Empty Shells
Randall Caselman
10/15/97
Empty Shells
Is it possible for our religion to become only habit, routine, a ritual without conviction? Can faith become an
empty shell? We're all familiar with empty shells.
Lifeless Shells. We brought them home and put them on a string or in a box. Sometimes you would think you had found a turtle, but on closer examination, it was only a shell. Once there was real life there, but no more. Recall the disappointment? I wonder if our children, family and friends are disappointed when they examine our lives closely.
You are the salt of the earth... The light of the world. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men... In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Powerless Shells. The first day of bird season, you run your hand into the pocket of an old hunting jacket – there it is, an empty shell. Once full of power, but no more. The power of Jesus displayed in a human example is dynamic. Christian example has the power to change a life, power to soften the hardest heart, power to bring about changes in the vilest sinner. But religious ritual is powerless.
Set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
Shells That Smell. When our children were young, we took a vacation to Galveston, walked that long stretch of beach, played in the surf, picked up sea shells, lots of them. After three or four days, we started home, sea shells safely placed in a box in the trunk of the car. Somewhere between Houston and Dallas, a distinctive smell took over that '68 Oldsmobile. Smelled like it might be coming from the trunk. We stopped and opened it. You could hardly stand near. The odor had invaded everything, suitcases, clothes bags, kids' toys. You see, we had picked up sea shells with the little creatures still alive in them. Nothing, has the smell of dead fish. It lingered in that car ‘til the day we sold it. Nothing is as offensive as one who is playing church, is dead inside.
Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them... When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets... When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites... When you fast, do not look somber... If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven... I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Empty Shells. Go to Europe, visit the great church buildings of history. Today these grand cathedrals are only tourist attractions. They display distinctive architecture, magnificent paintings and elaborate sculpture. They demand reverence that seems to point to God, but they are only empty buildings. Many of those who come to view their magnificence do not even believe in God.
Unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins... Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him... If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Jesus calls us to be dynamic, alive, powerful, sweet smelling, as His person and His church, not empty shells.
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Randall Caselman
