Foot loose & fancy free?
Oh
to be young again with that foot loose and fancy free lifestyle! NOT! I
remember those days quite vividly and do not have a desire to ever relive them.
And believe me, I really lived them! I can honestly say
that I was an all-out heathen hell raiser! Sex and drugs and
rock-n-roll with drunkenness, a fast car with a jammin stereo
and you can just about see my life then, but compared to now? Different
than night and day!! And I thank Yahweh for it. Like the
old AC/DC song of old, I was on the highway to Hell. But the living
Elohim stooped down and tapped me on the shoulder, (actually more like hit me
upside the head with a baseball bat, spiritually speaking of course) and he
made me aware of where my lifestyle was heading which caused me to sober up to
my spiritual and physical condition.
Now,
already past my middle age and entering the later years of my life, I ponder at
the actions and decisions of people, young and old. Knowing that I
was a chief of sinners in my day, I just want to grab them and shake them
up! Thinking to myself while shaking them, "what do you think
you are doing, you stupid idiot!" But then again, I realize
that most just don't know any better. Most do not know the truth of
their spiritual condition. They just don't know that they are
deceived; otherwise they would not be deceived. And so most just continue
their unrighteous lifestyles without a care in the world of the spiritual and
physical ramifications that are taking place behind the scenes and in their
futures.
And
so I have learned over the years that I cannot force the truth upon
people. We don't have a flip topped head that just opens up and we
take the pitcher of truth and pour it in and suddenly a person has all
knowledge and understanding. It just doesn't work that way at
all. For most, we have to live a life of mistakes which so often brings
pain and anguish from which we learn wisdom. So although not
desiring to ever re-live my past, those past experiences show forth the depths
of my conversion.
That
being said though, this is not an excuse for a lifestyle of practicing
sin. Just because my present life is a witness to the life changing
power of Yahweh, it is no excuse for my past deeds. And so those who
are indulging in sinful activities without a care for how it affects themselves
and others and how much it grieves the spirit of Yahweh, they are being held
accountable and we will reap what we have sown. Living a life
in the fast lane sure increases our chances of serious physical and spiritual
damage.
Although
to know my story of conversion, which I may share one day, Yahweh did not force
me to repent, but He did show me my options.
The Old Paths Restoration Ministry
PO Box 247
Marengo, IN 47140