I heard my husband snorting from the living room last evening. Yes, snorting. The kind of “snort, snort” that goes along with laughter. His laughing always draws my attention; I hate to miss out on a good snort. Our hilarity is well-matched. What he finds funny, I do as well. Last night, the source of his laughter was rooted in an advertisement for a new miracle drug, whose front-side claims for success were dampened by the long list of disclaimers that follow on the backside of the commercial.
Disclaimers. Those pesky little addendums attached to products to protect said manufacture from assuming any liability should something go wrong. If you’ve watched any television lately or listened to the radio, I’m sure you could recite many of them from memory.
Do not take this medication if you are pregnant or nursing or if you plan on being pregnant, or if you have four kids and any of them are pregnant, or if you know someone who is pregnant;
Stop taking this medication if you should experience any of the following side effects: dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, sleeplessness, hallucinations, have thoughts of harming others or letting your kids play in traffic, your big toe turns green, or you find your right eye hanging on by a thread.
Hmm, yes… give me some of that one, please. Is it any wonder that any of us are well after having to navigate the possible, negative side-effects of a drug in order to find some healing? Which leads me to this thought—not an original one but one I’ve thought about from time-to-time in recent days.
Worldly solutions to physical ailments are not enough to fix our problems. They band-aid our aches with temporary solutions, but never will they solve our issues completely. They can treat our symptoms, but even then, our physical, emotional, and most importantly, our spiritual maladies remain. Nothing the doctor can prescribe, the talk shows can purport, the best-selling self-help books can outline, the “gods” can offer (hmm… Buddha comes to mind), will fix the condition of the human heart. They may lengthen our time on earth, but they cannot determine our future beyond the grave.
Only Jesus can.
There aren’t multiple routes to permanent healing—to that place where each of us can finally voice “it is well with my soul.” There is only one way to that kind of peace, and his name is Jesus Christ. He comes with no disclaimers. He doesn’t need to protect himself from liability in case something should go wrong. There aren’t any addendums of “possible, negative side-effects” with the Son of God. His healing isn’t exclusive, nor does it matter if you are…
Pregnant or nursing.
Single or married.
Divorced and divorced again.
An alcoholic.
A criminal.
A person with a past.
An abuser.
The abused.
A prostitute.
Someone suffering from all manner of addictions.
A prodigal child.
A prodigal adult.
A sinner.
A saint.
A porn star, rock star, silver-screen star, sport’s star.
Poor.
Hungry.
Alone.
Desperate.
________________.
Regardless of the current condition of your heart and life, Jesus is the answer. The only possible side-effect of your liberally, ingesting of him is peace—more peace than you had yesterday, more that will come to you as you are faithful to take him down off of the shelf and drink deeply from his healing tonic. Does that mean your issues will evaporate with a dose of Jesus? No. As long as you and I are tethered to the flesh, issues attach themselves to our lives. But a coating of God’s medicine down our throats and into our hearts keeps those issues manageable and more easily tolerated because, as we confront them, we do so with the companioned presence of Jesus Christ. We carry his elixir with us as we go, and anywhere Jesus goes is good ground for a lasting remedy.
How thankful I am for a Savior who comes to me without disclaimers. I can trust in him—his grace and his cross—without worrying and wondering if my trust is well-placed. God does not fail his children. His promises are true. His word is faithful. His heart is pure. His love is genuine. But don’t take my word for it; take his. Pull your Bible down off the shelf, open it up, and drink deeply from the living Word who has a special word for your woundedness today.
Kind of sounds like a commercial, does it not? Oh, friends, if I’m going to boast about anything, let me boast in Jesus and on the side of his kingdom cross. He makes my life worth doing, and I plan on serving as his “PR” gal for the rest of my days. Won’t you join me in spreading the word about the Word?
Love you; mean it; happy, glorious Tuesday to you, my beloved friends! As always…
peace for the journey,
~elaine
I plan on serving as one of his "PR" girls too! Your words ring true Elaine. He is the only one who can heal us, restore us, repair us, and give us the peace that transcends all understanding.
It is also "well with my soul"
Praise GOD!
I loved this post. I too laugh at those drug commercials but your words here are so wise as it relates to real life and restoration.
I prayed for you today as you complete your book.
p.s. I linked to this post at my blog today. I hope that's ok.
You just gotta love that "backside" stuff.
Isn't it amazing how much there is to be learned of the world, by the world? It tells on itself, revealing it's underbelly with the most finely crafted apologetics. No wonder we snort (I love the visual; been there & done that!!!).
Nothing like a Kingdom PR Gal to wizen us up. No disclaimer needed!
Hugs,
Kathleen
I'm joining you on the PR team! Years ago a friend noted how everyone is looking for this medication, that pill or this quick fix for the problems of life. She and I came to faith at the same time and realized Jesus is that answer. He's the pill, the cure, the antidote for our restless souls. I am as excited now as I was then of such an amazing discovery.
As always…well done, Elaine.
Yes, LORD! I'm on Your side!
I dropped over from "Letters From Midlife" to read your post. I so enjoyed it. Totally agree ~ He is the answer to all we need.
