Yesterday, Sunday, my family went to the Hot Air Balloon Jamboree in Collierville. We were really excited to see some hot air balloons and possibly even ride in one.
Once we arrived at the jamboree, we noticed that there were no hot air balloons to be found (due to the wind), but we were still excited about the possibility to ride in one later in the day.
As we were walking around, we noticed a line beginning to form near a tent (that we believed to be the location to purchase tickets to ride in a hot air balloon). The line kept growing so we hopped in it, too. As we stood there, I decided to go to the front of the line and ask what exactly we were standing in line for. The response I received was laughable. The man said, “I think this is the line to buy a ticket, but it could be over there. We aren’t really sure. We think this is it though.” I told this to my family, and my mom went to ask the pilots if there would be, in fact, rides or not, and if that was the correct line. She learned that there would be no hot air balloons happening that day.
As we were walking away, I began thinking about how much that relates to us spiritually. If we see a crowd doing it or lining up, we hop on in before we really know what is going on or where it leads. How long would those people stood there yesterday before they realized they were wasting their time? How long do we seek after God in places that he is not or seek fulfillment where it will never be found.
I am reminded of Jesus’ words to his disciples in Matthew 15:14, “Let them [Pharisees] alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Jesus goes on to explain that what comes out of our mouth will reveal the type of spiritual diet we have been consuming. Therefore, the motivation/encouragement for this week is to ask who’s line are you standing in? Where does it lead? And how does it nourish you spiritually?
