“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought to your ways.” Haggai 1:5
“HELP!!! I can’t find it!” That was me calling out to my go-to ace card… my wife! I had made dinner, it was on the table getting cold and I was looking for the Nestles Quick Syrup in the fridge. After scanning the entire thing TWICE, I threw in the towel! She walked over, took it from the shelf and said, “it was right in the front!” I hadn’t seen what I hadn’t seen… because I couldn’t see!
Growing up my dad had a love for Nestle’s Quick. He’d pour a glass of milk, scoop 2 large tablespoons of Quick onto the top, then plunge the spoon in the milk and let it set! SLOWLY the powder would sink, then he’d give it a stir. He had it at every meal. For me it’s just a treat now and then. But since I don’t use it everyday, finding it often proves to be a problem. Then I call for help!
Getting older can be… “a BUMMER!” Treats and goodies that I used to grab hold of without even thinking, often now cause me pause! I’ll find myself reading labels for the amount of calories, sugars and fats… many times putting the item back on the shelf! Then the thought hits… “yer an idiot! What’s it matter anyway?” But the older I get … the more I hear God’s voice saying, “It MATTERS!”
There are LOTS of things from my past that I never really thought about before. Younger me couldn’t put on weight if I’d tried! Now, it’s not only easy, but the effects of bad choices are breaking down this ol body. I’d never seen it before because I COULDN’T see it! Being an older believer, I can now see the same dis-ease affecting “The Church” which is Christ’s Body. She’s sick… and getting blinder!
Those TREATS I use to run to, the ‘go-to’s of my life choices, have a price! I didn’t see a problem with the habits and treats I used for ‘coping with life’ before. Somehow they just kind of snuck up and stabbed me in the back. Thinking they were my friends, like rabid bunnies, I couldn’t even see the danger coming! And no… I’m not going to list mine for comparison! We ALL have our own!
The interesting thing I’m learning about how Jesus works, is that my problem is not just MINE! According to Jesus, it belongs to the whole Church and remains a problem for ALL of US to deal with… together! “…let US be careful that NONE OF YOU be found to have fallen short…(Heb 4:1)” is only 1 verse of many. Running ahead to get the prize alone pales in going back to help another.
So what have YOU been holding onto that God is telling you to let go of? Would you like a little help in seeing, finding and letting go? Are you tired and willing?
