Churchnecks

September 24, 2007

You’ve got rednecks, longnecks, bottlenecks, roughnecks, turtlenecks, leatherneck and those that are moving at breakneck speed. So why not churchnecks – those are people that stop long enough to feed on the Word of God.

Christian Author Marion Smith tells a story of what came to her mind as she watched a bulldozer at work along the coast of Florida.

“The bulldozer was plowing through a strip of land between the north and south highway U.S.1 in Delray Beach. Toppled Australian pines were piled in a heap, waiting to be hauled away. The black soil was churning as the blade of the dozer forged ahead at a slow speed. There were about 50 white birds on the scene, hunting and pecking in a furious manner. They were so intent on the job at hand, I was afraid the blade would wipe some of them out! Their long legs took them here and fro, as they bent their long necks to the ground. Their pointed bills moved rapidly along the ground gathering whatever nourishment was available for them in the soil.

My husband said the bulldozer was unearthing a multitude of hidden bugs and grubs, a veritable feast for these birds. That blade churning the earth was making a hidden banquet available for this flock of fortunate feathered ones.

There are times when I need God's Word and His plan to be dug up and places before me. This need is filled when I attend church, because I always walk away feeling full and satisfied. The minister, prayer leader, choir, and hymns are like the bulldozer. They turn up and bring to the surface all of God's good nibbles for me to partake in. They unearth many truths of the scripture using song, sermon and prayer, and I partake of all that has been made available to me during the service. Just like the birds kept their beak to the ground, I keep my heart open and close to the source of nourishment”.

It is sometimes difficult to get our young people to church. You’ve heard all the excuses – no need to go there. Just want to send encouragement to parents to persevere with your teens attending church with the family. Nature again is an example of how we are all like the flock of hungry birds waiting to be fed. Being Churchnecks’ is only one way to feed on the goodness of the Lord. There are fun and fattening things being served up in this world that are intended to destroy our youth. Our homes need to be a place of blessing that promote growth in the Lord. Keep your hearts connected to Jesus.

String a pearl: A word for young and old: If you are wise, your mind is set on what is morally right and that will lean towards power and honor. If you are foolish, you will gravitate towards what is wrong and that will get you in trouble. “A few dead flies in perfume make all of it stink, and a little foolishness outweighs a lot of wisdom. Sensible thoughts lead you to do right; foolish thoughts lead you to do wrong”.

- Ecclesiastes 10:1-2

You know you are a churchneck
When you glow after church service

You are loved,
Lyndi