During my trip to New Life Northwest last summer (that Youth Minister-Joe-guy talked me into it), we went on an afternoon excursion involving a trail hike to a large waterfall. That powerful, cascading water was a beautiful sight to behold, for sure, but what sticks out in my mind is a man dressed in “hippie” type clothing—sort of a dress for men with tie-dyed designs and the like. He had some “peaceful” music playing (maybe sitar?) and smelled strongly of incense. As he approached the area at the base of the waterfall, he stopped, looked up to the skies, and then raised his hands in an apparent act of worship.
I grew sad as I realized this man was likely one of the guys we read about in Romans 1:25: “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised.” And then, I grew even sadder as I realized and admitted that I’ve done the same thing, only in different ways. This guy was just more obvious about it as he lifted his hands in praise of…water. But I’ve served the creation ahead of the Creator in less conspicuous ways. Just to name a few examples, I’ve placed people above God, I’ve put too much stock in the things of this world, and I’ve allowed my recreational pursuits to overshadow my genuine worship. Perhaps my hippie friend can help me remember my priorities and what’s really worth my full devotion. When I’m tempted to put someone or something in God’s place, I’ll lift my hands to worship water and be reminded, instead, to elevate the One who made it.
Troy Burns