Elaine, As I've been living with a new injury to an old problem I have had to be patient through the pain and run to Jesus everyday for peace and perspective. My posture has had to be creative….even on my backside with an ice pack on my neck with my Bible propped up to the side for meditative reference! What a challenge it has been. I will say though, as I've just wanted the easy pill or cream to make the pain go away and a special supplement to just make me strong, I know better. God is using this to refine and mature me. I'm forced to run to him more often and his shine will be the result. Thanks for the artful reminder today.
You have to wonder what would entice people to take these prescriptions with all those frightening disclaimers. I notice it in the magazines too, one page ad, followed by 3 pages of fineprint disclaimer! Yikes! Very thoughtful post …
I clicked over from Cindy's, enjoyed my visit today 🙂
I too came over from Letters from Midlife and I am soo glad I did. This was such a good post and a wonderful anaolgy we can ALL relate to. He is the ONLY one who can heal us of EVERYTHING and give us that peace. I have a newphew who told his mother (he is 20) yesterday that he is soo overwhelmed and feels he needs anti depressants. He NEEDS a relationship with the living God. Everyone today is soo anxious to fix everything with a pill. But soo many of those pills DO come with side effects. There are side effects with the Lord too, but only the best kind. Thanks for this and thanks to Cindy for sending me over.
Oh, I loved this! As we used to say in youth group to signify agreement…"Amen" and "I'm in!" Indeed I am. Praise God for His love that needs no disclaimers!
Elaine, you my friend are always faithful to offer exactly what the Great Physician prescribes. Regardless of the condition of my heart, my circumstances, my worries, etc… as I make a visit here, sit in His waiting room, one who enters as a patient longing for some kind of heart-care, I always leave renewed or refreshed, challenged or convicted, and always loved.
Continue directing us to true and lasting healing. You have a remarkable gift my friend. I cannot begin to express how God uses you to create in me, more of a thirst for Him.
Hugs,
Joy
Wonderful post as always!
until next time… nel
The thing I like most is that with Jesus we can have as much as we want, as often as we desire! Plus, with every dose of him we feel sooo much better!
You mean I finally have something in common with Billy??? Figures it would be snorting. Hahaha *snort*
Love you, too.
I love how you took that commercial's promises (and side-effects) and turned it inside-out! Doesn't Jesus just love all those side-effects? We are the side-effects…the defects, the sinners, the cast-offs. Great word for the day, Elaine!
Fantastic post.
Great reminder for the day! Brought a smile to my face just be reminded of the Father's unfailing love. Thanks!
Oh to do PR for Jesus…just makes me get so stinkin' excited. Elaine I loved this post…there is some serious heart soothin' serum when we let Jesus take care of all our symptoms! Thank you for all the "PR" You do…you are a blessing to this world!
take one, and call me in the morning!
"Drink deeply from the Living Word" — Amen and Amen! (This was a post full of "Amens", by the way!)
Love you, too, Elaine!
Like, who in their right mind would choose to take that stuff?
I'd rather just have dry eyes or whatever.
But, when you're offering the living word and living water, I'll take some of each.
In fact, just go ahead and give me seconds.
Sweet dreams.
I can not think any better job assignment than to be His "PR" girl.
The long list of disclaimers read by a speed talker always make me snort, too.
*LOVE IT* !!!!!
Those ridiculous drug commercials with all the disclaimers just don't hold a candle to the precious promises of Jesus do they! Thanks for a great post!
Peace.
Now that is a side-effect I LONG FOR!!!
Hey, maybe all of us PR gals should get together for a meeting or something fun like that. See you around the office! *grin*
Hi Elaine,
Oh…blessed REDEEMER…how I thank you that you are not A DISCLAIMER. You are the same yesterday, today and forever. And no…no side-effects only forward-effects of love, joy, peace, goodness, gentleness, self-control and hope.
Blessing to you and your household,
Gladwell
OOOh YES!!!! The only side effect of drinking in the medicinal Jesus is peace!!! I love it! He came to bring us Life and Peace. Whoo Hooo! What a great commercial idea! Someone needs to get that on TV!!!! 🙂
Lady, I'm buying what you are selling!
I'd like to hear you snort, my friend. 🙂
Thinking of you.
You had me laughing out loud – love the disclaimers. I'm so glad I have JESUS and there is no bad side effects. Just happiness, peace, joy, love,etc….
Love your words!!
Nancy in NC
How I've missed reading your blog!!!! I will email you soon and catch you up on what has been going on =) .
Yes and amen…..I, too plan on being His "PR" gal!!
Oh, and give me a shot of Jesus tonic anytime, anywhere…..oh how wonderful It is!!!
Great post Elaine!
Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
Amen! Amen!
wifeforthejourney:
Laughter may not ALWAYS be the best medicine, but I think suffering is always eased by our shared since of humor.
Here's another example of my wife taking a common event and drawing out a relevant Gospel message!
How do I love my Truth Teller?!?
You are the best,
~ Billy
Wouldn't mind overdosing on Jesus and His Word!
This post is awesome and such an answer to prayer Elaine. I will explain more privately via email, but you have no idea how this spoke to me this morning!!!
Love you!
I'd be snorting right along with the two of you – HAVE snorted with only my own company to hear me!
How well-stated – "no disclaimers" with Jesus.
Do you remember (maybe you're too young) the song, "There's No Disappointment in Jesus"? The White Sisters trio used to sing it in their beautiful harmony….