Old Time Religion

An appetizer to the meat of this post--another "M-ism":
"My gratchy hurts"--my throat hurts (I have no idea where "gratchy" comes from; I think she got it from Caillou)


Now for the entree:
"Gimmee that 'ole time religion, gimmee that 'ole time religion...."

Yesterday morning at church, we sang a hymn that I don't think is sung very often anymore, but it brought a flood of memories back to me. I'm sure that if you think back to childhood or maybe even just a few weeks ago, certain songs mean something special to you. Not only does this hymn and others like it have an extraordinary simple message of God's love and the offer of salvation embedded within its words, memories of the circumstances in which these hymns were sung are almost as precious. Are you curious, yet, about which hymn was being sung?

It was "His Name Is Wonderful". Do you remember that hymn? What memories do you have of this particular hymn? I remember always singing this hymn on church building trips when I was very young. Growing up, my family would take church building trips with a group of adults from our church and from other churches in Texas. We would travel to a different state each summer and help build a new church in that area. I remember going to Montana, South Dakota, and Washington to name a few. I believe, though, that it was in Washington (the last trip I remember taking) that we were building a two-level church building so that the first floor was the actual church and the second floor was to be a living area for the pastor and his family. On these church building trips, we would take time out several times to have our own church services on the building site. We all came before the Lord exactly as we were (construction clothes and all), sing hymns (without hymnals, Powerpoints, or worship guides), and someone would bring a message of encouragement or a sermon. Of course, without hymnals, we had to sing hymns that everyone knew which was perfect for the few children with the group because we were able to see and experience mature Christians display what was obviously written in their hearts and minds.

Thinking back on those experiences...what a reminder of how simple God's invitation and message is. God does not expect or require us to come to him in the latest fashions, perfect hair and make-up, and matching accessories (what a relief!). He doesn't even require that we know all the words to what we are singing. What He offers is the simple gift of eternal life. The one requirement is just as simple. We explain it to children in Vacation Bible School as the ABC's: Admit that you're a sinner, Believe that Jesus is God's Son, and Commit to follow Him in everything. Yet even as simple as the offer is, some people just miss the mark. I guess they think something as simple as this is just too good to be true. Please let me tell you that it is too good NOT to be true. I hope and pray, that if this musing has touched your heart and you have questions about this wonderfully simple, free gift, please post a comment or send me an email. Eternity is a long time--are you certain of where you'll be spending it?