Humpty was careless

Humpty was careless and paid greatly. “Deflategate” has dominated the sporting news for months and has even been a frequent feature in network and radio news. A few psis of air create quite a stir. How can the violation of what seems such a minor rule create so much interest? Mainly, we favor or disdain rules mostly dependent on how we perceive them affecting us, facilitating our progress or obstructing our goals. “Humpty Dumpy sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.”

In the case of “deflategate,” reputations and legacies of players, team owners and others are already imperiled (perhaps irreparably) regardless of “proof” of wrongdoing. We might laugh at the significance of 1 or 2 psi or downplay our own decision to break a rule or law or to proceed with an act where the Spirit of God or our own conscience warns us to reconsider . . . but when the personal consequences of our decision and action eventually come home to roost and we wake up to witness and comprehend the collateral damage we cause others, our lives and often the lives of others are on a different landscape. “All the King’s horses and all the King’s men, couldn’t put Humpty together again.”

Christian, we have to get serious about some things, things such as believing that God’s instructions to us are not repressive but for our good. We need to hear what He says and respond with obedience. The prophet Hosea observed the Israelites proclaim with their lips, “Oh God we acknowledge you,” but their lives were ignoble and disobedient. The result was “reaping the whirlwind.” (Hosea 8:7). Paul warns against ignoring the caring and cautionary precepts God gives us and making light of God’s paternal guidance. He says “Do not be deceived. God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Gal. 6:7) These warnings are more than applicable today for professing Christians like us.

We easily compartmentalize our lives and behaviors. We might rationalize that in most things we agree with God and live accordingly. But there are those one or two “very minor areas” where we disagree and go our own way. Places where Jesus is not “Lord of all.” God makes no allowances for “small rebellions.” Sin is unacceptable yet not unforgivable. That’s grace. We cannot adequately appraise ourselves. Try King David’s remedy for self-reflection. (Ps.139:23-24) Think about it.