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The Lesson of The Lab Rat

Have you ever seen a laboratory rat learn to navigate a maze in order to get to the cheese at the other end? It is a fascinating thing to watch. In an effort to teach the rat to take the correct path the scientist will rig the maze with wires to give the rat electrical shocks if they go the wrong way. Eventually the rat learns that it is better to take the path directly to the cheese and avoid the uncomfortable shocks. It is amazing when a rat learns this lesson, but it should not be amazing when a human learns the same lesson.

Humans often do learn through trial and error. Eventually the pain of running contrary to laws and social norms will catch up with them and they will concede to a life of obedience. Sadly, many Christians will see this change in the life of a loved one and label it “getting right with the Lord.” It is not. It is a learned conformity that still seeks to please self, just by taking a different path than previously attempted.

It is very possible to adjust your life to the standards of society and never enter into a relationship with Jesus that produces salvation. You can hold down a job, maintain a healthy marriage, stay out of jail and have children that love and respect you – and die and go to hell. Atheists have done this for centuries.

So how do we know when the change is a change brought on by the will of God at the new birth? The answer is love. The person that has been born again has a love for God, his Word, and his church. To be sure, this person will serve gladly in their home, on the job, and in society, just as the unbeliever. But an inner compulsion to love God above all things is the difference. Love for God is the first fruit of the Spirit. It is the key to discerning between saints and lab rats.

Give Us Eyes To See What You Have Done, Oh Lord! Amen!
Pastor Mitch

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