I WANT A HOLE ON TOP

He stood tall and addressed the barber with a straight face, “I want a haircut just like my dad’s!” Dad wasn’t there, so he replied, “And what kind of haircut does your dad have?” Without hesitation he said, “He has a hole on top!”

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)