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 Joe
Doakes really loves
God — he stoutly affirms, every time some nosy person
asks why he was not at worship Sunday. He can not understand why
any one would think differently; and suspects their “seeming”
interest in him must be a self-righteous covering for hypocrisy.
If they would leave him alone, so he could act on his own, he
would worship God regularly — maybe.
It
has been many months since Joe gathered for prayer with the
saints. He says some of those “church-tied” ninnies seem to
think the church building is the only place where one can talk
to God. Of course he doesn’t pray at home — but he could.
Joe
says worship must be directed to God — and a fellow’s
clothes have nothing to do with it. Joe doesn’t notice how
others are dressed — he is wondering what they think of him.
They are probably snickering at his out-of-date suit — when
they should be thinking about God. If he had a new suit he would
likely resume his place in public worship — after waiting a
few months to wear off the newness. You know how some people are
— notice all the clothes in the
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house.
Love
God? Serve God? What ridiculous questions! Everyone should know
that he loves God and wants to serve God. Why are people always
pushing him around? His wife, always saying, “Do this!” His
friend, saying, “Joe, will you help me here?” And the boss,
yelling, “Finish that job!” No one is going to push Joe
Doakes around!!
But
Joe listens to his wife — for he loves his wife, and wants to
make her happy. And Joe helps his friend, because he appreciates
and needs him. And Joe listens to his boss, because he wants his
praise, and a raise — and lest he be fired. Joe submits
himself to these, because he believes it is to his best interest
to do so. Re-examine Joe’s thinking, and you see he judges
others on the basis of his own standards, with thoughts always
turned inward. He has not yet learned that to save his life, he
must lose it. (Matt. 10:39) Joe does not love and serve God,
because he has chosen to love and serve himself (Matt. 6:
24)
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