Matthew 23: 8 - 12 NKJV
I knew a man, a man who would seem that he had his life together. Indeed, this man has a good career and makes a pretty decent living. By all outwardly appearances, he would seem like he had a perfect life. I say that I "knew" a man...simply because he has chosen to set aside many of those friendships which he has established. I can't say that I am surprised, for where others may see one who is successful and living the dream, I have been witness to some of the turmoils of this mans life. This life which he rarely shares with others...and which I will not share here. My point here is, where is it that we place our importance, our sense of worth? Indeed, there are those who would seek those things of this world in order that they may draw their sense of worth and comfort from them. Jesus warned us against this, that we cannot serve two masters{Matthew 6:24}. Do we proclaim that God owns our heart, while in the very next breath we cherish the treasures we store up for ourselves? Then we are serving two masters. Now, please do not get this confused that christians are not allowed to be wealthy. For I have more than a few cherished brothers whom have had financial success. The difference is, their hearts are with our heavenly Father and not with the treasures which God Himself has provided them. For this is the second part of my point, that those who indeed share the belief that it is by their efforts alone that they have accumulated all which they have is a false belief. It is our heavenly Father who loved us first and whose loving plans are for our future {Jeremiah 29:12}.
44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45and sold their possessions and goods, and dividedp them among all, as anyone had need. 46So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added qto the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44 - 47 NKJV
It is Christ Jesus who, in Matthew 6, tells us that he who humbles himself will indeed be exalted. Why is it that we so often rejoice in those who are humble in spirit while finding fault in those who exalt themselves above others? Well, I believe that the reason is simple, because it's not all about us! I would lay claim that those who live their lives in the belief that they are somehow in control of their lives and the world around them are living a lie. The very same lie which satan perpetrated upon Eve in the garden, that she could "be like God, knowing good and evil" {Genesis 3: 4-5}. Make no mistake, we ARE NOT independent from our heavenly Father. As a trusted friend has all too often told me, the ONLY independent being in the entire universe...is God. For it is God who has created by His spoken word not only ourselves, but all that we see around us. So, tell me again what part of this world you created. Indeed, there is nothing which will ever touch these temporary lives of ours which we ourselves will ever have control over. All that we have, or ever will have, will always be a direct result of our heavenly Fathers love and provision upon us. It is not we...but HE.
3Now aprepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. 4“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. 5Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the bline upon it? 6To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, 7When the morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Job 38: 3 - 7 NKJV
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment