The Knock at the Door

 

	Scripture:   Ephesians 4:  11-16   I'm perplexed,  Lord,  and a little troubled when once again an insistent visitor knocks on my door,  wanting to discuss religion with me. He asks me,  Do I believe in God?   Am I worried about the state of the world,  concerned about my own soul? I don't want to be rude, and find it hard to say,  "No"  to this friendly stranger.   Must I from politeness enter into fruitless discussion?   Am I obliged to invite him in? My visitor can quote so fluently from the Bible,  and seems so sure that he alone understands what it really means.   Help me,  Lord,  to be strong and decisive about my own faith and not allow myself to be persuaded against my better judgement.   There is so much in the scriptures I do not understand.   Will you help me to stand firm on the things I do know and live by? You speak to me through my conscience:  keep the fire of faith burning within me and guide my daily footsteps.   Through you I see God.  In the company of my friends on Sunday I find the springs of my faith renewed.   I cherish the memory of good men and women who have ministered to me along the way.   As I look back it seems that your hand has always been upon me for good. So now,  Lord,  give me the strength to remain both kind and firm,  able to say,  "No,  thank you,"  and to turn away with a clear conscience.   Let me say with your servant Paul,  For I know the one in whom I have put my trust,  and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Amen. ©  Selwyn Dawson