A Frenchman named Arthur Granjean came up with an idea for a toy. The Ohio Arts company bought the idea, and on July 12, 1960 introduced the world to...

This is the inside of an “Etch-a-Sketch”.

Here’s a close-up view of how it works.

However, a young man named George Vlosich III perfected the use of the toy….

But as great a toy as the Etch-a-Sketch was and is, there are positives and negatives to it. On the negative side, it: >wasn’t / isn’t easy. Sure, “stairs” are pretty simple, and writing your name could be accomplished with a little practice, but try drawing a circle! To be really good, many hours of constant diligence are required. >wasn’t / isn’t permanent. Yeah, you can drill a hole in the bottom and with about 30 minutes of gentle shaking, remove the fine aluminum powder and tiny balls inside so that it can’t be erased. But it wasn’t intended to create lasting images.

Along with the limitations, there are also advantages to the Etch-a-Sketch. On the positive side: >you could/can “start over” easily. All it took was a vigorous “shake” to completely erase everything previously done- no matter how big of a “mess” you had made of it. >the possibilities were/are endless. It just depended /depends on your commitment of time, diligence, and dedication. What could you create if you spent as much time as George Vlosich III has? Perhaps you are a “Etch-a-Sketch” Picasso in the making!

What does any of this have to do with Christianity? Obviously, there are some parallels. Compare “life” to an Etch-a-Sketch drawing: >It’s fairly easy to make “stairs” with your life. You can get from point “A” to “B” by simply surviving. Perhaps functional, butnot very imaginative, or productive. Life lived thusly provides little enjoyment or benefit to you or anyone else. >Even life lived by the world’s standards of success can be “easy”- but it is not living, cf. Luke 12:15; Eccl. >But to “draw” the ultimate masterpiece of life, it will, like the Etch-a-Sketch masterpiece, take concentrated effort, dedication, and commitment, Matt.22: You can’t just “doodle” your way to heaven, Matt.7:13-14.

What does any of this have to do with Christianity? Obviously, there are some parallels. Compare “life” to an Etch-a-Sketch drawing: >Like the Etch-a-Sketch, God gives us all the opportunity to “start over”. By: -being “born again” John 3:3. We can start over by erasing our past through obedience to Christ in faith and baptism, cf. Acts 2:36-41; 2Cor.5:14-17; Heb.8:12. No matter how big of a “mess” we’ve made of our lives, through God’s grace we can start over! -repentance, confession, and prayer the erring child of God can even start over, 1John 1:8-9; Jas.5:16. The “prodigal” did just that, Luke 15:17-19,21. Whatever “mess” we’ve made of our lives, God will forgive and “erase” them all if we will repent and return!

What does any of this have to do with Christianity? But, there is another parallel which should be noted: >On a Etch-a-Sketch, you can’t draw a masterpiece if you keep “starting over” on stairs. There must be progression based upon mastery of the previous. First, you draw stairs, then straight diagonal lines, then basic shapes. When you can draw a circle, you’re ready to really get going. >In the Christian life, progression based on mastery of the previous is also required. Too many never “draw” the real picture of Christianity because they are unwilling to invest the time and effort to progress. They either: 1) become content with “stairs” and quit trying, cf. Heb.5:11 - 6:6; or 2) never get anywhere because they’re always “shaking it up & starting over”! 2Tim.3:1-12

One final comparison: The Etch-a-Sketch masterpiece is made permanent by draining from it the “life” (aluminum powder). By so doing, no changes can be made and the picture is preserved indefinitely. The “picture” you’re drawing each day of your physical existence will be made permanent when the life is drained from your body by death. >It will remain on earth as long as anyone remembers the life picture you drew- good or bad. cf. Heb.11:4; 12: >It will remain in eternity with your soul- either in heaven with God, or in hell with the Devil, his angels, and those who (1) never “started over” with God; or, (2) became content with “stairs”! cf. 2Thess.1:8-9

Take Home Points from the Etch-a-Sketch sermon? God has given us the wonderful opportunity to “start over”- as alien sinners and as erring Christians. Be sure and use it whenever you need to do so- even today, right now! But, don’t abuse it, Gal.5:1, You have a tremendous opportunity to live in such a way as to save yourself eternally, and influence others to do the same. Don’t waste it by constantly starting over with “stairs” or by being content with them!