This is the consumer world that we live in. I know that Jesus would weep.
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
There is nothing wrong with earning money. Everything comes to us from a loving Father for our good and the good of others. It is what we do with it that matters to God. In our pride and arrogance it can be used for good or evil. We choose who we will serve. Carla
1 Timothy 3:3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, quarrelsome, not covetous;
What sins will not men be drawn into by the love of money! People may have money, and yet not love it; but if they love it, this will push them on to all evil. Every sort of wickedness and vice, in one way or another, grows from the love of money. We cannot look around without perceiving many proofs of this, especially in a day of outward prosperity, great expenses, and loose profession. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Love of money (not money itself) is the root of all kinds of evil. Paul here describes a deep desire and commitment to possess money over and against loyalty and love for God. Those who love money allow their allegiance to Christ to be compromised because of selfish desires. Jesus also spoke on the idolatrous pursuit of riches (Matthew 6:24). Faithlife Study Bible
Money in and of itself is not a problem, but the love of money is. Love of money is a root, though not the root, of evil. The love of money can drive a person into all types of evil. Greediness may cause a believer even to stray from the faith. Christians may be blinded by greed and materialism to such a degree that they break away from their faith. A life focused on material things produces only pain. The NKJV Study Bible
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
When everything feels like it's swirling out of control and our best-laid plans turn to ashes in a blaze of fire, our ever-present Father never leaves us.
When our circumstances are so overwhelming that we cry out to the Lord, asking Him why, we can do so without a doubt that our all-powerful God is always working on our behalf.
When happiness seems so far beyond our reach that we feel like giving up in despair, may we choose to cling to the Isaiah 43:2 promises of our merciful Lord. He is our eternal source of hope, joy, peace, and comfort in every hardship we face. God also promises us the presence of His Holy Spirit living in us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior (John 14:15-17; Romans 8:9-11). When I meditate on this unfathomable gift, how wondrously comforting it is to know that nothing can separate us from our God (Romans 8:38-39)! First5
Caroline was very sad. Caroline was only six years old, and her father had just died. In fact, her father had been assassinated.
Sitting in the back of big black limousine, Caroline Kennedy didn't quite know what to do with her sadness. On the seat next to her sat her nanny, Maud Shaw, and next to Maud, Caroline's younger brother, John.
Through the windshield Caroline could see her mother, Jackie, and her uncles, Robert and Ted, walking in front of the limousine as it slowly made its way down the Boulevard to St. Matthew's Cathedral.
Looking out of her side of the car, Caroline recognized the friendly face of Secret Service agent, Robert (Bob) Foster. She liked and trusted Bob Foster.
Not knowing what to do with her sadness, and on impulse, she rolled down the window and stuck out her six-year-old hand.
Agent Foster had a choice to make.
Secret Service agents are not allowed to have their hands occupied, needing to be ready for any emergency. But Bob Foster didn't even think twice. He held Caroline's hand tightly the entire way to the cathedral.
Later, Agent Foster said it was all he could do to "fight back his own tears of sadness, for little Caroline Kennedy."
When asked about his kindness, he seemed surprised, "All I did was hold a hand," he answered.
This I know. We live in a world where hands need to be held. For comfort, for reassurance, for encouragement, for healing, for camaraderie, for hope.
And Robert Foster didn't think twice about holding a hand that needed to be held. And he wasn't posturing, or amassing heavenly brownie points. He was doing what needed to be done.
Here's the deal: we don't need more remedies or advice. We need more touch. We become more human when we touch.
When we touch, we are seen.
“I see you. You Matter.”
When we are seen (or emotionally fed) we recognize that our value is not tied solely to our sadness (or our grief or despair).
Here's the good news: The bounty from compassion is not predicated on life as we expect it.
The replenishment from grace doesn't start when our fear is gone.
Or when our beliefs are unadulterated.
Or when our circumstances make it feasible.
Most likely, if we wait for all that, we miss rebirth, comfort, healing, being fed to fullness... and the miracle, every time.
I have an idea… This week, be on the lookout for “slow moving limousines”. You never know when you will see a hand that needs to be held.
“There's a light in this world, a healing spirit more powerful than any darkness we may encounter. We sometimes lose sight of this force when there is suffering, too much pain. Then suddenly the spirit will emerge through the lives of ordinary people who hear a call, and answer in extraordinary ways.” From the film "Mother Teresa". “Sabbath Moments” Terry Hershey
No comments:
Post a Comment