“Backup”. This descriptive term has become more popular with each passing year. It seems to be less of a phrase than it is an attitude. Everything now days seems to require backup; a contingency plan. We hear about it in police situations, where the officers feel that they are in over their heads. We hear it in conversation, when a person needs someone else to verify their story. It is considered a necessity in the computer world, to backup files, systems and drives. Even as I type these words, my lack of trust in the computer and Electric Co., has me backing up my work on disk.
The world of sports has benches and bullpens full of backup’s. Defense can’t play Offense. Starters are neither inexhaustible, nor are they invulnerable and need backup. The eye and arm of a star pitcher is subject to change, requiring retirement and replacement by a backup. Professional wrestlers often rely on a tag team partner. But that is another story. Here we are talking about reality.
We live in a world full of contingency plans. Everywhere we turn, backup is provided “just in case”. Events which we attend have rain dates. Schools have snow days, makeup tests and substitute teachers; as well as bussing and exchange students. Diets lacking in nutrition brought about the multi-billion dollar industry of vitamins and supplements. Organ transplants along with artificial organs and limbs, have become a common backup in an attempt to provide the security of longevity. Select persons have even elected cryogenics after death, to preserve their body, in case a backup life is some day invented. (Don’t hold your breath!)
Our financial status is reliant on backup, although the controlling institutions use less “scary” terminology. Once deposited, our money rests in the virtual world of investment. There it becomes part of a spelling bee; IRA’s, SEP’s, CD’s…all supposedly acronyms for “security”. This point is debatable in view of falling interest rates and early withdrawal penalties. At what point did our security move to the dollar, from “In God we trust”? Some people place so much hope in financial security, that their creed is HELP; Hide Every Last Penny. This is certainly not the stewardship that God called us to be entrusted with.
Most of these things mentioned could be considered “good”. But there is an obvious difference between good and perfect, otherwise backup’s would never be needed. What does all of this prove? Failure! All of these backups indicate a lack of faith and trust in the object or person. Rightfully so. Nothing short of God is infallible.
Sadly, even “religion” has it’s share of backups. I’m not talking about true faith in God, but religion. The “New Age” movement is one contingency backed up by another. Instead of “No man comes to the Father but by Me (Jesus)”, all paths lead to God. Instead of “I Am”, God is a multiple choice, fill in the blank. According to their plan, belief in all beliefs, covers all bases in case the object of your belief turns out to be false. In reality, “New Agers” can’t express true belief in anything, because they claim belief in everything. Backup’s are required, because nothing works! I recall a M*A*S*H episode in which Klinger had every religious medal possible around his neck. When questioned “why?”, he replied that it can’t hurt to cover all bases. When it comes to faith, that statement couldn’t be more incorrect.
The God of all creation is “a jealous God” and rightfully so. He made us in His image. It hurts Him when we place our faith in something, or someone else. Seeking spiritual backup indicates a lack of trust – in God.
God’s Word describes Him as All Knowing, All Powerful and Always Present. No backup is needed! Faith in a Faithful God is the only faith that makes sense. “New Age” fades quickly in the Truth of an Ageless God.
Yet, God knows how fallible we are. He knows that even the strongest faith from a sinful person, is not perfect faith. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God doesn’t need a backup. But we do. Jesus lived a perfect life and gave Himself as the Perfect Sacrifice, to pay the price which we can never afford. God’s love for His creation is so great, that He provided a Way back into the relationship, for which He created us. One God, one Savior, one death and resurrection for all who will accept One Truth. No backup’s necessary!
