A New Office for an Old Fart!

Monday morning, September 24, 2007
For those of you who do not know, several months ago, I took on the task of closing in a screened porch at our house, one that overlooks the 16th green on Healy Point Golf Course. Actually, the view is quite nice but because of my allergies to pollen, we never used it; it just gathered dust, pollen, and junk. Then one day I got the ‘bright” to convert it into an office for me—a place where I can read, study, write, think, and et al.
Well, the idea was good but the task was huge, especially in light of the fact that I decided to do the work myself, which included framing, wiring, installing outside walls and inside walls, installing a door, installing seven windows, and painting! Factor in the fact that I am no longer a “spring chicken” and maybe you can appreciate what I mean by “huge” but do not feel sorry for me, as I really enjoyed it!
Anyway, I have finished everything but painting the outside walls, which I will get done, as soon as I finish moving my old office into the new one. Even the word “moving” gives me the, well, I don’t know what it gives me, but whatever it is it ain’t good! Now think for a minute: the fact that I am a preacher, a Bible teacher, and an eternal student should give you some insight into what is involved in this “moving” experience. You guessed it—BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS! Thankfully, I have, periodically, gone through my books and removed those that were no longer of interest to me; otherwise, I would have needed to build a public library instead of an office. Even so, I have plenty left (and then some), many of which are already packed in boxes and ready to be removed. Rest assured, however, that my remaining library will be sufficiently stocked with those books that speak to my passion—knowing Him, who to know is eternal live.
Just for the record, I no longer read “how-to” books; if they were worth the paper they were written on, I would long-ago have “fixed” everything that was broken, everything from finances to marriages to, well you name it. If you still want to read them, maybe you should ramble through some of my boxes, as you will find plenty of them, not to mention that they are still being written. Interestingly, the ones that seem to be most popular are those that tell us “how to” live the Christian life. I guess we think if we can ever get that figured out, then everything else will work itself out and life will be fine. Unfortunately, there is one problem and these books do not address it (for obvious reasons): these books are attempting to tell us “how to” do something that we cannot do, namely, live the Christian life. In all of my years of reading, if my memory serves me correctly, I can recall only one author, who dared to state the truth: WE CANNOT LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE! The only person who ever modeled the Christian life was Jesus and He continues to be the only person to make such an accomplishment. The good news, however, is this: His life is your (my) life; consequently, He lives the life in us! Cease striving! (I love those words!) This is the secret (to living the Christian life): Christ in you, your hope of glory!
Back to my new office: I am really looking forward to the opportunities it will provide for me to read (mostly those who are seeking to know Him, rather than trying to figure out “how to” live the Christian life), writing what He shows me, sharing it with you, and continuing my watching, waiting, and listening. Beware! I will probably be reading some of those who think outside the typical, religious paradigm, so who knows what I might discover! Whatever it might be, I will share it with you and I trust that you will provide me with your insight and comments.
I just thought you would want to know—