I am one of those who have always been in church. My parents took me to church as an infant; I grew up in church, and now that I am well over a half-century in age I am still in church. By God’s grace, I was adopted by Christian parents, and God has given my family and me grace upon grace ever since. However, recognizing that I am who I am by God’s grace has been a bit of a challenge. I grew up with performance-based Christianity.

One common conflict throughout Christian history is between God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. Many like to focus on man’s role in our salvation at the expense of God’s role in our salvation. Others so emphasize God’s sovereignty that man is left with no responsibility. For those who emphasize human responsibility, I sometimes wonder if they reflect on whether God is pleased with the way things are going.

Many churches have signs that display messages. Sometimes the message is the scripture passage and title for next Sunday’s sermon. Other times the message is announcing an event at the church. Many times, though, the message is meant to inspire or encourage the reader. Unfortunately, these messages often cause me to sigh and shake my head.

Why does God do what he does? What is his motivation for his plans, purposes, and actions? Is God motivated primarily by love? God’s love is certainly emphasized in Scripture. John 3:16, the most famous verse in the bible, speaks of God’s love.

When viewed in the light of Scripture, human arrogance is quite astounding. To think that ignoring God, disagreeing with God, or trying to manipulate God is a rational thing to do simply displays the depth of our depravity.

Years ago when I was still a boy I remember hearing a particular sermon illustration. I don’t remember what the sermon was about, and I don’t remember exactly how the illustration was presented, but I do remember the gist of it. Two grandsons were talking about their grandfather. The first grandson says, “It’s amazing that grandpa is 90 years old and he still doesn’t use glasses.”

I imagine just about everyone has heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” This saying is common because often it is true. I have been to the Grand Canyon many times. I could describe it by saying the canyon is vast and colorful, and it is very deep, long, and wide. That is a valid description but, because the description is so subjective and vague, it is not helpful.

Every year around Christmas I enjoy hearing Handel’s Messiah. A few years ago a week or so before Christmas, our family had the privilege of hearing the Christmas portion of this glorious work at the Bruton Parish Church in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.

Recently my wife and I were on a road trip to visit family. While traveling through the Deep South we passed a sign by the side of the interstate that said, “Go to church or the devil will get you!” Several questions went through my mind, but the question I pondered was, “What is wrong with the message on this sign?”

Not long ago I was contemplating creation. I was not thinking about the age of the earth or the foolishness of evolution. Rather, I was thinking about God’s creation, from the vastness of the universe to the minutest particle that has been discovered.

What is really important? What things do you consider to be a big deal? Have you ever considered these questions?