Recently I was reminded of an old story that for some time was considered a true story. It involved a man who professed to be an atheist and was suing the government. The reason for the lawsuit was a simple one – unlike all the major religions, there was no day for atheists. The judge threw out the suit saying they already had one, April Fool’s Day, citing from the Bible Psalm 14:1 – “Fools say in their hearts, there is no God.” Okay, so it was a spoof story, but does it hold any logic? First off, I will admit that my best friend from high school days has shared that he is atheist. And I have met people, good people, in my professional and private life who have shared the same opinion. (I almost said ‘the same belief,’ but that might be rather oxymoronic. Is atheism a belief, or a non-belief?) So, I don’t really want to pick on the atheists, the non-believers. My pick is with those of us who are believers. Atheists do not know a God in whom they can misbehave. The believers do. And, according to the prophet Jeremiah, God observes the recklessness of His people, those who act thoughtlessly and without understanding, and proclaims – “My people are foolish (Jer.4:22).” Some recent studies have indicated that 2% of the world’s population do not adhere to any religion. That other 98% who do have a faith system have, in the words of Ricky Ricardo, ‘some ‘splainin’ to do.’ For those of us who recognize an existence of God, are we giving the Creator the importance due Him/Her? If we believe God exists as we believe that the South Pole exists, having never seen either one – what good does it bring to our daily life? In another sense, consider your belief in math. Years ago I was asked to help with constructing a float. A wheel needed a border and someone asked what length of material was needed. I asked the diameter of the wheel, and then suggested multiplying that number by 3.1415. What a surprise when it fit precisely! No surprise to me – I had employed my algebra knowledge. To others I appeared a genius. (I gloated for a moment, but ultimately revealed the source of my knowledge.) If you know math but don’t use it, what good is it? The same is true for those of us who have the knowledge of God but don’ use it. A God who exists but does not make a difference in our lives, might as well not exist. As noted author and Rabbi Harold Kushner suggests, that God would be like a modern European king – a benevolent figurehead trotted out for ceremonial occasions and beloved by everyone because he never does anything. As the believers, we have a responsibility to go beyond lip service to God. Our words must be accompanied by actions of benevolence – reaching out to the orphans, the widowed, the homeless. Reach out in volunteerism. Give where the need is obvious. For example, considering the devastation in the Bahamas after the hurricane flattened virtually the entire island, make a generous gift through your church or the Red Cross. The people of this nation are blessed beyond our comprehension. This is a nation that our political representatives continuously request that ‘God bless the United States.’ I suggest that, if we do not reach out to those in need, we got ‘some splainin’ to do.’ The God I serve is a God of creation and of compassion. That God is also a God of judgement. If we become foolish and ignore His graciousness, are we to be surprised when He responds in judgement? I invite you to attend the church of your choice to learn more of this gracious Creator. See you in worship.