Going Steady
(From February 2004)
The question posed in a Bible study: How to categorize the relationship
with God that only allows for taking what one wants from it...sort of like
just getting a comfortable feeling, without being asked to give anything?
One of the answers I heard, stuck with me. "It's a little like just 'going
steady', instead of the commitment of marriage".
My mind instantly produced 'pictures' of adolescent relationships. High
School (or earlier) attempts at attachment, with no genuine sense of
permanence. The kind of relationship primarily based on an emotional,
personal satisfaction. Going Steady is 'playing with' the commitment.
"If you don't want to go out tonight, you can just say no", was one of
the comments about 'going steady'. 'Going steady works, as long as
everything goes the way you want it. You only have to work at it as
hard as you want to.
The poem: "Three Dollars Worth", by Wilbur Reese, was read in this
study for illustration: I would like to buy three dollars worth of God,
please. I would like to buy just a little of the Lord. Not enough to
explode my soul and disturb my sleep. Not enough to take control of
my life. I want just enough to equal a cup of warm milk. Just enough
to ease some of the pain from my guilt. I would like to buy three
dollars worth of God, please. I would like to find a love that is pocket-
sized. Not enough to make me love someone different from me. Not
enough to change my heart. I can only stand just enough to take to
church when I have time. Just enough to equal a snooze in the
sunshine. I want ecstasy, not transformation. I want the warmth of
the womb, but not a new birth. I would like to purchase a pound of
the eternal in a paper sack. If it doesn't work, I would like to get my
money back. I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to hide some for a rainy day. Not enough for people to
see a change in me. Not enough to impose any responsibility.
Just enough to make folks think I am ok. Could I just get three
dollars worth of God, please?
I want ecstasy, not transformation.... I would like to purchase a
pound of the eternal in a paper sack.... This poem makes me think.
Even thought I know it takes a deep commitment, and I'll have to work
at it too.... I don't want to be only 'going steady' with God. I want a
marriage.
--------------------------------
Gracious Holy Father, I don't want 'just three dollars worth' of You in
our relationship. I want all I can take. I realize I'll have to work at it too.
That It won't always be easy...that I'll have to love people I don't even
like, some people different than me.... I don't want just the emotional
high. I want the commitment that will explode my soul. Transform me.
I want Jesus in my heart and soul and in my life...every hour. As I ask
for and accept forgiveness for my sin, I forgive other sinners. As I pray
with others, we offer our concerns and our loved ones for Your healing.
In Jesus' holy name and with confidence in the power in even the mere
mention of Him...we pray.... Amen.
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You
have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and
infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence
the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of
your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care
for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and
crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works
of your hands; you put everything under his feet: Psalm 8:1-6 NIV
Steve __________________
© Steven Green 2004
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