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   Room to Grow
   Devotion for Monday , August 07, 2000
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Selection Taken From:
Room to Grow: Daily Thoughts for Men by Keith Long

Designed specifically for men, these real-life stories demonstrate the abiding strength of Christian faith.

"August 7"

"But our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. —2 Corinthians 3:5–6 "

Parker and I stood in line together at one of those crazy midway rides at Frontier City. As we edged our way to the front of the line, I noticed Parker’s attention captivated by a sign: “You must be this tall to ride this ride.” Seven-year-old Parker walked up to the sign, put his nose against the wood, and measured himself. “Dad,” he asked, turning to me, “do I have to be this tall to ride this ride?” “That’s what the sign says.” Parker looked at the sign again. He drew his hands up to his chest and knitted his fingers together, a sure sign that he was into some heavy contemplation. “Dad,” he asked, turning to me again, “I think I’m too tall.” My son, the legalist. He knew he was two inches taller than the little nick on that sign. What’s more, he knew the sign didn’t say one had to be “at least” as tall as the sign to ride, although that was its obvious intention. Obvious to adults, I mean. “Sure, you can,” I said. “Anyone as tall or taller can ride.” Had Parker somehow been there by himself, I’m sure he would not have gotten on the ride, because he didn’t qualify under his precise interpretation of the sign. I’m the same way. Many times I’ve held myself from a spiritual blessing because I’ve been more concerned with the letter of the law than the spirit of the law. Jesus has set me free from that. He does not hold me back from experiencing life to the fullest—I do.