Today I was making the drive to find the best gas deal in town.  I knew of a really cheap spot in the neighborhood that I was in and decided to make the journey (a little out of my way) to get my money's worth.  As I drove a few  blocks I noticed something profound.  Options.  Now, I realize that the fact that we have options in life isn't anything new under the sun, but in this case I must explain where I'm coming from.  As I passed by different gas stations, all of which promoted their very best deal, I was struck by the unnoticeable truth that every single station had people getting gas!  It wasn't like the highest priced station had no customers, and neither did the lowest or any in between, there were people at every single station that I passed.  Now, I knew that I was definitely headed for the cheapest of them all, but I wondered if anyone at the other stations were thinking the same thing?  Did people getting gas at the highest priced station drive pass me at the lowest priced station, thinking that I was the crazy one?  Then the real question hit me hard, why do so many people in this world think that they are the only ones getting the best deal or living life the right way or going to the best church or eating at the best restaurants - compared to everyone else?

We all think we've got it figured out, even after we've pumped our gas and as we drive away and start seeing the lower prices, even then we still hold fast to our belief system, we still think that we are right.  Human nature is amazing isn't it?  We really do have a lot to learn when it comes to the art of learning and growing up.  In general, we are all pretty stubborn, especially when it comes to admitting when we are wrong or admitting that there is reasonable doubt in our belief system.  And that is why following Christianity is one thing, but following God is an entirely different thing all together.  It is the reason why you can visit 4 different churches in one month's time and walk away from the experience with conflicting mission statements and tenants of faith.  Just because the word "Christian" is attached, does not make things/places/people followers of God with solid biblical foundations; just like the gas station that claims to have the best deal in town turning out to be the most expensive, will detour you from finding the real deal on the other side of the hill. 

Following God has never been more vital than it is in our world today.  I firmly believe that the days of "weak" or "watered down" Christianity are rapidly coming to an end.  The generations that are currently positioning themselves in places of influence are just not satisfied with "unknown" Christianity.  They ask questions.  They research the answers.  They are passionate about doing things based on their understanding and personal knowledge.  I believe that each individual who calls themselves a Christian has the unique ability to follow God wholeheartedly, no matter what.  Find the ONLY gas station with the TRULY best price and don't settle for or be fooled by the clever gimmicks that the other stations use to get you paying too high of a price.  When you follow God and not just what is "popular" in Christian circles, you are sure to be confident in your decisions, your actions and your knowledge of who He truly is.  Anyway, it's just a thought I had.