Christianity: The "NEW" Greatest Show on Earth
“These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)
In 1872, Barnum of “Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus” fame, would coin the phrase, "The Greatest Show on Earth," as his traveling circus of freaks toured the world. At the turn of the century, the circus was the greatest show on earth because it was the best entertainment option going at the time. But the times change and technology has given us many different forms of enjoyment and pleasure to fulfill our human need to be entertained.
Question... has Christianity become just a "show" or another entertainment source or is it truly God's voice and authority here on earth?
REMEMBER ME?
Here's my point. Have we forgotten Jesus in all the confusion and chaos of our modern day lives? Jesus seems to have taken a back seat to such things as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, or even fantasy football leagues. Another point to ponder. Why has theology and religion replaced the simple message of the Bible, which is Love? Love first for God, then love for each other. The truth is Jesus opposed religious hypocrisy when it stopped short of servant hood. When it stopped short of mercy. When it stopped short of grace. And most of all, when it stopped short of love towards each other.
That is why I believe the circus no longer can claim that “World’s greatest” title any longer. I now believe Christianity now can lay hold of that title. Christianity has become the “Greatest Show on Earth” simply because it has lost its focus in what our faith is based upon and about, Jesus Christ. Considering the Scripture was written about one man, Jesus Christ, have we as people of faith forgotten this? Just because you put in your hour at church each Sunday doesn’t mean you are honoring God and His son. Especially if you walk out of the building with your Sunday plans of food, football and naps, dominating your thoughts and forget about God the rest of the week.
And He (Jesus) said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 15:16 (NKJV)
God knows each of our hearts. He know what has replaced Him. Maybe it's those fun websites or blogging your every mood the world over, God knows how important His name and conversation about Him is to you. Does a good novel or an magazine article receive more of your attention than Holy Scripture? Does a fantasy football league or playing the lottery require less faith and trust in receiving God’s abundance in your life? Or do you believe God is your source or your provider for all things?
So, I will ask you today what God has placed upon my heart. Do you remember Me? Do you trust in Me? Do you like to speak My Name to those around you? And more importantly, do you love Me?
Forget Barnum, forget Bailey, for I AM and always was and will forever be, the Greatest Show on Earth!!!
GOD AD2009
James Robert Kessler
Because of Him Art Ministry 2009
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