Similarly, our Heavenly Father knows the extent of our damage! When we go to Him with our emptiness, He exposes the decay and allows Jesus to wash it clean. He puts in the supporting post of the cross, and builds us up with His encouraging Spirit until we are able to bear the pressures of life again. Of course, evidence of the broken places remain, but function is restored. Oh, if only I had gone to the dentist sooner!  If only I had taken better care of my teeth in the first place!

It is not God's will that His people should suffer emptiness, holes in their faith. It is His will that we should be employed in "preventive maintenance," washing away the debris of this world and making sure that our relationship with Him is solid and intimate. (The floss and the toothbrush do no good when they sit on the sink!) As a dentist once told me, "Take care of your teeth, they're the only set you have!"  Take care of your faith - it's all you have! 
See you in Church!   -- Pastor Randa

(Just so you know, the dentist was able to pull the tooth, insert bone graft material, and prepare me for a possible implant. At some future date, a post can be inserted that will eventually be able to support a fixed bridge, thus sparing the need to have even more teeth removed! It's not ideal, not for sure, and expensive - but praise God, my faith is still in good health!)