There is a story about a monastery in Europe perched high on a cliff several hundred feet in the air. The only way to reach the monastery was to be suspended in a basket which was pulled to the top by several monks who pulled and tugged with all their strength. Obviously the ride up the steep cliff in that basket was terrifying. One tourist got exceedingly nervous about half-way up as he noticed that the rope by which he was suspended was old and frayed. With a trembling voice he asked the monk who was riding with him in the basket how often they changed the rope. The monk thought for a moment and answered brusquely, “Whenever it breaks.”
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
Whenever it breaks… what a dangerous way to go thru life. What if Aircraft companies felt the same way? Or perhaps you never change the oil in the car until the engine seizes? Repairing something that has broken is almost always more difficult and expensive than just doing the routine maintenance it would have taken to keep things running smoothly. Sometimes repair is not possible. And if we’re talking relationships… there isn’t really a “throwaway” option that isn’t hurtful. The people God has placed in your life are there for a reason. It may not always seem to be for your benefit (directly); it may well be you are there for them because without you their life would spiral until they become broken, alone and suffering in the darkness of their minds. God loves them just as he loves you, and you are the instrument of that love working in the world. Change the rope often, even if you are always the one paying for it. Measure the cost of some worldly extravagance against the very life of someone you love: it’s an easy price to pay. We are here for people, not to fret over the “stuff” we can amass. Don’t be the one who has to say “that person is broken because I judged them and found them undeserving of a new rope. ”
Please be with a church family this Sunday. If you have a home church they want to see you. If you don’t have a home church or are a visitor to the area, we have many denominational options here in Munising for you and any would welcome your presence with them for Worship. Presbyterian service begins at 11:00 A.M. There are light snacks after service.
