(A Brief Essay by Paul C. Collins, M. Div, Th.D.)
The title of this essay is reminiscent of days gone bye when the expression was in common usage. When I think about the entertainment and amusement industry in Branson, Missouri, the phrase comes into my mind to describe an inherent spiritual danger. In other words, too much of a good thing is still too much!
When people live to entertain or to be entertained, the place of God is usurped by an invention of man. The cry of the flesh for gratification leaves God out of the equation of life. God is not opposed to joy. He is not opposed to happiness. He is opposed to man's placement of flesh above spirit.
Sadly, our society has become structured to appeal to the "desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, the pride in riches" (1 John 2:15 b, NRSV). The writer of the book of 1 John in the New Testament of the Bible was warning his generation about the problem of loving the world or the things in the world. He said, "the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eyes, and the pride in riches comes not from God the Father but from the world" (secular society). He goes on to write that "the world and its desire are passing away, but those who do the will of God live forever."
The words written approximately 2000 years ago have been proven true over the expanse of time.
For Branson, Missouri --- the surrounding area and the eleven million visitors annually --- it is important to remember that even a good business needs to be subject to the authority of God. If not, it becomes "god" and the idolaters lose!
Welcome to Branson Church of The Harvest. Sunday worship is at 10:30 and we observe open Communion. You are invited to receive the elements. No offering plates are passed. Just Holy Communion.
