I realize that the word “spiritual” means different things to different people. We’ve all heard or read of someone declaring they are not religious, but are spiritual. They generally mean they have given up on organized religion, and are simply spiritual, whatever that might mean. Now I’ve been forced to re-think the word “inspirational.”
For years we’ve purchased inspirational wall calendars. They generally included a beautiful picture of nature and a Biblical quote. Last year’s calendar included quotes such as, “And blessed be His glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with His glory”, and “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.”
The calendars were beautiful, but the price and the minimum number we had to purchase kept going up. We stopped purchasing pocket calendars years ago because few people use them any more, and I did end up throwing away a number of wall calendars last year, but there still seems to be a place for a beautiful calendar on most walls. And it’s good to have the name of the church and phone numbers readily available.
While trying to justify the cost, I received a welcomed offer in the mail. A company I had not used before had inspirational calendars available for a very good price, and we only had to order 50. I jumped at it.
When they arrived I was really excited, but my excitement died when I read the first quote. It was from Benjamin Franklin! The quote wasn’t horrible, and was even inspirational. “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” It’s not far from, “Do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself,” and “You are the light of the world.”
But then I read another. “If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.” That is horrible! And it’s a far cry from, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and way is broad that leads to destruction.”
Those calendars went into the dumpster, and the company graciously agreed to send us replacements, free of charge, that actually have Scripture on them. I just hope the pictures are good.
God Bless, Rick
Chatham Christian Church 