“Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools.” (Romans 1:22)

Statistics show that many people who give skiing a try—regardless of age—never return to the slope after their first day due to the fact that they were ill-prepared. Becoming a successful skier requires stability, strength, balance, and skill conditioning in order to prevent injuries. Not only do you require hand and eye coordination to navigate the terrain – you need a strong core to keep your back straight, strong knees and legs to keep you upright, and strong arms for steering. The right kind of training and sound instruction will enable you to enjoy the experience and effectively equip you to face the potential perils of going down a slippery slope. As we journey through life, there are times when we skid into situations that catch us completely off-guard. During this time of the year, for instance, if you live in a wintry area of the country – you can become injured very quickly by venturing outside on a wet, cold day. Without even considering the possibility of freezing outdoor surfaces, the hidden danger of falling on ‘black ice’ can easily elude us. While the after-effects of taking such a tumble can be funny if you are young and foolish, an accident like this can also leave a person who hits their head with a life-threatening injury or an elderly individual with a serious decline in health. When one is confronted with the possibility of facing extremes like this, it’s best to reflect as to whether it’s really worth placing your well-being at risk.

As we go about our normal day-to-day activities without the proper attention to our actions – we can also find ourselves going down an ethical slippery slope we never intended to be on. Examples could include flirtatious behaviors, increasing the amount of money we are willing to risk in games of chance, or allowing ourselves to become hooked on a few drinks at the close of each workday. God’s Word states, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away” (James 1:14). How easy it can be to progress from what appears to be an acceptable practice to one that can alter the rest of one’s life.  Take the case of four members of the 2017 World Series Championship team, who ended up in three different MLB franchises. Each of these individuals were released from their managerial positions due to their participation in a ‘sign stealing scandal’ which could have cost other teams the championship. Sign-stealing has become a long-standing baseball practice in which one team attempts to decode the constant exchange of signs by both the hitting and fielding teams during a baseball game. Players and coaches seek to gain advantage over their rivals by watching the opposition and trying to recognize patterns or sequences. Sign-stealing is as old as baseball itself, but stealing signs using cameras and other devices as done in this situation is illegal. Major League Baseball had taken prior steps to curtail sign-stealing in the digital age, including the issuance of warnings by the Commissioner about electronic sign-stealing.

The lesson here is that sometimes what ends up evolving as an acceptable practice can quickly become out-of-control, if we don’t exercise the proper checks and balances. Christians are not immune from what may seemingly be innocent activities that can easily grow into immoral habits. In fact – they may be more prone to be targeted. Scripture warns that followers of Christ need to “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). A wicked habit can become a corrupt character; a corrupt character can lead to a deadly destiny. We must listen to our instincts and not disregard that disquieting feeling when something doesn’t seem right or you’re asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable.  Learn to surround yourself with individuals who have a good ‘moral compass,” whose values will stand strong in the face of bad behavior. We must define our personal code of conduct by being grounded in God’s Word. Otherwise one is simply meandering through life with a compass that has no sense of true north. As a result, you are walking on thin ice at the very least and may quickly be heading down the slippery slope of regret.

REFLECTION: Consider an example in your own life where the continued practice of innocent habits may have led to a devastating outcome. What precautions can you take to guard against temptation? How might you apply these reassuring words from Paul: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13)?

“He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.” (Psalm 107:29)

It doesn’t much matter how many resolutions you have made or how many good luck sandwiches you have eaten – one can expect that in this new year you will likely have some form of turbulence in your life. We all experience situations that result in worry, suffering, or loss. We call them the storms of life. When they occur, it’s not unusual to ask a question such as, ‘what did I do to deserve this?’ On occasion, even God’s most faithful pause to ask where Jesus is when circumstances seem to erupt into one of these powerful storms. God knew we would experience times when we would become overwhelmed by the clouds and lose sight of an escape from the threatening squall. By meditating on His Holy Word – we can find relief from the rain, gaining peace and security even when the storms swirl around us. For that is when we can learn lessons about how He led His chosen through some truly tumultuous encounters.

