Be Ye Perfect, Like a Pentium Processor...

It was one of Intel's finest moments. The new Pentium processor - the fastest PC processor on the planet; the technology that would allow Intel to continue its dominance of the PC processor market into the 21st century. It seemed perfect, except for one small problem, first noticed by a math professor who occasionally received wrong answers on long, complicated math problems. Then Intel itself acknowledged what they insisted was a very minor flaw in the chip design which could cause a problem in the 9th decimal place in the rounding of a number. On average, this problem would occur in one out of every 9 billion calculations. To the average user, this meant one error in one spreadsheet once every 27 years. Intel acknowledged the problem, downplayed the potential effects, emphasized the insignificance of their error, and then sat back to watch the problem go away. The problem did indeed go away, but only after tens of thousands of complaints, millions of replaced chips and a total cost of over $500 Million.

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48

For a fun and exciting Sunday afternoon, turn off the football game, open your Bible to Leviticus and peruse the Old Testament Levitical Law. You will learn which animals are OK to eat (although not necessarily desirable); you will learn how to style your hair; whom you can marry; how to offer a sacrifice and when a particular sacrifice is appropriate. You will also come to the realization that, try as you might, you will never live a life that is perfect according to the letter of the law.

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law;
rather, through the law we become conscious of sin." Romans 3:20

Have you ever thought of the law this way? Many people see the law, especially the Biblical rules, as an oppressive legal guideline that must be followed to the letter, even though we know it is not possible. But Paul saw the law as a reminder:

A reminder that no matter how we live or what we do, we will always be in need of a Savior.
A reminder of what God expects: obedience. A reminder of what God provides: grace.

Intel paid a great price for breaking the laws of Math, even though they tried to minimize their mistake. A great price was also paid for the laws we have broken, even though we often try to minimize the significance of our sins.

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because, through Christ Jesus, the law of the Spirit of life sets me free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:1-2

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

email this message to a friend   |   DW Home

Contributed by Ellis Bush (All Rights Reserved) 74357.246@compuserve.com