In life, all of us have at one time or another attempted to take shortcuts. The shortcuts in some instances had some very positive outcomes and in other cases very negative ones.
Have there been occasions when you attempted to travel to a particular destination that you precisely knew where it was located, but you decided to take a shortcut? The shortcut took you down winding and bending roads and even to a dead-end street. The travel time should have taken you approximately one hour, but lasted for at least two hours. The shortcut even took you down city streets that you intended to avoid. You might even be able to say your trip was a nightmare or a disaster.
We are often tempted to take shortcuts in life because they offer us quick results. Sometimes we become so consumed with our jobs and other responsibilities that saving time becomes a necessity and priority. However, there may be some negative consequences when we take some shortcuts. If not careful, we will allow these shortcuts to cause us to cheat, lie and do unethical things that may lead to one’s detriment.
Social media can be blamed in many instances for us taking shortcuts. Did you know that there is something called Chat GPT that will do the writing for you? Unfortunately, there is no need to apply our critical thinking to a particular project or subject. If you had to make a public speech, ChatGPT will organize your thoughts for the presentation and will generate new perspectives for you. The danger in using this technique is that it diminishes our ability to be creative and innovative. Sooner or later, the listeners and audiences will begin to realize that your speech is derivative and not authentic.
I read a story recently about some school systems not requiring their students to write. Rather than giving them pencils, they are provided keyboards and students may never have reasons for writing.
Sometimes we even attempt to take shortcuts relative to the church. Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic, some have started taking a shortcut to worship. We do not have to leave our homes, for we can remain in our beds and watch via live streaming, YouTube, ZOOM, etc. What we miss is the opportunity to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We miss out on our ability to touch the lives of others and to physically touch people. To some those actions may have little meaning, but to others it leaves a void and a feeling of disconnect from humanity.
The apostle Paul in the Bible places great emphases on Christian fellowship and social interaction. Being in the company of our brothers and sisters in Christ provides for a time of unity and love, and demonstrates that we are a people of faith. Fellowship provides the opportunity to share in the lives of others by being supportive in good times and bad.
What we do know is that there is no shortcut or alternative way to achieve salvation. There is a requirement of having genuine faith, repentance and a commitment to following Christ. If you are reading this and you have not committed to following Christ, maybe today is an opportunity to give thought to the beginning of a new and transformative life.
Beware, for the economy has caused some businesses to take shortcuts. You may even notice that you are paying more for a product, but not receiving the same quantity. As I watch so many houses being built so rapidly in Prince Georges County, I often wonder if they are taking shortcuts.
Proverbs 19:2 warns that “He who makes haste with his feet misses his way”’ suggesting that shortcuts may lead to unnecessary mistakes.
Just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
