I have recently noticed something about nice hotels. It doesn’t seem to matter how expensive the hotel or where it’s located, every hotel has the same cheap toilet paper. Have you noticed?
I’ve stayed in Super 8’s that have the same quality toilet paper as this super swanky, expensive Hilton-brand hotel in Chicago. What does that mean? Granted, I suppose toilet paper is something people use a lot of, and it’s not exactly like it can be reused. I’m sure it gets really expensive.
But really? A hotel that gives you slippers and bathrobes buys the same toilet paper as the cheap-o hotels? It’s like they’re dedicated to providing the best hotel experience possible, but that care doesn’t extend to buying good toilet paper. To me, that’s like writing a whole novel and letting the last chapter go out without proofreading. It’s like cooking a whole meal for someone and forgetting to offer dessert.
If it were you, wouldn’t you want to go all the way? Wouldn’t you prefer to be someone who doesn’t skimp on the details?
Today’s verse is 1 Kings 8:61.
And may you be completely faithful to the Lord our God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today.
It’s difficult to be completely committed to something, regardless of whether it’s a person or an ideal or even a goal. Commitment is one of those words that scares people and rightly so. It takes time and effort and sacrifice, and most of the time you have to give up something you want in the process.
So what about being committed to God? It was D.L. Moody who said: “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to him.” As far as my own life goes, I can tell you I’m not anywhere close to being fully committed to Him. I know I should be, but it’s difficult because I want what I want.
It’s like a swanky hotel with cheap toilet paper. You might have all the trimmings and all the best to offer, but you cheap out on the details. You don’t go all the way because it might cost you something you aren’t willing to give.
God gives us so much grace, because even when He knows we aren’t 100% committed to Him, He still provides for us. He still hears us. He still answers our prayers and walks through life beside us. But what would our lives look like if we truly were 100% sold out to Him?
We wouldn’t worry so much. We’d focus on the things that really matter. And I think we’d find that the choices we struggle to make would become much easier. Because when you are focused on living for God, that means you make His priorities yours, and that changes the way you see life.
It’s not an easy choice, and I’m willing to bet that D.L. Moody really was correct. The world has yet to see someone sold out for God, but I’d like to be that person.
So don’t cheap out. Don’t give your life to God in only the big things. Be committed, even in the details. Otherwise, your life will be like a five-star hotel equipped with the cheapest toilet paper on the shelves.
Always Peachy 