Mad Enough to Spit

We had an incredible weekend. I got to go out and ride my bike early Saturday morning for about 2 hours and covered a lot of ground. It felt really good. Then, our worship services at Ridgeview Church on Easter Sunday were an uplifting experience. I really enjoyed singing my heart out before God.

Sunday afternoon we had some family and friends over and just had a really fun time hanging out at the house, telling funny stories and playing Kan Jam. Then, our Pastor Tommy called me to let me know that he was tired after Easter weekend, figured I was as well, and was giving us Monday off to recoup. How great was that?Monday morning I got another great bike ride in with my wife Erin, which was a really nice time together. Erin is getting better and better at being comfortable on the road, which makes it a lot more fun for both of us. After the girls woke up from a nap, we spent some time as a family planting this year's garden.... they were so excited about spraying water all over it.

Somewhere mid-afternoon however, I started to get mad. Why? I have no idea. I mean we had just spent a great weekend together, and with the day off I had been able to get some extra things done that I hadn't originally planned for. Why get mad? I have no idea. But anger is a swirling vortex that goes down quickly. As we put the girls to bed, I found that I had become furious at the world... daring anyone to say something cross to me that would set me off. Then it happened. Our satellite dish wouldn't pick up the TV channels. I found it infuriating. Why? I don't know. But it sure set me off. My terrible attitude ruined our evening, didn't help the girls go to sleep any better, and didn't fix our TV.

After the dust settled, and I asked my wife for forgiveness, I read this passage this morning during my devotions. It is from Revelations 3, and it was referring to the church at Laodicea.

Rev 3:15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

God was mad enough to spit. Spit them out of his mouth. And why? Because of pride. They were so pride of their accomplishments, as if they were able to accomplish anything that God had not allowed them to do in the 1st place. I made the same mistake over this last weekend. When God had blessed us with beautiful weather, some free time, and some great family time, I became proud and tried to take credit for it in some way.... if only in my own mind. Then, Monday night my true colors came out. I showed what I really am: a sinner.

Fortunately, the passage in Revelation later continues:

Rev 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.