I’ve never been shy about returning or exchanging something we’ve bought that’s broken, the wrong size or not at all what we expect.  Companies often include free return shipping with on-line purchases.  I don’t hesitate ordering something sight unseen.  Easy-peasy.  Or back it goes!

The Apostle Paul mentions an exchange that’s a bad bargain from start to finish.  Romans 1: 21-23–‘For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.’  Humanity, knowing about God, refuses to bow the knee to Him.  No gratitude for all He gives.  No praise to the only totally deserving One.

Rather mankind exchanges what’s right for what’s ‘futile’, ‘foolish’, ‘darkened’, and ‘degrading’.  The truth returned and exchanged for a lie.  Worshipping created things rather than its Creator.  Serving them and not Him.  Relishing the least, banning the best.  Sounds like a rotten deal to me.

Only problem is that I’m as a much a participant as anyone else.  Before accepting salvation through Jesus alone, through trusting Him, I’m sailing in the same boat up a creek over the approaching edge of Niagara Falls.

Even after believing and becoming His child, I feel the tug back to the abyss.  The temptation to return to old, broken ways.  Exchanging the fixed, settling for the broken.  You know the feeling.  I’m not alone.  Unfortunately.

Being aware of sin’s tug-and-pull, opens my eyes to how weak I am, and how much I need Jesus’ help.  As in all the time.  In every way.  I need moment-by-moment Holy Spirit boosting of my inner resolve, strengthening me.  Just me?

Don’t be satisfied with a broken life, lowering your sights with half a loaf.  Wearing something that doesn’t fit and looks horrible, which needs to be returned and exchanged.  Send it back.  Return to sin’s sender.  After all, Jesus has the best reserved for you and me!

Don’t settle for seconds!  Keep and enjoy what He gives us.  No returns needed!

Thank you, Jesus, for all your good gifts.  And the help of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.