April 26 ~ Mark 4:21-25
Jesus went on: “Does anyone bring a lamp home and put it under a washtub or beneath the bed? Don’t you put it up on a table or on the mantel? We’re not keeping secrets, we’re telling them; we’re not hiding things, we’re bringing them out into the open.
“Are you listening to this? Really listening?
“Listen carefully to what I am saying—and be wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity. Stinginess impoverishes.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I’ve just cleaned my closets and drawers in preparation for a garage sale. I really tried to be ruthless and go by the theory that “if you haven’t worn it in a year, it needs to go.” I did pretty well, for a packrat! But I hear there are people who have clothes in their closets with the tags still on them… things that have never been worn and often get tossed or sold as “new with tags.” I cannot imagine doing such a thing… but I know it is fairly common – and you may even be one of these people.
My husband and I watch the TV show American Pickers, and we have seen the two hosts visit more than one “collector” who has amazing things in his/her basement, barn, attic, sheds and garages… artifacts that belong in a museum or in the collection of someone who could restore and/or properly display them. Instead, they are rotting and disintegrating… and the owner says, “Oh… I could never part with that!” – even when he/she is offered a fair price for them. It’s such a shame to think that no one is getting to enjoy these items. But before you start to cluck too loudly, think about your own closets and storage areas!
When it comes to our Christian faith… where do you keep yours – and how do you utilize it? Are you one of those who received the gift of salvation, then went about “business as usual”? Did you essentially put your Christianity in the closet with the tags still on and pretty much forget you even had it? Or do you exercise your faith on a daily basis? Are you ready to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with everyone you encounter? I don’t necessarily mean that you must preach to each person you meet – or even give your personal testimony. But do you offer others a smile and a kind word? Are you ready to pitch in and help whenever and wherever needed? Do you treat others as you wish to be treated – or better?
Do others consider you to be a generous person? Do they see you as someone with optimism, quiet strength and resolve – even in the midst of significant challenges? Are you a person to whom others are drawn because of your joy and peace? Do people want some of what you have – and not in a jealous way, but more in the spirit of “I’ll have some of what he/she’s got!”? When others think of you, what words come to mind? Do they picture Jesus? Or are you like the forgotten item of clothing in the closet… hidden behind pieces that may have even seen better days… and still carrying the tags? When someone asks you about your faith, are you like the collector who could never part with his/her treasure and allows it to deteriorate in a closet?
What are you doing with your Christian faith? How are you serving in Jesus’ name? God has given you such a tremendous gift… what are you giving in return? Are you a giver… or merely a taker? Does your light for Christ shine… or is it so far under the barrel that it’s less than a twinkle? Are you striving to get ahead by constantly taking and never giving? Isn’t it time to step up and out as a Christian disciple… to drop the excuses… and to shine generously for Jesus? Wouldn’t this be a great time to begin?
©2013 Debbie Robus
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