Walking, Talking Suited Connectors

"Do you agree with that message?" we asked a man who saw our "Jesus as your Savior" coin during last week's tournament in northwest Florida.

The man said he did.  Then he told us about a change one of his sons has experienced since attending church.  "He was 100 percent improved.  But since a new pastor came in, he's 300 percent improved."  The father explained the change came because the new minister shared a lot of common interests with his son.  (We didn't ask if poker was one of them.)

We agreed there are times when the right minister can make all the difference in turning around someone's life.  In poker terms, it's like being dealt two strong cards with something in common.  Ace-King of spades is considered a far better potential hand than Ace-4 offsuit.

But a good relationship with a pastor is really "small potatoes," in the big picture of life.  The most important thing is developing a right relationship with God.  The Bible indicates there are good and bad ways to do that....

Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to God.... You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? - Romans 2:17, 23

Paul goes on to point out we've all broken God's law at some point.  That's known in the Christian world as "sin" (3:23).  But thankfully, God provided a new way to build a relationship with Him - through a "God" who became human:

The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.... Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant. - Hebrews 7:18-19, 22

God will let you come close if you accept Jesus as your Savior, and repent of your sinful past:

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. - James 4:8

Has a minister helped you draw near to God, at some point in your life?  If so, this is a perfect time to say thanks - as October is Clergy (or Pastor) Appreciation Month.  Even a simple card or e-mail certainly would be welcome.  And don't forget to thank God for those who help build closer relationships, both with Him and with Christ.