Many Christians, frustrated by the lack of fulfillment they've found in people, things, and career, have fallen for the deception that God's Word is not entirely true. They live as though the Bible was a book of myths rather than a living and active guide to fulfillment. For them, the hope of gaining lasting love, joy, and peace is like believing Disneyland is real. And attending church is like the temporary thrill of one of Disney's rides. Behind the splashing water, flashing lights, dark tunnels, and dancing figures are only computers and wires and sophisticated sound systems. Christianity is a make-believe world, a ride they take Sunday after Sunday. It doesn't satisfy, but they keep riding, because deep down they want to believe it is real.

Others, looking for a greater thrill, switch to different rides, like a new church, a different speaker, or some new teaching. The new ride is more exciting at first, but no more satisfying in the long run.

Some have quit taking the rides altogether. They are convinced that those who say they find fulfillment in the Lord lack depth and settle for the simplistic solutions found in a make-believe world.

How do we escape the amusement-park syndrome where rides go nowhere except up and down, around and around? We begin by admitting we have sought fulfillment from people, things, or careers. These three areas describe our personal Disneyland. The entrance to this amusement park is wide, and many go through it. But Jesus said the gate that leads to life is narrow and only a few find it (see Matthew 7:13-14).

The call to hand over tickets for which we've paid a high price is difficult to obey, but that's the requirement. It's called confession. We must admit we've been standing in the wrong line and step willingly into God's line.

That is what the Bible calls repentance. It's stepping out of one line and in to another. It's turning away from one way of thinking and embracing God's way. It's changing directions, rejecting our former source of expectations and accepting a new source, one that will never fail.

© Copyright 2005 Smalley Relationship Center

Print this page

E-mail this page

Bookmark this page

Back to top