Aren't You Just A Little Ray of Sunshine...

contributed by guest author, Beau Boutwell

For those who really know me, they know that Beau is simply a nickname that I acquired as a child.  Of late, however, I've gained some other monikers of repute including "the favorite Pharisee" and "Captain Conviction - everyone's least favorite superhero."

I admit fully, that I'm okay with these titles.  And here's why.

As a bit of a lark the other day at work,  a co-worker of mine posted on our social media site that she'd lost her phone charger and since it was the only one that she had, she wondered if anyone had seen it.  I commented that I found it strange that she lost her charger at work, since we work in a strictly controlled environment where cell phones aren't permitted.

Again, as a prodding joke.  (e.g. I even included a ;-) in my comment)

By the time I checked the social media site again, some two hours later, the list of responses loaded with vitriol to my pointing out her violation in the workplace left my digital reputation seriously tarnished.

The next day, I posted a question to the site asking this: 

Why do so many people rebel against any sort of authority, be it small- or large-scale rebellion.

I'd like to share some of the responses that I got.

• "I sometimes rebel in small ways if for no other reason than I disagree with a certain rule or the reasons for which it's in place. But that's just me." - Josh
  

• "I also feel that many rules are created to prevent people, who aren't able to logically reason out ways to do things safely, from harming themselves.  As someone with a higher than normal IQ, the ability to objectively view issues, and a fairly good common sense find that many rules are restrictive." - Greg
  
• "Most rules are restrictive and have no purpose.....Like so what if I want to swim with no life jacket, I know how to swim!!!!!!"- Kelsey

• "Rules are created to destroy your creativity." - Cody
  
• "Ive always challenged the status quo" - Eric
• "I trust my instincts more that I trust rules." - Eduardo
• "Question everything." - Thomas

The last quote, if you know your disciples, makes me crack up every time.

However, I received just shy of thirty responses, and only two of them said that they follow the rules, generally.  I truly was shocked and then not shocked all at the same time.  The people who answered stated that there was only one thing steering their lives, themselves.  Every boundary should be tested.  Every border should be tried.  Every course must be travailed. (you're welcome, Darrell)

"Okay, Beau, we get it.  Those who don't know Christ don't rely on Him or believe that He has any rule over their lives.  But we're not like that.  We know to Whom we have sworn allegiance.  We know to Whom we have pledged our fealty.  We know to Whom our living and waking lives are pledged.  Jesus!"

Really?  Can you honestly say the statement above?  Can you with absolute certainty utter the words above and mean it?

I can't.  Because if you're anything like me, the "to Whom" that is mentioned is...

Brothers and sisters, please don't miss this.  Our lives are but a sliver of a moment in the continuum of time, but in that sliver, the life that we live here on earth is exceedingly crucial.

We cannot, as the Bible says in Matthew 6:24, serve two masters.  Our lives are devoted to furthering the Kingdom of Christ... or furthering the kingdom of Me.

It's time to stop what you're doing... and choose.  A life focused on Christ - or - a life focused on life.

Much love to you all,
Beau