4 Jun, 2009

Bigger Does Not Mean Better

Roller Coaster

I love roller coasters! The rush of the wind in your face as you descend 70 mph is thrilling. Many people rush all over the country trying to find the biggest and fastest roller coaster to satisy their need for speed.

According to Brendan Walker, who actually works for a Thrill Laboratory, "roller coaster one-upmanship is something of a tradition in the amusement park industry, with rides sometimes designed seemingly with headlines as much in mind as effective frights and thrills."

These roller coaster rides are also metaphors for our lives that are often filled with many ups and downs and unexpected turns in the road. We continually seek something that will top the next thrill and hopefully deaden the pain of the realities of life.

"A release from that metaphoriacal roller coaster, is, of course, a fundamental part of the appeal of the real thing" says Mr. Walker.

But he adds: "When you get into these coaster wars, you don't always end up with a good ride."

story taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/

Luke 10:20 (NIV)

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

 What does God think about Thrill Rides?

Although the disciples didn't have roller coasters to get their thrills, Christ provided many opportunities for an adrenaline rush. It must have been thrilling to watch Christ teach and heal the sick. Add to that the fact that Christ gave the disciples the power to cast out demons and heal the sick.

Along with this rush of power it was easy for the disciples to lose perspective. Christ quickly settles that by acknowledging the power He gave them but telling them to be more excited about being a child of God.

How easy it is for any of us to seek one thrill after another so we can combat the ups and downs of life and avoid being bored. Christ says the ultimate thrill is to have our names written in heaven and that should be way more exciting than anything here on earth.

 

  • What are the activities in your life that you seek thrills?
  • Do you find yourself addicted more to the thrill of the next best thing?
  • Thank God that your name is written in heaven each day this week and ask the Holy Spirit to make Christ the ultimate adrenaline rush.
  • Think about some friends or family members who appear to be always looking for that next exciting moment (concert, movie, event, etc...) to fill that void, and look for ways to share Christ and life in Him as the ultimate ride!
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