February 24, 2016 ~ Day 15
My 2016
Lenten Journey: Exploring the Gospels to discover what following Jesus and
becoming more like him would look like? ‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to
myself” (John 12:32 NRSV).
Matthew
6:16-21 ~ The
conclusion about fasting matches the conclusions about almsgiving and prayer: do
it in secret, and your Father in heaven, who sees in secret, will reward you.
An abundantly recurring theme in Jesus’ teachings is the condemnation of doing
things for human praise.
Jesus’ “Do not store up treasure
on earth” saying wraps up the conversation about not doing things for show. And
the conclusion is, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
My question is, “Which comes
first: the treasure, or the heart?” Do we put our treasure where our priorities
are; or does our treasure form or priorities? I remember a preacher once
saying, “Show me your checkbook and I’ll tell you what your priorities are.”
I’m not sure. I’ve generally taken Jesus’ statement to mean that our heart will
follow the money; but, what if the “treasure” is not monetary?
Most human misbehavior can be
traced at some level to an unfulfilled need for personal affirmation. When that
need is not met, well… Some people will do anything for a little attention. And much is being written and spoken about
rearing a generation of “trophy kids”. I understand the need to tone down the
excessive competitiveness, especially in regard to preadolescent children; but,
the “trophy kid” generation is now entering the work force, and is forcing a
complete reorientation of management and supervision models.
A poster that’s making the
rounds on Facebook says, “Integrity is doing what’s right, even when no one is
watching.” Do I trust Jesus’ promise that my Father in heaven will reward me?
Do I trust it enough to not be disappointed if I don’t get a “Thank You” card
for every good deed?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father (John
14:9 NRSV)
‘And I, when I am lifted up from the
earth, will draw all people to myself” (John
12:32 NRSV).
That's the
way it looks through the flawed glass that is my world view.
Together in the Walk,
Jim
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