Perhaps you saw the picture in the Dothan Eagle of the two-headed red slider turtle.  It wasn't the first I had seen, nor will it be the last, I am sure.  Apparently the turtle is a Siamese twin in the reptile world.  I am just trying to imagine what it must be like to be a two-headed turtle.

For the most part, I'm sure the two get along well, sharing the same shell, rear legs, and tail, but there must be times when the fight for control must be very frustrating.  Imagine the struggle they experience when dating another turtle.  I can only assume, marriage is out of the question.  Imagine how tough it must be to go the the movies.  They would always be charging for two admissions.  How about medical insurance?  Who gets stuck with the bill?  Who is in control?

You know, we struggle in our spiritual lives the same way.  Paul said it best, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing.  Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it" (Romans 7:18b-20).  We all struggle with doing the right thing.  We are at war with ourselves.  Like the two-headed turtle, we are in tension with ourselves.

So who gets to be in charge?  Who makes the decisions?  How do we know?  it it goes like the other Siamese turtles I've seen (yes, there are others!) then the big one wins.  So, the million dollar question is this: Which side is the big side for you?  Is God's side bigger in your life or are you more controlled by the desires of the flesh and the world.  Does your desire for material things outweigh your concern for spiritual things?  Is your determination to be faithful bested by your temptations?  Are you a two-headed turtle?

One of the ways we can prove which side is bigger is by making a move in the direction we know we should go.  If we can't move, then we know which side is stronger, and we must begin to do some spiritual exercises.  Read your bible.  Pray on your knees.  Worship this Sunday.  Commit to tithing.  Serve a needy neighbor -- in secret.  Can you do these things?  Can you make a move toward these things?

On Sunday, October 14, 2007, we will have our commitment Sunday celebration.  During worship, we will have the chance to commit our prayers, presence, gifts, and service to God through the Hartford First UMC.  Please pray about what your commitment for 2008 will be.  Following worship we will have a covered dish luncheon with ALL food provided through the covered dishes. (Please call Barbara Howell for more information about food).  Please come and celebrate our commitments.  We have a great year in the plans for our great church.  I pray your commitment is great, as well.

I can't wait to see all of us two-headed turtles making our way to the altar.  God bless, and see you there!