You just didn't do it justice.

Most of us know what that means. It's when you describe something in an under whelming manner, like saying an atomic explosion is simply a loud noise. The loss of an arm is but a scratch. Death is a career change. The most stunningly gorgeous amazingly beautiful Miss America pageant winner looks "ok."

It's also the manner that we present ourselves in relation to things, for instance if you don't appreciate something. You order a huge dessert, take two bites, and waste it. Or someone goes to huge lengths for you, moving heaven and earth to satisfy you, and you say oh it wasn't that important to me after all.

While it is not as clear cut sinful as outright disobedience, not doing something justice - or being downright indifferent to things, as I like to think of it - is still a dangerous game to play. When we disobey commandments of God, we have usually elevated our will above his. I might steal because I want something and while I know what God thinks about it (and what others think) I am going to go right ahead and do it - because I/me/self want it. Same with any other trespass - it seems that most sin starts with "self'.

But what's sinful about being indifferent? Is it hurting anybody, is it being disobedient, or is it just plain annoying? What business is it of anyone if I obey God but decide in my heart that I'm not going to radiate this false gushing happiness that some embrace? I want to go to heaven, I do what God says I need to do (follow the checklist) and I help others now and again. My "self' just doesn't feel the need to be warm and fuzzy about God, or to jump up and down in his praise or adoration. I obey, I demonstrate love, so get off my back! <smile!>

Here's a thought - God would have us be grateful. When he gave his Son, sinless, he died for YOU. That is a big deal. When we don't see it that way, how wretched we are. Consider the 10 lepers - only one came back. Only one was willing to show humility gratitude. But as Jesus says, weren't there 10? Where are the other nine? I am confident they are glad they were healed - but apparently not enough to express gratitude. Would that be us?

God would have us be thankful. In a list of sins in Titus, one of those sins is, are you ready? Unthankful. Some of the vain, foolish, ignorant folks in the bible where described as being "unthankful" (Romans 1). Would that be us?

God would have us be joyful. Jesus describes those who have had their sins removed as rejoicing, and Paul outright commands it. Paul further praises those who are of the one body as being thankful as well. Would that be us?

So we have to ask ourselves. Do we live in such away that the love and joy we have radiates from us? Do we have an understanding that even the worst of things in this life are temporary and that we have peace, joy, and thanksgiving to look forward to? In the things we do, say, act, and live do we exemplify the gospel for others to see?

Or... in the end will God say we just didn't do it justice?

Randy