One of those is described by three of His disciples – Matthew, Mark, and John. In their Gospel writings, each records the events of the feeding of the five-thousand. Immediately following this miracle, there is another when Jesus walks on water in the midst of a fierce windstorm. Each of the writers offer some variation on their perspective as to how this occurred. It is stated that after the crowd was dismissed, “Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him” (Mark 6:45). This is confirmed by another who says that Jesus “insisted” (Matthew 14:22). Afterward, Jesus went to a mountainside alone to pray. Later that night, there was a storm brewing on the lake where the disciples were. “He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves” (Mark 6:48). The disciples speak of Jesus coming out to find them, “but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost” (Mark 6:49). “Jesus spoke to them at once. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said. ‘Take courage! I am here!’ Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed” (Mark 6:51-52), “and immediately they arrived at their destination” (John 6:21).

As we study these accounts, we first become mesmerized with the fact that Jesus walked on the water. But what we may be overlooking are the more important lessons as to how we need to respond when we find ourselves facing a threatening situation. At first, I found it interesting that Jesus would insist that His most devout followers go out onto a lake, knowing He was sending them to face unbridled waters. Was He doing this as a test of their faith? So maybe our first lesson is that the eyes of the Lord are upon us when we encounter one of life’s storms, even if He helped to place us there. There are times it may appear as though no one notices, but rest assured – Jesus sees. The second lesson is that we should make every attempt to find Jesus in that storm. As with the disciples, things are not always as they seem. Be cognizant of the fact that your perspective is often distorted when the storm surrounds you. You have no need to fear; He’s right there in the boat with you. And the final lesson: When He is ready to clear your storm, He will do so effectively. He may move to calm the storm immediately; at other times, He will calm His Child first. When such a period of waiting occurs, ask God to reveal to you what He wants you to learn in the process.  Then, “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

It is during the turbulent stages in our lives that we find a new perspective on the Lord and how He works. Frequently, this awareness will come only after the storm, when we are able to look back with renewed vision and see how He brought us through it. Then we are able to better understand that His strength was sufficient, His purpose was good, and our character has been strengthened. We realize that any storm He allows is motivated by His love, because He wants us to rely on Him. We learn to appreciate that contrary to what we thought, the storm was not where we had to face our enemy; instead it was the place where we found our God. As we enter a New Year, isn’t it nice to know that in our times of struggle . . . Jesus is watching over, providing protection, and ready to meet us right where we are?  Just more reasons to call Him Savior and Lord, as we prepare ourselves for whatever comes our way.

REFLECTION: As you look back on past storms, what has the Lord taught you about Himself and His ways? Are you experiencing a life storm now? Are its circumstances gathered ominously around you? Do you find yourself consumed by the clouds that seem to be gathering, or are you actively looking for Him?

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Another version of the Christmas Crier . . . you know those full-page typed summaries of everything that happened in the life of one’s family in the past year.  Fortunately, those documents have come and gone with most generations, but there are a few who hold on for dear life. I continue to receive the annual updates from a few college friends, and because they send – I somehow feel obligated to read them. For the most part, they contain far too much information. I really don’t need to know that the puppy is now full-grown or the specifics of the family’s daily exercise routine. One of my friends actually had a serious health scare which could have resulted as cancer. Okay, I was interested in that and most grateful her procedure had gone well, that she is healthy. But what I didn’t care to hear about was that she and her husband missed out on their European cruise due to the surgery. “Good grief,” I thought, be grateful you are okay. How many cruises have you been privileged to take, without incident, in the last few years?”  I’m sorry, but I guess I get a little impatient when I feel folks are just a little too self-absorbed.

Speaking of being self-absorbed, I recently heard a statistic that nearly 6000 pedestrians die each year. A significant amount of these 2016 and 2017 figures was attributed to individuals who were preoccupied while they were walking. One analyst said that if you take a distracted walker, combine it with a inattentive or impaired driver, and introduce a slightly decreased vision from a foggy or poorly illuminated environment – it can only set up a hypothetically deadly combination. While there are those communities which have passed ordinances to outlaw the use of smartphones while strolling, the opinion of some is that even widespread laws against distracted walking probably won’t prevent people from accidentally wandering onto the road. You simply can’t regulate individuals who are so self-absorbed that their self-absorption becomes a public nuisance and a potential fatality simply waiting to happen.

Unfortunately, the preoccupation with one’s self has become a disastrous flaw in our society as a whole. In its rawest form, selfishness and self-interest deny us the opportunity to carry out God’s plan for our lives. By doing so, we fail to be useful in the offering of our talents and encouragement to those who need it. Furthermore, we allow ourselves to become detached from providing service in His name. When Jesus was challenged by the Pharisees to answer questions regarding the Kingdom of God, one of His profound statements was this: “If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it” (Luke 16;33). I recently read that a woman who had been dedicated to a life of service attributed her motivation to something she had been told in her youth by a relative.  That motivation – “Do something that God will notice or else you’ll get lost in the big shuffle of life.”

