|
From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Blank Check"
Have you ever written a Blank Check? I have written a few, and I would be lying if I didn’t admit that each one made me nervous. I’ve written blank checks to loved ones, but I’ve also written them to professionals (like lawyers and accountants), title companies (closing real estate projects), and medical offices. Of course, professionals are required by law to behave, but I am still always nervous to write those.
I guess it all comes down to trust, doesn’t it? Writing a Blank Check (authorizing an undetermined amount of money to be withdrawn from our bank or investment accounts)
is a peculiar position, indeed. It infers that I have unlimited trust in these certain individuals
or institutions, which doesn’t seem very smart, does it?
Over the years, I’ve heard theologians argue over the premise of whether God has written us a Blank Check. Do you think God has an unlimited amount of trust in you, or do you feel that God has a limit to the generosity God offers to us?
Although this is an interesting thought, I don’t think the answer matters that much because both questions infer a serious problem. What’s the problem? If I agree that God has a blank check, it infers that I want to know how far I can push God before incurring punishment on myself. If I disagree that God has written us a blank check, then I might be inferring that there’s a limit on God’s Grace and Love for us. Either way, I’m going to lose this argument, so the best choice might be to make no choice at all.
The problem with not choosing is that my opinion may not be counted. I don’t like that, either, but at least I’m not trying to pigeonhole God into some predetermined scale that weighs my sins. God deeply desires me to be the very best “Brock” that I can be, just as God deeply desires you to be the best “You” possible.
The season of Lent, which is the time of preparation for Easter, begins next week. You’ll hear me talking about it as we get closer. Like always, we’ll have fun with it and everyone (online and in-person) will be able to participate. However, the real purpose of Lent is to spend some time reflecting upon ourselves, making a few tweaks along the way, and developing a closer relationship with our LORD.
Blank Check or not, God loves us, dearly. God wants the best for us at all times, even if it doesn’t seem that way. Each of us has purpose and each of us is capable of much more than we might think. During this next week, take some time to think about God’s work in your own life. Wherever you rate yourself on the blessing scale, God has much more with your name on all of it.
See you this Sunday at the Chapel! It’s a big day so don’t miss worship and plan to stick around for some yummy food at our Superbowl-themed cookout!
God Bless, Brock.
| 
