Today the Christmas music on the radio sounds wonderful. Forty-eight hours from now it will not be nearly as pretty or satisfying. The human mind fascinates me because the music will be the same. It is our minds that are in a different place. On Christmas Eve, a humble looking man stood outside the door of our grocery store. He held no sign. He held no can. But people consistently gave him money as they departed. If he stands there two days from now people will most likely call the police. So what will have changed? The sun will be the same. The air we breathe will be the same. But something will be different. It is our minds that will have changed.
Psychologists, politicians and preachers would love to understand the workings of the mind. Unfortunately con men seem to be best at this art. Perhaps there isn’t much difference between any of the four I just listed. Politicians promise us a host of good things that rarely materialize. Preachers often manipulate emotions with scare tactics and soft organ music. The problem with that is the effect is short lived. The next morning people are back to normal wondering what happened to them the day before. Surely the best way to influence someone is to inspire them instead of frightening them. While it is true God will accept people whatever the motive (He’s that anxious to save people.) it seems the best way is to instill in them God’s love and care for them. After all, the Bible says, “For God so loved the world.” Love is what God is. You don’t have to be afraid of someone who loves you.
Written by Roger Bothwell on December 25, 2008
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org