Getting a fresh perspective is not always easy. Sometimes we need others to help us see the stuff right in front of our faces before we realize something is wrong. You wouldn’t leave trash lying around, would you? Sooner or later you would notice that something was not right. It would start to smell and you’d have to choose; live with the smell or remove it. One little town chooses to ignore it.
In 1925, Nome, Alaska was the destination of the famous “Great Race of Mercy”, where dog sleds played a large part in transporting diphtheria serum through harsh conditions. In 1973, Nome became the ending point of the 1,049 plus mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held in honor of the serum run. Ever see the movie Balto? It was a favorite of our kids for a while (best Kevin Bacon voice over ever). It’s the true story of a Siberian Husky sled dog who led his team on the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome (true when you omit the talking dog part).
This town is blanketed by snow for nine months of the year. Like, lots of snow. Nome averages about 62 inches of snow annually. When summer rolls around, tourists are shocked to see trash and debris strewn throughout the city. The truth is, the rest of the year, no one notices because the snow covers it all. It just seems easier to leave it there until summer ends and the snow comes again.
I think we get used to the “trash” in our lives. We get used to the smell. We think it’s “just the way it is” and forget that there’s a better way to live. I can tell you this: there is freedom from it.
“What should we say? Should we keep on sinning, so that God’s wonderful kindness will show up even better? No, we should not! If we are dead to sin, how can we go on sinning?” Romans 6:1-2 (CEV)
You don’t have to just “live with it”. But don’t have to turn a blind eye to it either…pretending it doesn’t exist. You just have to believe that it doesn’t run you. It doesn’t author you…deciding for you as if you have no voice. NO! (as the apostle Paul says) It does not have you in its grip. You are authored by another.
Even though 2017 is well underway, we have the chance to start it with a brand new perspective. We can take out the trash. And with God’s help, we can keep that perspective fresh.
Matt
Matt Hastings lives with his wife Keri and their five children in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He is the pastor of the Estill Springs Church of the Nazarene. [Editor’s Note: Matt has graciously allowed us to republish his weekly email devotionals on our site for our readers.]