Living example

I was reading lately in the minor prophets and one man I came accross that inspired me was Hosea.  Here is a man called to be a living example of God's care and love.  He was told by God to marry a harlot named Gomer.  They had three children which were named after the three principle sins of Israel.  Gomer later ran away and ended up on the slave block and Hosea was the one who bought here back and the only requirements he asked of her was that she would be his wife and end her wild ways.  God asked the same things of His people.  That we stay true to Him and stay away from the world.  The first is usually not hard to do because most of us really love God.  The second however is much more difficult.  The world has a strong attraction for many of us.  We loved the gadgets, gizmo's and luxuries presented to us.  We like the nice cars, houses and recreation lifestyle.  I have heard Christians say, "I deserve this because I have work so hard."  During the summer churches turn into ghost towns because the Christians are out playing.  Summer budgets for churches are slim because people who normally give are away.  Most churches have a reserve just to deal with this.  Sad but true.  It is time for each of us to determine if we are going to be living sacrifices or dead wood.  God is looking for people who will serve Him all year round and will be in this world, but not of it.