Reading the Fine Print

stipulation (noun)- to demand something as a requirement, to specify as the terms for an agreement.

MY definition of stipulation - a sneaky clause hidden in an arrangement or agreement, in order to avoid responsibility or additional benefits.

Have you ever noticed that most things seem to have a stipulation attached to it? I find myself having to read the fine print on almost everything now a days. My favorite? I use a coupon at a fast food drive through for a free kids meal. The stipulation? I need to buy a gigantic value meal for myself, in order to get the freebie. Just recently I was shopping online for Christmas gifts and came across a great deal on a Lego Wii remote control. I gladly added it to my checkout cart and went to complete the transaction. The stipulation? Limit one per customer only. How about warranty packages? They are the main culprit of stipulation enforcement. When we bought our couches five years ago, we purchased the lifetime warranty. We were told by the overly cheerful customer service associate that if anything, and I repeat anything, happened to the couch, they would repair it. We put that to the test one year after we bought it. The skirting around the couch started to pull away from the frame. After jumping through several procedures; email pictures, written description of problem, and copies of receipts and warranty certificate...I was told that 'seam separation is not covered under the warranty'. Argh!

Here's the thing...I find that I place stipulations in my own life. Some are actually healthy and wise. I can budget an entertainment fund and enjoy dinner out, but once the money is gone for the week, no more eating out. My children watch TV and play video games, but nothing violent is allowed in the house. And some stipulations just make sense; my husband won't get paid each week, unless he does his job.

People try to put stipulations on God too. Most are for selfish gain. "I will manage my money better, if God will help me out of debt"...yet they continue to spend foolishly. "I will pray about things in my life"...but only when I need something I can't otherwise obtain on my own. "I will attend church to grow and fellowship"...only if I have nothing else going on and get out of bed in time.

Unfortunately, God doesn't read our fine print. It is a simple and straight forward arrangement with Him. Obey His ways, and live your life according to His commandments, and a life full of abundance will be poured upon you. Notice that He did not say 'worldly' abundance. Yes, you may still encounter financial hardships. Still have to fight temptations, and avoid conflicts. You may suffer from loss, illness or pain. BUT, you will handle those issues very differently, knowing you have a great and mighty God leading you through it. Your abundance will be rewarded once we have left all worldly things behind. No one said that being a Christian would be easy. You've heard the saying "Play now, pay later or Pay now, play later". I strive to 'pay now', by walking the path that leads to Him, so that I may 'play later' when my life on earth ends. What stipulations have you placed in your 'contract' with God?

"...Don't show your impatience by concocting oaths to hurry up God. Just say yes or no. Just say what is true. That way, your language can't be used against you." James 5:12 (The Message)