THE LAND OF FEAR
Once upon a time there was a land where fear was a way of life.
Everyone stayed in their houses which were fortified with steel beams. They had bars on their windows and elaborate alarm systems that were turned on at all times. Their locks were fail-proof and they kept all their money in strong safes. Everyone owned a gun, which they carried with them at all times. The residents of this land hardly ever left their homes except for the occasional trek to the store, but mostly they ordered their food and clothing on-line. They had “work from home” jobs and did their banking on line, so they did not need to leave their homes. Their friends were all “face book buddies” and they worshiped on the internet each Sunday. The children were safe too, as they attended school via the internet. All in all, everyone was quite safe. Crime was almost nonexistent. Everyone got along with everyone else, or if they had something against someone, they just de-friended them from their face book page. The air was the purest in the nation as everyone hardly ever drove anywhere. Flu shots were not necessary as diseases never spread outside of a home. Parents were there for their children 24/7 whenever they needed them.
The land of fear was deemed the safest place on earth to live.
So why were the people of the land of fear so miserable and anxiety ridden?
THE LAND OF PEACE
Once upon a time there was a land where peace was a way of life.
The people enjoyed the company of each other. Cool breezes brought fresh air into their open homes. They only locked their doors when they went out, as other times everyone was welcome in their homes. The only guns they owned were squirt guns for their annual neighborhood “squirt gun bonanza.” They shared rides to keep the air pollution down. Everyone enjoyed going to work and especially enjoyed the office parties. It brought them great satisfaction to be a part of a company that added to the betterment of the community. There was some crime in the land, but when someone was a victim, the rest of the community rallied around them to comfort and help. People enjoyed their face book buddies, but they enjoyed the company of their friends even more. A face to face chat seemed to be much more fulfilling and enjoyable. The churches resonated with grateful voices as the people sang together their songs of praise. They prayed together and cared for and shared with one another. Everyone got their flu shot and when someone got sick, there was always a casserole left on their door step. The children looked forward to their time in school where they could interact with their friends. Although parents could not be with their children 24/7, they always enjoyed the time they spent with them. They were always ready with a listening ear when their child needed to share.
The land was deemed the best place on earth to live.
And everyone lived in peace, trusting God and enjoying their lives.
Philippians 4:6,7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Which land would you rather live in?
Which land do you live in?
ONCE UPON A TIME 