Stand-Ups

March Madness – that college basketball frenzy – is upon us!  Mr. Bill is a true March Madness fan.  He’s already pondering what and how many vacation days he’ll devote to his recliner, coke & cashews, and the television.

There’s more March madness going on than that of college basketball – the race for the White House to [casually] mention only one!  Such madness is nothing new, of course.  In Isaiah’s day, the Jewish nation made spiritual madness a way-of-life.  Here’s what God had to say about their rebellion, “Ah, stubborn children … who carry out a plan, but not Mine, and who make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin …” (30:1).  Oh, what a puffed-up people they were – oh, what a puffed-up people we are!  In foolish pride, we decide – we plan – we declare – we proceed … relying on our own wisdom, which is mere folly in the eyes of God.  Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  To “add sin to sin” seems the way our world has chosen, and [sadly] the Saints of God (true Believers) are rarely distinguishable in its melting pot.  Oh, how our nation, our states, our communities need stand-ups for Christ – those who choose and live deliberately according to His Righteousness!  Proverbs 3:4-8 instructs Christians: “So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:4-8).  America needs stand-ups!  Be one!