Invisibility

I recently backed my 2006 Jeep Liberty into a Mitsubishi.

The little car was so close to my vehicle?s rear bumper that I did not see it when I looked in the rear or side view mirrors. From my perspective, it was invisible. I remind readers to look very, very carefully before backing up.

Now I will address other issues relevant to invisibility.

I went to a three-day United Methodist Men?s retreat in Leesburg from Oct. 19 through 21. There were 359 visible attendees from 44 churches, including the five men from First United Methodist Church of Chiefland.

One of our speakers reminded us there is a war going on ? other than the one in Iraq. This is an invisible war. There is the conflict between good and evil.

There are invisible things that motivate people – altruism, greed, love, hate, peace, war and the list goes on. There is God and Satan, and all the forces on both sides.

Among the other concepts shared at the retreat, was to think about positive things.

This thought was shared long ago by St. Paul with the church in Phillipi. In Philippians 4:8, it is noted that he said," Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

While one of the many messages was to be positive, the overriding theme from this weekend retreat was "Seek ye first..."

It comes from Matthew 6:32-34, where Jesus said, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Jesus told listeners not to worry about food or clothing. Seek first the kingdom of God and He will provide what you need. The worries of today are enough. Worrying about "what if" tomorrow, will not add anything positive.

I believe it is important for us to have faith in things unseen. Let's trust in the future. We breathe oxygen even though we do not see it.

And I believe there are unseen supernatural forces as well. For all my brethren who choose not to believe in God, or the Son of God, or the Holy Ghost, I remind you that not everything can be seen. Not every person can put his or her finger in the holes left in the palms of Jesus when He was crucified.

While St. Thomas believed in the Resurrection only after seeing and touching, we exist in a time where faith in unseen truths must be sufficient.

So I note for my dearly beloved readers, take great care in all driving ventures– forwards and backwards. Also I say, keep the faith!

Jeff M. Hardison is a reporter for the Chiefland Citizen. He may be contacted at citizenjeff@bellsouth.net or by calling (352) 493-4796.