Life, Liberty, and Freedom

 When you listen to the right person, put the right stuff in, you will find Life, Liberty, and Freedom, but when you don’t you won’t no matter how hard you try.

Weed Eater Example:  I have weedeater that I have had for a number of years.  As most of you probably know you have to mix oil with the gas for weedeater to work.  Years ago when I used to fill up my weedeater with gas,  I would just guessamated at creating the right mixture instead of measuring it out.  In other words, I put in whatever I thought was right instead of following the expressed directions and specifications that the motor needed  

At first, it seemed like I was pretty good at guessamating, and if I was ever in doubt I just added a little more oil because it is better to have a little too much than not enough, I clogged carburetor is better than a blown engine.  As the time went by the motor began to run worse and worse and became harder and harder to start so much so that I stopped using it unless I just had too.  I knew what it needed, but there was never enough time when I was cutting the grass to overhaul it.  

Eventually, someone told me about this pre-mixed fuel that you can buy that is pure gas and perfect mixture of oil every time.  I started using this canned fuel and I started to notice after even just one tank it seemed to make a difference but I still did not use the thing unless I really needed too.  But each time I used it, it seemed to start easier and run better and so I began to use it a little more often.  Now many years later I still use it, it starts right up and runs great every time. And now my kids are learning how to use it, so I don’t have too nearly as much. 

By putting in exactly what the maker intended for it to have in order for it to work properly, low and behold it does.  All that time I filled it with my best guess what I thought should be good enough or what seemed right because it still worked, was really causing it harm and creating a lot of frustration for me and ever for others who tried to use it or perhaps even drove by my lawn and saw the edges of my yard.  

But Turning from my ways and Then putting in what the maker knew it needed brought Life to something that was otherwise becoming ineffective and about to be replaced.

If we were to apply this lesson to our spiritual lives and the level to which we are filled by the God’s intentions for us, what kind of shape would the motor of our lives be in?

This is exactly what God is saying to the Nation of Israel as he speaks through the prophet Ezekiel.  Why do you say my ways are unfair.  You have pursued your ways and look what that is getting you. 

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