I am not a person who cares much for the “dress for success” or “seek to impress” mantra. Our lives must go much deeper than the superficial. While I own suits, ties, and dress clothes, I am yet a “blue jeans and t-shirt” boy at heart. However, I do appreciate quality things in life. I had rather have one sweatshirt that costs $50 that I can wear for the next ten years than ten sweatshirts costing $5 each that need yearly replacement. I suppose one could say, “Different strokes for different folks.”
This principle brings me to the heart of my story. Some time ago, Seiko watches caught my attention (granted, they are not Rolexes but some are very nice). I began looking at different versions of them in stores and online. I found this modest, solar edition with a very simple face (not even a second hand nor a light option) with a gold-silver band. I must say that I thought the watch was charming and the solar option meant I would never have to worry about battery replacement—perfect! It was around $300 through Amazon, and I decided to save up my money and purchase it as a “personal treat.”
The watch performed flawlessly for the first year until one day I decided to protect the device in a secure place while I took a vacation. The problem was that this secure place was completely dark, and the watch had no source of light (power) for roughly ten days. Upon returning from my travels, I retrieved my solar Seiko watch and continued with my life. The dilemma came shortly thereafter. I noticed, for the first time since its purchase, the watch was not keeping correct time. I reset the precise time again and again across several months; repeatedly, it would drift. I tried a few life-supporting efforts myself to no avail. Eventually, I took it to my favorite jeweler who could find no problem with the device (you know, like the car that is “acting up” until you take it to the mechanic and they find nothing wrong).
How can you trust a watch that does not keep accurate time? What profit is a car without wheels? A lawnmower without blades? A person without Jesus? Answer—none! So just this week I decided to dispose of my “quality” Seiko watch and buy me a Timex. You know . . . the working-class $40 watch that lasts for ten years without problems! Granted, these watches may not be as attractive nor sophisticated as the Seiko, BUT they have what it takes to accomplish their purpose—and in the end, this fact is what truly matters.
Moral of the story? What is most important is within the watch and, by extension, within the individual. Appearances of grandeur and preeminence can be costly and misleading. The solar watch did not have what was necessary (the light) to function internally as it should. Without light, it completely broke down. Even with human efforts to “revive” the watch, it was far from fixed. On the other hand, the Timex is less “fancy” but does the job it was created to achieve. The same is true for all people. When we are without the light of God within our souls, little else really matters in the big picture. What truly counts is what God thinks of us in this life, and we will never be acceptable to Him without Jesus.
At a core, God looks for what is on the inside, that is, what is in the heart—not the outside! He promises to give us the “light of life” if only we ask Him humbly. When we recognize the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity (yes, you and me), and the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, and we call out to Him in repentance and faith, the Lord will surely save your soul (Romans 10:13). God will forgive your sins (all of them), transform your life through the power of His indwelling Spirit, and grant you eternal life in the new heaven and the new earth to come. Who, in their right mind, would not want such redemption? Remember, we are bankrupt without Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit who give the vital light and boundless power to live for the glory of God the Father.
As with the solar watch, so also with the human soul. What is on the inside truly matters . . . and, yes, it matters a lot! Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). So ask yourself, “Is Jesus Christ the light of my life?”
In His Grip—Dennis
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