"Multi-Level" Date: Feb. 4, 1996 Series: "Strong Faith For Stressful Times" Message: "Seven Dimensions of Faith" Scripture: Luke 17:5-10 Concept: As two guys on a break at work are talking, one mentions that he has been approached by someone from a multi-level marketing business. They discuss how so many "dabble" and so few actually "succeed" . The discussion then turns to faith, where one of the men shares that he is wants to go beyond just "dabbling" in his relationship with God. Scene: A coffee break environment--table, chairs, etc. Tom is reading the newspaper as Scott walks in... Tom: Hey, Scott! Take a load off. Grab a cup of coffee, and I'll bring you up to date on the latest news. That's what coffee breaks are for, after all. Scott: (pouring some coffee) Thanks, Tom. Is there any good news in the paper today, or just the same old stuff? Tom: (paging through the paper) Well, let's see. The front page says, "Gridlock in Washington Continues". They look at each other and say at the same time, "That's nothing new." Tom: The headline on the entertainment page says that "Celebrity HE is divorcing Celebrity SHE." Its marriage number 4 for HE and number three for SHE. (Again, together)--"That's nothing new." Scott: We're not making any headway here. Tom: OK, I'll keep looking. Hmmm....sports page. Neon Leon says he wants more money or he won't play next year for the Cowboys. (Again, together)--"That's nothing new." Scott: So far, your "new" news is sounding like "old" news. Tom: That's right....the stories seem to stay the same, the names just change. Hey, here's an ad for a seminar coming to town. Guaranteed to help you make a mint with no selling, no money, and no work! Scott: I've gone to some of those seminars. Seems like the only people that make money are the guys giving the pitch. You know, just the other night someone wanted to explain "an exciting business" opportunity to me. Turns out it was another multi-level marketing business. Tom: What were they selling--soap, vitamins, phone time, miracle creams, magnets? Or was it a new miracle product designed to make you millions? Scott: Oh, what does it matter? They're all the same. Many people get excited about the possibilities, the vast majority just dabble with it, a few really work at it and make some money. Next thing they know, they are the stars of an infomercial. Tom: That's an interesting way to look at it. Most dabble and stay on the lowest level and only a few really see things through and experience what the business promised. Many dabblers and only a few doers. So what did you do? Did you jump at your chance for fortune and infomercial fame? Scott: No. I decided to not even dabble. I dabble in to many things now. I'd like to find something I could really sink my teeth into...something that really means something. Tom: You know, I've been doing some thinking along the same lines lately. I've decided that I'm going to get into a multi-level adventure in something that really means something. Scott: You? Really? Now, this is something new! What is this multi-level adventure you're getting yourself into? Tom: You really want to know? It's something everybody wishes they had more of, and yet is really different from what you'd expect. Scott: Yes, I really want to know. What is it? Tom: Faith. Scott: Huh? Tom: Faith. I've come to the conclusion that when it comes to faith in God that I've been basically just a dabbler. I only call on Him and trust Him when I need something for myself. It was convenient and comfortable, but not much else. I came to realize that there had to be more to knowing God and living by faith than that. Scott: So what made you what to get more faith all of a sudden? Tom: A couple of things. I got tired of feeling empty, like I was just living life on the surface. If I was going to be more than a dabbler, I'd have to start getting heart deep with God. The other thing was seeing a cousin of mine I hadn't seen for a long time. He was really different from the last time I'd seen him, and for the better. When I asked him why he was doing so good, he told me that he'd gotten serious about really knowing God. "Living by faith is an adventure. I'm learning to trust God on all the levels of my life," he said. That really got me thinking....so I decided to enter the adventure, too. Scott: Now that does sound like the kind of multi-level adventure a guy could really sink his teeth into. How does a guy buy into this? Tom: My cousin said all the up front costs have been paid for by Christ. My part is to turn my life over to Him and then trust Him to do what He promises. I'd just getting into all this, but I'll keep you updated if you want. Scott: Sounds good. I'm interested. If this is as good as it sounds, I might want to start tracking along with you and with God. Tom: I think its not going to be as good as it sounds. Scott: No? Tom: No. I think its going to be better....on every level. Scott: (checks watch) Time to get back to work. Hey...thanks for telling me some news that was good news after all. Tom: Any time. -end- 2