What happened to the bumper lanes?

What happened to the bumper lanes?

Most of us have fond memories of visiting a bowling alley during our childhood, relying on the aid of those two rails strategically placed to prevent gutter balls. These rails, affectionately known as "bumpers," provided a sense of accomplishment even for the most novice players. Without them, the game would lose its appeal for many children, leading to frustration and a disheartening score of zero.

As adults, it seems the bumpers have disappeared from the game of life. Perhaps like me, you’ve viewed these boundaries as a hindrance to experiencing all that life has to offer. It’s easy to feel like we’re missing out or being restricted by someone else’s rules.

There was a time when societal norms reflected Christian values, and these boundaries were widely accepted and enforced. The media was censored to limit the exposure of cursing and provocative imagery. Sundays were reserved for rest, worship, and family time. The limits of technology provided necessary boundaries for family time. There were no phones at the table. No parent sending one last work email as their child tried to tell them about their day. No teenager was doing TikTok dances while parents worked around them to cook and prepare the table for dinner. Family vacations meant leaving work behind and prioritizing quality time together. There was an emphasis on the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death. It was encouraged to help those in need, following the example of Jesus Christ's teachings on love and compassion. Valuing humility, service, and putting others' needs before one's own, following Christ's example of servanthood. There was a belief in fair treatment and forgiveness, guided by the principles of justice and mercy.

However, our society has progressively drifted away from these Christian principles, resulting in the erosion of these once-upheld boundaries. Without these bumpers, many individuals find themselves pushing the limits, seeking temporary pleasures that ultimately fail to bring lasting satisfaction or fulfillment. When we stray beyond life's boundaries, we risk becoming the definer of right and wrong. WE turn from God’s standards and His will for our lives, severing our connection to the Creator.

Initially, the freedom beyond these limits may seem exhilarating, with success appearing within reach. However, personal experience has taught me that this path comes at a cost. Operating without the guidance of God leaves us vulnerable, endlessly chasing unattainable desires and forsaking meaningful relationships in the process. We become consumed by our own ambitions, discarding anything or anyone that impedes our pursuit of self-gratification.See, the space you're finding all this success is void of God.

You may be winning right now, but I can assure you at some point you will come face-to-face with the consequences. Even if you were a good person along the way, even if you donated your time or money to charity. I have found that doing life on my own terms was a foolish pursuit, but there is hope.

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The Bible says:

“We have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

At this point, you may be saying, "Yeah, and so what?"

Well, the Bible goes on to say:

“The penalty for sin is death” (Romans 6:23)

Again, you may find yourself saying, "So what?"

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As Christians, we believe in life beyond the material realm, grounded in the truths revealed in the Bible. We believe this for a very good reason actually; we believe the Bible is 100% true and inspired by God. It is a historical book of events spanning over 6,000 years in time. The recordings in the Bible are about real people and in real places (many of which you can still visit today). It recounts the story of creation, humanity's fall, and the ongoing battle between good and evil.

Yet, it also offers a message of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ. Here's where the good news comes in: because of His love, God did not leave us in our brokenness. Jesus, God in human flesh, came to us and lived a perfect, sinless life. According to God's original design, Jesus came to rescue us, to do for what we could not do for ourselves. He took the sins and shame of every human - and was put to death - to pay off our debt to God. After three days in a tomb, Jesus was then raised from the dead to provide the only way for us to be rescued and restored to a relationship with God.

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The Bible says:

"For God so loved the world in this way he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16)

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So what does this really mean for you and me?

We have a second chance at life if we turn and believe; It means acknowledging our brokenness and turning away from our self-centered ways. It means placing our trust in Jesus Christ and allowing His transformative power to work in our lives. Through repentance and faith, we can experience a renewed sense of purpose and find true fulfillment in aligning our lives with God's design.

This is called "repenting and believing in the good news" (Mark 1:15b)

When God restores our relationship to him, we begin to discover meaning and purpose in a broken world. Repentance isn't just a one-time decision; it's a continual turning away from sin and toward God's will. As we grow in our faith, our desires and priorities realign with God's purposes, leading to a life characterized by joy, peace, and love for others. It's a journey of transformation, marked by daily surrender to God's guidance and grace.

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The Bible says:

"For it is God, who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13)

"For we are his creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10).

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What should you do now?

Now that you have heard this good news, God wants you to respond to him. You can talk to him using words like these: "My life is broken. I recognize it because of my sin and I need you. I believe Christ came to live, die, and was raised from the dead to rescue me from my sin. Forgive me, I turn from my selfish ways, and put my trust in you. I know that Jesus is Lord of all and I will follow him."

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The Bible says:

"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9)

"For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13)

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Let me emphasize a crucial aspect of this journey. Repentance involves turning away from your old habits and redirecting your life toward God's path. It's imperative not to merely identify as a Christian while continuing to live contrary to Christian principles. If you truly believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, your beliefs should reflect in your actions. While transformation takes time and effort, as you deepen your faith, you'll witness changes in your character, priorities, and relationships. You'll find yourself increasingly aligned with God's purposes, experiencing profound joy, peace, and love. It's essential to recognize that regardless of your past mistakes or age, God has a purpose for your life and can restore the years lost to living outside of His will. Personally, I've experienced a profound transformation over the past year. I've shifted my focus from worldly pursuits to finding fulfillment in my relationship with God. Yet, I'm concerned for those who claim faith in Jesus but continue living unchanged. Genuine belief in Jesus should create a transformative shift in one's lifestyle, marked by a pursuit of righteousness and a desire to lead others to know God. While I acknowledge my imperfections, I've witnessed significant changes in my desires and pursuits compared to a year ago.

Let us remember that God's boundaries, like bumpers on a bowling lane, serve as guides for our obedience and protection. Embracing these boundaries isn't about restricting our freedom, but rather about finding true fulfillment and purpose within the framework of His divine plan. As we yield to His guidance and align our lives with His will, we not only experience personal transformation but also contribute to the greater good of building God's kingdom on earth.

May this message challenge and encourage you as you navigate life's journey, always seeking to honor God in all you do.

To God be the glory. Amen.