We laugh – but it is not new. Jesus’ comment to leaders who were doing as little as possible in matters of justice, mercy and faith said, “You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!” Matthew 23:24 (ESV)
Their spiritual lives had a "Hole on Top".
Its just
another way of describing laziness of heart and spirit.
Jesus
addressed the question of our life-span in much the same way, perhaps
spreading his little finger and thumb to demonstrate a cubit –
which was about eighteen inches, “And which of you by being anxious
can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able
to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”
Luke 12:25-26 (ESV). The writer to the Proverbs said the same thing
in a different way, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not
know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (ESV)
Thus a lazy
person works harder to keep out of work, than to actually do it. It
is surprising how little it takes to turn the tide. Someone, when
asked about the concept, said, “Work fascinates me, I can stand and
watch it for hours!” “A lazy person says, ‘There’s a lion
outside! I’ll be murdered in the streets!’” Proverbs 22:17.
(ESV) “In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven men who can
answer sensibly. Proverbs 26:16 (HCSB)
But, today I want to dig a little deeper,
to share my amazement at the simplicity of what Jesus said, “So
also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the
kingdom of God is near.” (Luke 12:31-34, ESV) “But rather seek ye
the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give
you the kingdom.”
Hear this,
“It is your Father’s good pleasure!” He loves this! He longs to
make giving people out of us; He says to sell what we have in
order to be sure that we have the medium of exchange in our hands –
also described as alms – in order to turn these “things” into
expressions of heartfelt provision. It can be either the actual thing
or its worth.
Look at
what God gives in exchange for this gesture, (which is also
demonstrated in James 1:27): Moneybags that don’t get old; treasure
in heaven that does not fail; a place where thieves do not approach,
and where moths do not eat.
James 5
indicates that if the children of God do not treat possessions in
this way, they take the witness stand against us. Funny how idols
mock us like this! They “burn the flesh with fire”, which God
wants to turn into the peace of His provision, by providing the needs
of the heart! (James 4:3)
Note in
particular, the next statement, “For where your treasure is, there
will your heart be also.” (Verse 34) The whole point of the passage
is that we turn what we have for a short time, into what will last a
life-time, and eternity. This takes thinking, praying, and loving –
giving it our hearts.
Here is one
way that it can work – We sell something with the heart purpose of
love – keeping only what such an “exchange” will bring in
“buying power” for the gift of love. If circumstances control the
price – you will be amazed what a small amount will buy on the
recipient’s behalf - since it is all about the heart, and love.
Doing it in
a spirit like this, causes an admiration and appreciation that cannot
be matched anywhere!
When
covetousness is our focus, it shouldn’t surprise us that the
heavens take on the image of an idol to be enslaved to. But when God
who created life and “all things for us to enjoy”, becomes our
model and opportunity to foster faith in others, it is amazing what
we will experience in our own daily lives!
“The
heavens declare the Glory of God, the firmament, (expanse, covering,
somewhat like the silver covering of an idol), shows His handiwork.”
(Psalm 19:1) As we, too, declare the Glory of God, the expanse shows
His handiwork in our lives!
Heart
change equals vision change. But, it is obviously more than that –
Love begins to shine through as we change to this focus. Ironically I
will need to “catch up to love”, but “love will also catch up
with me!”
How much better to complete the work started
in us by faith, thus covering our heads with Christ's "Helmet of
Salvation", by having a heart of love. (Ephesians 6:17)
