Living in the Culture

Every now and then you see something on a golf course that stands out.  Consider #17 at Sequoyah National in Cherokee, NC.  This long par 3 in the valley is guarded by an old red barn.  When you see it your tempted to think, "now why didn't the golf course architect tear it down?"  However, you soon realize why on earth would you ever tear it down?

It sits to the left of the tee box and its leaning nature tells you it's not going to be there much longer, but Robert Trent Jones III knew better and left it. I'm glad he did. A lot of golf course architects have a "plow it under" mentality and they clear cut the land.  But a few recognize the importance of maintaining the integrity of the land.

People do that sometimes in the church.  They convince new Christ-followers to clear cut everything in their life and fail to see the natural beauty that resided within them all along!  We try to de-program/change them to fit our concept of a believer.  But God can use them just like old red barns on golf courses.  We need to celebrate what's already there and help them grow.  Let God handle the change.  He will weed out what He deems necessary and strengthen what is already there.  God can handle remnants!  He's handled the likes of you and me for ages!

"Holy Father, this Lenten season change us as you see fit and show us what You placed inside us that's worth preserving to use for Your glory! For Christ's sake, Amen"