God is like Deodorant

“A mother was trying to teach her young son, Jack, about personal hygiene. For his Christmas stocking, she gave him a stick of deodorant. The next morning, she noticed him in the bathroom, applying the deodorant with great fervor. Not just a few strokes, but dozens, covering his underarms and then moving in to his neck.

‘Jack, what are you doing?’ She asked. He replied with a sigh of desperation, ‘Mom, I’m trying to put on enough to last me all week. I don’t want to do this every day!’ ”

This is funny how easy it is to misunderstand the whole process of deodorant. We need a little every day, not all at one time. There is a sermon in here, also. Sometimes, we approach our faith like Jack approached deodorant. We mistakenly think we can “slather on” a little extra spirituality during some worship time on Sunday morning—having it last us through the entire week. But being a “sweet smelling” fragrance and aroma to God requires a fresh application of His Truth every single day (2 Corinthians 2:15-16).

This weekend at Journey Church Cynthiana we take a fresh look at Romans 5:1-11. Grab a seat and take out a Bible.  We’re discovering God is for everyone (John 3:16). We’ve learned everyone (people) is in the same boat. We have major flaws in our character. We need a refresh often, like applying more God (deodorant) each morning.    

Through the first four chapters of Romans the Apostle Paul has dismantled any ideas, some people get a “hall pass” with God. Not true. Everybody is a little (sinner) “stinker,” even Grandma and Mother Teresa. Just paying your bills on time, going to work, keeping your nose clean, staying out of trouble, is not good enough.

The Bible explains we’re all in trouble without Jesus (Rm 3:23). Being good, is not good enough—even if you’ve been religious insiders for centuries (like Jewish people in Old Testament). And if you’re an un-religious outsider, it’s never too late to make things right. How?  We all need a Savior. Jesus is our chain breaker.     

The Bible makes clear being made right with God is the same for everyone. We get God’s approval by growing a thriving (not just surviving) relationship with Jesus, Savior of the world. Go God!

Is your life full of JOY right now? When you walk into a room do people ask, “Hey, why are always smiling and happy?” People notice when we use deodorant. We all need a little help each day.

People notice when we’ve been with God and other Jesus followers. Make others curious about God. How?  Just tell them, “We all smell better—because of God. ”

More God. Deal. See you Journey Sat@6pm/Sun@10:30am.