Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6
It was a long time ago and, in a galaxy, far, far away or at least it seemed that way. It was so long ago that the semi-local mall was still a mall with stores that were open. Anyway, we were at Target to get a dining set for my daughter Jen and my almost son-in-law Matt as a shower gift. When we found it, the box clearly said it was a “team lift” item. Now what that means is that unless you are just dying to have a hernia, you need to have a person help you load the box. I wasn’t…so I did.
I followed the rules and called in the cavalry. A young man with bigger muscles than me loaded the box while I watched—now that’s what I call teamwork. So, with the box in the cart, off we went to the checkout area. When we got there, I wisely asked for some help loading the box into my car. The young man checking us out called for help and his supervisor came and took over the register while he loaded the box. I think it must have been his lucky day.
In the process, Sarah, a co-worker, helped and teased how she was used to “helping” Brett out. That seemed odd to me. “Why?” you ask? Well, the reason is simple—his name tag said David. So, I had to ask the obvious question. Speaking to the young man with muscles bigger than mine, I said, “So, why did Sarah call you Brett if your name is David?” “Well,” he said, “my name is Brett, but I left my name tag at home so I’m wearing this one.” Obviously, Target has a policy: you must wear a name tag at work—even if it isn’t yours. That made me smile then and even now.
I thought it ironic that any name tag would do…as long as you wore one. It seems that Target and the world have one more thing in common. You see, Target said that any name tag will do, and the world says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe—as long as you believe.” You know, it’s the old “all roads lead to Rome” theology. That saying comes from a time when there were very few roads, and at least in that part of the world, since Rome built them…they did indeed lead to Rome. That worked then but it won’t work for heaven.
You see, unlike Rome, God is the only One who made the road that leads to heaven. And that road leads right through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one can come to my Father except by Me.” God, the Heaven road builder, laid the rules and the way. Now you might not think that is fair except for this. He invites everyone and anyone to travel the road. No restrictions, no exceptions, no toll.
Remember this. I suppose you can wear a name tag with the wrong name on it if you want—after all, the only consequence will probably be some confused people. After all Brett wasn’t really David. But, when it comes to what you believe, the consequences are much, much greater. You see, it really does matter what you believe—believe the wrong thing and you can end up eternally separated from God and that is a bad deal all the way around. God loves each of us and longs for us to be able to call Him Dearest Father.
In a confused, upside-down world, in a world where yes is no, and no is yes or right is wrong and wrong is right…well it is good to have a certainty we can lean on. Not certain about the whole God thing? Why not get a copy of the Bible and read it for yourself? Even today it remains a best seller…for a reason. In its pages you will find many great promises and among them is this. No matter what…He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne
Grits with Grace 