Pressing Onward & Upward

But ONE THING I do:
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,
I PRESS ON toward the GOAL to win the prize for which God has
called me UPWARD, toward Heaven, in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:13b, 14


In my last blog I wrote about “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” and I received some interesting feedback. Apparently, some people think that The Grinch is symbolic of The Devil… I don’t think so. I think The Grinch is symbolic of US, human beings whose small, selfish, coveting hearts can grow BIG, transformed by the love of God.

I think the central theme of The Grinch Story is REPENTENCE.
The Bible tells us that we are all sinners, ALL have fallen short of God’s Glory (Rom 3:34) but, we have been given a Savior, One who stood in for us, took our punishment for sin, and redeemed us (see Gal 3:13-14) And, He has left His Spirit here to fill the hearts of men; if, by faith, we open the free gift of grace that he presents to us (see Rom 5:5)

We can turn from self-centered living and press onward and upward toward Jesus. This is the choice, THE ONE THING, that defines each person’s destiny.

In the story of The Grinch, he literally turns his sleigh around as he sees the townspeople join hands and begin singing….despite the fact that all their stuff has been stolen! Their actions are so topsy-turvy to what he'd anticipated…. he stands awestruck for a moment. Then, he makes a decision to ditch the way he has been living, and go after what they apparently have found: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. These gifts cannot be mustered up, they come into our hearts by the power of God's Holy Spirit, when we agree with Him that He is God and we are not; and that we need HIM.

The Grinch is like The Prodigal Son who thought he wanted the world, but almost lost his soul in the process. In the end, he repents, re-turns home, seeks and receives acceptance. A great feast is held and repentant thieves (Prodigals & Grinches), become the guests of honor. I believe that great celebrations are held in heaven as well, when people find their way back to God.

I decided to ‘Google’ Dr. Seuss, and see what his intention was, with his character of The Grinch, please enjoy the wisdom of Theodor 'Seuss' Geisel:
"Despite the widespread appeal of the Grinch Story, not everyone was pleased. Dr. Seuss once received a letter from brothers David and Bob Grinch of Ridgefield, N.J., asking if he would change the Grinch's name. Friends were teasing them mercilessly.
Seuss responded, "I disagree with your friends who 'harass' you. Can't they understand that the Grinch is the HERO of Christmas? Sure... he starts out as a villain, but it's not how you start out that counts. It's what you are at the finish!"