Earth Days and Birth Days

I am a recycler by nature. When I was old enough to realize that my birthday had two significant meanings, I was ecstatic! You see I was born on Easter Sunday and eight years later in 1970, April 22 officially became Earth Day. Now I have to recycle because my birthday is on Earth Day.

This is nonsensical rhetoric isn’t it? Especially since this blog deals with things that really matter. My physical birthday and Earth day do not really matter. What does matter is my spiritual birthday.

On June 20, 1980, I realized my life was a mess and everything I did to try to fix it only made it worse. There was no amount of “self-awareness, finding the goodness in me, or being conscious of consciousness” that would help me. These self-centered disciplines are what Eckhart Tolle and Oprah claim help you find true purpose in life.

Tolle, Oprah, Marianne Williamson, Depak Chopra and countless other spiritual teachers are singing an enchanting tune, but it is a lie. The words provide a type of hope and sense of empowerment that provide temporary balm to the things that hurt. But, it is a counterfeit solution, not the long-term permanent relief that hurting people need.

We are miserable because of sin. Plain and simple. This life isn’t all about you, it’s about you and your relationship to the Creator of the Earth. He is not Mother Earth. He is Father God and he desires a personal relationship with each one of us. He is the light of the world who desires to light up your life with eternal peace and hope.

Yes, it may be Earth Day and my recycling sits at the curb as we speak. It may be the day I enjoy dessert because it’s my birthday, but my real purpose today is to encourage you to consider having a second birthday too.

If would like to be born again so that you will know true peace, joy and hope, pray this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that you took the pain of the cross to give me new life. I ask you to come into my life and to give me your peace and joy. I confess that I am a sinner -- that I have gone my own way and have done wrong. Please forgive me for my sins. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit. Help me to follow you and to serve you all my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, one of your birthdays is also on Earth Day. You are now a child of God. The things of your old life have passed away and He has made all things new. Please send me a note so I can wish you happy birthday.