Get a Clue

"Get a clue!" You have probably heard someone say that, usually with a sarcastic tone. It's an idiom that has made its way into our American vernacular, usually calling on someone to figure out the obvious reality of a situation. It often implies some level of frustration from the one making the statement, and is intended as a disparaging or insulting comment toward the person to which it is directed. 

I think the first time I heard it was when I was in college and one of my baseball teammates yelled it an an umpire. I didn't really understand it at first, but then I caught on and even started using the expression myself. Of course, it's really hard to say it without having an attitude to go with it, so I have tried to remove that from my vocabulary.

But this week, I was reminded of that expression during our Vacation Bible School. But this time, there was no sarcasm or smart-aleck tones. It was a call for members of our "Clue-Seekers Club" to dig into God's word and to discover His message inside. There was plenty of Sherlock Holmes-type mystery as the kids sought to put together all the clues and understand the truth of the gospel.

Of course the message was presented to the kids each day in fun and creative ways by our wonderful leaders, but in the end the children had to discover the "truth" for themselves. That's the way it is for all of us. God can present His truth to us in black and white in His word, and give us all the clues about what it means to follow Jesus and live for Him, but in the end we have to put those clues together for ourselves.

It's not hard to see that our world in general seems to have a hard time figuring out the clues of truth right in front of their faces. In so many ways, our society has turned its back on God and lost its way, and we have been in a steady downward spiral morally and culturally for a while now. You have to wonder how long people will continue running down the wrong path in life--and away from God--before they turn around. And a lot of choices that a lot of people are making are not working out real well for them, but they insist on doing it their own way. Lining their lives up with the truth of God's word would do wonders for them, and save them so many headaches along the way.

And to that confused world, I am tempted to say..."Get a clue!"

Thankfully, our kids got a bunch of clues this week in VBS, and we are trusting that the investment of this week will pay eternal dividends in the lives of these boys and girls, and their families. All in all, it was a fun week. The kids were so well-behaved and ready to learn, our leaders did a great job of preparing a fun week that kept the children engaged, and the gospel was faithfully presented. THAT's why we do Vacation Bible School!

Thanks to all who served, donated supplies, invited friends and neighbors, helped set up or tear down, and served as friendly hosts for our Family Night on Thursday night. You have been a blessing, and may you be blessed.

--Pastor Ken