I Gotta Fever…And the Only Prescription is More __________________ (fill in the blank!)

Christians are funny creatures. We think we’ve found everything we need in Jesus. But then, we clamor for one idea after another thinking it will bring fulfillment to our lives. We should be satisfied with all the Triune God is and supplies to us. But we are not.

Following what other’s say we need to do, we become confused by focusing on what’s supportive of the Christian life as if that one thing is the key to paradise.

This idea is well-illustrated by the classic SNL cowbell skit. (It’s too bad YouTube doesn’t have someone who provides the full skit.)

We become like Will Ferrell.

 

I’ve been clanging cowbells my whole Christian life. These cowbells are supposed to be minor additives which make the song sound fuller and more beautiful. Yet, they often become the focus of the performance resulting in a less than pleasing sound.

People tell me I need some “activity” guaranteed to move my Christian life to new heights. So, I try their idea hoping it will help me be a better Christian or will “change my life.”

However, it just becomes more noise. One more futile thing.

Clang! This is it! Clang! This is the key! Clang! This must be done to grow! Clang! Clang! Clang! More! More! More!

Live the exchanged life.

Do a short-term missions trip.

Pray the prayer of Jabez.

Know your identity in Christ.

Submit to Jesus.

Do journaling.

Memorize Bible verses.

Increase your stewardship.

Serve. Serve. Serve.

Believe this doctrine.

Speak in tongues.

Get involved in community.

Keep the Sabbath.

Have a charismatic experience.

Practice spiritual disciplines.

Do small groups.

Use essential oils.

Hire a spiritual director.

Go to Christian counseling.

Know your Enneagram number.

Attend the ________ Conference.

Listen to expository sermons.

Live an unhurried life.

Read through the Bible in a year.

Eat at Chik-Fil-A.

Read Tim Keller’s recent book.

Go on a silent retreat.

Join a non-denominational church.

Learn contemplative prayer.

Make yourself accountable to someone.

Live simply.

Do inner-healing prayer.

Shop Hobby Lobby.

Engage centering prayer.

Form a covenant group.

Find a mentor.

Visit a monastery.

Clang! Clang! Clang! More! More! More! More cow bell. Louder. Fill the space. More! Louder! Clang! Clang! Clang!

It’s obnoxious! It’s noisy! It’s unpleasant! It’s useless!

No activity by itself or as an end, even if it is a good one, brings fullness to our lives.

Stop clanging your cowbell(s)! You’re ruining the song.