Keep Your Feet On the Ground....

Our last post mentioned the discussion that developed over our small electric plug, which we used as a card protector. One man at the poker table explained it's a "grounded device" to use two-pronged appliances in three-prong wall outlets.

"And I know that, because I had a thousand G** d**n outlets - which I shouldn't say with this - in my home," the man continued.

Yes - the man caught himself cursing, in the midst of a faith-based discussion! We could have scolded him on the spot for that....

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. - Deuteronomy 5:11

But the man self-corrected his commandment violation (sort of), so we said nothing about it.

Our point here involves that word "grounded." That word can have many meanings. Electrically, you can "establish a ground." Or you can "place on a foundation; fix firmly; settle or establish.... instruct in elements or first principles...."

In what areas are you grounded? If you're grounded in the rules of poker, you know how to play the game and which hands are better than others. But there's a better way to be grounded....

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able…. to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. - Ephesians 3:17-19 (KJV)

The New International Version has "established," instead of "grounded." Both words work, in explaining how we should be well-set in the love of Jesus Christ - so we can know His love, and then be filled with God.

We're not sure if the man who uttered those expletives at the poker table is grounded in that love. (Based on his continued use of expletives during the tournament, we have our doubts.) But if you want to be grounded in it, the best way to start is by accepting God's great act of love for you....

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." - Acts 2:38

Repent of the sins that have separated you from God's love (Isaiah 59:2). Claim Jesus as your loving Savior (John 3:16). Then receive that love....

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us - Romans 5:5

Being grounded in love can make you like that old TV comedy - grounded for life.