"Three Dollars Worth of God"

This poem by Ken Holland entitled "Three Dollars Worth of God" causes me to wince a bit. Lord, help me say "Yes, Lord. Whatever you have for me, I am your slave, you are my master!"

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to try just a little of the Lord.
Not enough to explode my soul..or disturb my sleep.
Not enough to take control of my life;
I'll keep just enough to equal a cup of warm milk.
Just enough to ease some of the pain from my guilt.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.
I would like to find a love that's pocket-sized.
Not enough to make me love everyone...
Not enough to change my heart.
I can only stand just enough to take to church when I have the time,
Just enough to equal a snooze in the sunshine.

I want ecstasy, not transformation...
I want the warmth of the womb, but not a new birth.
I would like to purchase a pound of the eternal
In a paper sack guaranteed or money back.

You see, I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please...
I would like to hide some for a rainy day.
Not enough to make people see a change in me,
Not enough to impose responsibility...
Just enough to make church folks think I'm ok.
Just enough to exhibit once a week on Sunday.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.

Hat tip: Travis Wigington

J.B. got it right!

J.B. Phillips - I owe him a great debt. He wrote a book in 1952 of the same title as that of this blog. One of those rare titles that makes the content of the book secondary. (Another such title is A Long Obedience in the Same Direction, by Eugene Peterson. Wow, I get it. I great description of the life of the Christ follower.) Anyway, here is a list of attributes we've ascribed to our too-small-god:

Phillips emphasizes that your God is too small if:
1) He is only a resident policeman- Slaps your hands, but does not save.
2) Parental hangover- Hand-me-down convictions....and not your own.
3) Grand old man- Spoils you, but no discipline.
4) Meek and mild- Good words, but God is more than that.
5) Heavenly bosom- You cannot hide from life, for life is real!
6) God in a box- Too small of a concept...and letting Him out only on Sunday.
7) Managing Director- He not only directs, but goes before us to direct our way!
8) Second-hand God- Never made Him our own...hearsay only.
9) Perennial Grievance- Gripe, but no grip on life.
10) Pale Galilean- Too weak to help much.

Let us no longer hold such views of our mighty God, the Lord of Glory!

Hat tip: Travis Wigington