Are you Insane?

Thursday’s Thoughts from Pastor David

The last Thursday of 2016!
Here we go!!!

Has anyone ever accused you of being “insane”?!
Me too!

The definition of insanity has been described to me with these immortal words…
“Doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result.” 

Such a strong definition reminds me of the Greek mythological figure named Sisyphus who was condemned to repeat forever the same meaningless task of pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to see it roll down again, over and over and over again.

Evidently the word Sisyphus finds its root in the word “sisyphe” – repetition of the same meaningless task.

Toward the end of WWII the story is told that the concentration camps in Germany were trying to conserve their bullets. In addition to trying to conserve, the camps were becoming overrun with prisoners. The leaders of the camp came up with a most brilliant and yet insidious plan to rid the camp of prisoners and yet at the same time conserve on their munitions.

A group of prisoners were told to move a very large mound of dirt from one side of the camp to the other side of the camp. Once the prisoners had accomplished the task they were told to once again move the mound of dirt back to its original location. This insane inducing “Sisyphean” task repeated itself over and over again until the prisoners, finding absolutely no meaning in their work, started throwing themselves into the electric fence that surrounded the camp only to be killed by electrocution on the spot.

Mission accomplished. Prisoner population reduced. Munitions conserved.

The Myth of Sisyphus lives on…

I am told of those who make New Year’s Resolutions only 8% actually follow through.

This speaks to just how difficult it is to make a change in our lives.

Will the Myth of Sisyphus live on in 2017 for you?

I am also told those who write down their goals for the New Year have a 42% chance of fulfilling them.

Jesus said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21: 5)

It’s going to be a New Year in a few days.
Do you want the New Year to be just that – NEW?

Or…
Do you want 2017 to be the repeat of 2016 and 2015 and 2014…
Will the Myth of Sisyphus live on in 2017 for you?

Jesus said to write down these words – “Behold, I am making all things new…”

I am writing it down and looking forward to the New Year where new things, new achievements, new habits and new behaviors will allow the New Year to be filled with the promise of Jesus!
How about you?

Grace and peace,
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!