"The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes..." (Psalm 19:7)
The first frame of the "Peanuts" comic strip in last Sunday's paper showed Lucy sitting at her yard stand where for years she has counseled poor Charlie Brown for a nickle. Above her head the sign read, "Lucy Van Pelt." On the front of the desk was written, "Flawless Advice."
No shortage of that around lately, is there?
Wear a mask. Don't wear a mask. Open everything. Keep everything closed. Defund the police. Put soldiers in the streets. If I took all the "flawless advice" I have received in just the past month I would be spinning around in circles until I got dizzy and fell over, or worse. On the news just this morning was a story about the ways people are using bleach to protect themselves from the coronavirus. The anchor was almost beside herself as she told people NOT to gargle with bleach. Now that IS flawless advice!
When we want advice, we usually turn to sources we know and trust, although unfortunately we also tend to turn to sources we know will tell us what we want to hear. When we only go looking for confirmation of what we think we already know, it can be a problem. Such advice may not be flawless at all.
That, I believe, is the key. There is no such thing as "flawless advice" in this world. Not even from Lucy Van Pelt for a nickle, which is about what most advice is worth. Maybe. All advice needs to be sifted and sorted and received with a grain of salt. Having a bent toward suspicion, especially in any advice having to do with bleach, is a good thing.
When I saw the "Peanuts" comic on Sunday, Psalm 19 came quickly to mind. Yes, there are many Lucy Van Pelts in our world who want us to believe their advice is indeed "flawless." But there is only one place to turn for advice that is "perfect" and "sure" and that is "rejoicing the heart" and "enlightening the eyes." In the mist of all the advice swirling around us in these times, may we all return time and again to the ways of God. "More to be desired are they than gold..." (Psalm 19:10a).
Worship This Week
Sunday, June 14, 9am in the Peace Garden
"What Have I Gotten Myself Into?"
If you choose to come please wear a mask and practice social distancing
You can also join us on Facebook Live or watch later on our website, www.monroevilleucc.org
Keep In Prayer:
Our shut-ins: Harriett Ryerson, Kate Shelley, Dot Ann Smith, Nora Smith, Helen Payne
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