Substantial Living

For North River Community Church

Substantial living is my style
I like sleek cars and Sunday rides
dark sun glasses
and hats that are wide
The wind rushing past
the sun riding high
Music blasting wheel rims flashing
Scenery…..whipping….by
On a brilliant day
all that matters is that my cares
are washed away

As good as that sounds
It’s the lesser vision
It satisfies for the moment
but there is a weightier decision

Can I really lead the care free life
thinking only of my own needs
Turning my head from the blight
pretending not to hear another’s pleas
Turning my eyes
From the reality that sees

Brushing away the hand extended
Sufficient in myself
regardless of who is offended
Turning a deaf ear
to the call for help
content in my pursuit
of a larger self

As bad as that sounds
we all tend pursue our own interest
regardless of whether our
conscience is at rest
But Jesus asks us to
put aside ourselves
and seek to connect
with those we may desire to reject
He requires us to see
the same potential in others
that He sees in you and me

And it’s more than random
acts of kindness
which can lead to
a kind of spiritual blindness
Thinking that’s all there is
for you to do
and heaven’s gate will
be open to you

Don’t believe the hype
The kindness and love
of Jesus Christ
is not just of the
random type

He was there in
the beginning 
making us in His own image
preparing us for soul winning

He purposely spoke to
the woman at the well 
her history He did tell
And called Zacchaeus out 
of the sycamore tree to say
it was at his house He
planned to spend that day

He came purposely
to give His life
He purposely took
the stripes
and died to live again
to save us all from sin

People are His concern
that His love they would discern
He asks that we share
the message of how much
His Father cares
Not pious or religiously
but by making people
our priority

There is nothing wrong
with bright sunny days
fast cars and relaxing play
But the grander vision
the pursuit of people in need
is substantial living indeed

© All rights including copyrights are reserved 2007 Teresa Adams Ware