Try It You’ll Like It; Psalm 34:1-8
Commercials: Dr. Pepper – Be a Pepper – Be you, do what you do. Mt. Dew – Do the dew. I like some older ones: Life – Hey Mikey he likes it. Alka Seltzer – Plop, fizz, fizz, o what a relief it is. It may bring relief, but it tasted terrible, so they added flavor – Try it, You’ll like it.
In Psalm 34:8 it says “O taste and see that the LORD is good.” Try it you’ll like it. Ever since Thomas was invited to examine the hands and side of Jesus, Christianity has invited others to “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”
I would like to invite you to try some things God’s word has for us to do. I think if you’ll “Try it, you’ll like it.”
I. Try Looking On The Bright Side Of Things
Numbers 13 Moses sent out 12 spies, 10 came back with a pessimistic outlook. Pessimism: “A pessimist is one who is seasick throughout the entire voyage of life.” “A pessimist absorbs sunshine and radiates gloom.”
A little blue engine who looked at his impossible task of pulling a train up a very steep hill, said, “I think I can…” Filled with determination, the little blue engine huffed and puffed his way up the hill. He was almost there, when Crash! SMASH! bash! He slid down the hill into engine has on the rocks below – Which goes to show – If the track is tough and the hill is rough – THINKING you can just isn’t enough.
Now I don’t buy in to the positive thinking movement – But I do believe W/God we ought to look on the B.S.O.T. It can change our outlook on life, our church, impact our world.
Caleb & Joshua Numbers14:8 “If the Lord delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and will give it to us.” They didn’t believe in themselves – but in the ALMIGHTY POWER of GOD. There is no reason for a Christian to be pessimistic (Revelation – we win).
II. Try Being Part Of The Solution Rather Than The Problem
The 10 spies were part of the problem. “They are giants!” But God had said “I have given you this land, go in and take it.” But the spies discouraged the others.
What happens when people don’t understand or don’t like something that happens in church? Some are critical, some complain, some gossip, but they never try to help. They are part of the problem. Rather than encouraging others, they discourage. They tare down the body...
Some have the idea the church is here so we can serve them… if we don’t they complain. “No one called, visit, etc.” We are here to serve Christ… when someone doesn’t understand they say “We’ve never done it that way before.” Etc. Sop complaining start helping.
If you see a problem, then look for a solution rather than criticizing. The church is made up of imperfect people just like yourself… If you don’t understand why, ask., don’t complain.
Cicero – “It is the peculiar quality of a fool to perceive the faults of others and forget his own.” Why do we criticize? Lloyd Cory - “It’s 100 times easier to criticize than to create.”
We need to find creative ways to be part of the solution rather than the problem. The 5000 Jesus asked Philip how they could feed them… Boy W/5 loaves & 2 fish. Jesus is able to do great things when we try to be part of the solution.
III. Try Listening More And Talking Less
Take own advice.
Think of what to say rather than listen. What makes us think we are so interesting that everyone wants to hear what we have to say? Most of the time we open our mouth we insert our foot. Sound like someone familiar? Peter.
James 1:19 “Let every man be swift to hear, and slow to speak.” Matthew 11:15 “He that hath ears to hear let him hear.” Matthew 13:16 “Blessed are your eyes for they see, blessed are your ears for they hear.” NOT mouth for it speaks.
“Many people that have the gift of gab don’t know how to wrap it up.”
“The more you talk, the more you show your ignorance.”
Publius, a Greek sage observed, “I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.”
James 1:26 – James 3:1-10
IV. Try Putting Christ First In Your Life
The story of the rich young ruler Mark 10:17-22.
What is it that you have put before your relationship with Christ? Your money, work, family, possessions? I hope you will not live a sorrowful life because you put more value in things than you do Christ.
Luke 9:59-62
Conclusion: I believe these are some things that if you will try them, you’ll like them
