Hopefully this works out, my iPad has been going nuts today but I'll try to send this last email.
The parable of the Hoops:
We recently got a new basketball hoop in the gym at our church building, but only one hoop. Today I would like to use these 2 hoops as an example of the standards of the world and the standards Jesus Christ has asked us to follow.
This basketball hoop has been here for years. It is a reliable hoop and it is a bit wider than the newer one.
This is the new hoop. It looks nice and you'd automatically want to play a game with a hoop this nice.
Now I want you all to ask yourselves a question: WHICH HOOP WOULD YOU USE?
Now I will make a comparison of these 2 basketball hoops. The latter hoop I would like to the enticing so of the world, and in essence, Satan himself. You may be questioning this claim, but let me explain. The adversary has had time to develop his knowledge of mankind and he knows how to carefully deceive our minds and slowly dim the light of Christ which burns in our hearts. He has slowly worked his way from blatant lies and temptations, to subtle deceptions and white lies. He puts something that is appealing to the natural man in us all, in this case a new basketball hoop. There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the hoop. It's brand new, has a fresh net, and a shiny rim what's not to like?! But we will find, when we cast our lots with that which seems more appealing to our carnal state, that it is very difficult to make a shot and the ball seems to never go in. So is it with those who choose to rely upon the power of that fallen angel, even lucifer, there is no eternal reward or blessing for relying on a master whose only desire is to see us unhappy. Following the standards of the world may at times bring us joy, but the happiness found in these carnal things cannot keep us happy long enough. Sooner or later, we will be drained of what we though was true happiness and we will again turn to the things of this world to bring us temporary joy.
Now on to the first and older basketball hoop. This I would like to compare to the standards that God sets before us. This hoop has been used for many years, its net is worn and its rim rusty and old. It doesn't seem as good as the other hoop, but it is in all reality a much better hoop. It looks used because it has been used. There have been many years of use and abuse on this hoop, but it is still the same. Just as the hands of Christ are used daily. Almost daily he reaches down to raise us up and pull us from whatever hole we have fallen into. The hands of Christ look used because they are STILL used. When we take our chances with the Lord, everything will work out for the best. For following the standards of the church, and in essence the standards of our Savior, we may be ridiculed mocked and laughed to scorn. But it will all be worth it in the end. Never forget, though the path may seem to rugged and dangerous, there is nothing we cannot accomplish by letting the Lord work His will in our lives.
Remember Him every day,
Much love,
Elder Crow
Sent from my iPad
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