The Apostle Paul provided this counsel: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4). Self-centeredness is a sin because it leads to being devoted to self-gratification and overlooking other people’s needs. Jesus strikes at the very heart of the sin of self-centeredness with this unmistakable declaration: ““If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way…” (Matthew 16:24). Do you find that you regularly hold yourself and your desires above the Lord’s calling to help others? If your first response is to obey any prodding from the Holy Spirit, it is a sure sign that the self-consumed attitude of the world does not have a place in your heart. If, however, you find it hard to say no to your own comforts and regularly ignore His invitation to help someone else, you can be assured that the attitude of the world is working its way into your heart and soul. As we prepare to enter a new year, we should take every opportunity to ‘deny oneself’. In doing so, we make a conscious turn from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. We are no longer in charge; God is. What a wonderful ending to another celebration of Christmas, knowing that Christ is the One ruling our heart.

REFLECTION: When you look at the world around you today, do you see a high level of selfishness and self-centeredness permeating every sphere of society? How do you know if you have fallen into this very same trap? What steps will you consciously take to be less self-absorbed?

Over the past few Christmases I have developed a fondness for the song, “Who is He in Yonder Stall?”  It was written by Benjamin Russell Hanby, who in addition to being a composer was also an educator and a pastor. He is said to have written about 80 songs in his brief 33 years, including “Up on the House Top” and “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas.” In 1866, a year before he died, he penned the words to his final song. Often sung as a musical response to a series of questions, each is followed by the answer in this refrain:

’Tis the Lord, O wondrous story!  ’Tis the Lord, the King of glory!
At His feet we humbly fall, Crown Him, crown Him Lord of all!

In years past the hymn was often utilized by those who taught children in the church, because it so visibly outlined the key aspects of the life of Jesus. If like me you escaped remembering this hymn while growing up, no doubt you were exposed to Christmas pageants – most of them ending with a nativity play. As a child, you would perhaps feel honored if you were chosen to represent one of the main characters.

But what if as an adult you were slotted into a live nativity based upon your personality characteristics, your contributions in life thus far, or the role you have assumed in society? Who might you be? Would you be Joseph?  In these scenes he usually stands quietly next to the manger, almost playing a secondary part in the story. Far from being a minor character – he was a silent hero demonstrating courage, despite facing personal embarrassment and societal ostracism. He believed God and thus cared for his young fiancé who was carrying a child that was not his own. Joseph “did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife” (Matthew 1:24). He was a rugged and brave man whom God chose to lead her safely along the dangerous roads to Bethlehem, to Egypt and eventually back home to northern Israel. God selected Joseph to protect the infant Jesus in the dangerous first years of his life.

Might you be Mary?  Mary gives us a wonderful example of how to respond to the seemingly impossible circumstances of life. She was a young ordinary Jewish girl, looking forward to marriage. Suddenly her life would forever change. As a virgin who is told she will give birth to the “Son of God” (Luke 1:35), she demonstrates a willingness to listen, believe, and be used in a situation in which she found “favor with God” (Luke 1:30).  Her response: “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled” (Luke 1:38). Although Mary’s calling held great honor, it would demand great suffering too. There would be pain in the privilege of being the mother of the Messiah. So if not Mary, you might decide to portray one of the Magi. What we know about them is that they came bearing precious gifts (Matthew 2:11). They had seen an unusual star in the sky and knew that it told of the birth of a special king in Israel (Matthew 2:9). As ‘wise men’ indeed – they traveled a great distance to worship the One about whom they would have gained knowledge from religious prophecy. Although their presence is depicted in most nativity scenes, Biblical scholars believe that they caught up with Jesus and His parents sometime later. They are however a somewhat fascinating addition to the Christmas story, because their presence indicates that Jesus wasn’t born as Savior only for the Jews. Rather, He had come as the Savior for the entire world.

That leaves the shepherds who are included in every nativity display. Today, we embrace them as key characters in the story of Jesus’ birth, yet at that time they would have been viewed as culturally insignificant. Unlike the Magi, they did not have exquisite gifts to offer the Christ-child. Receptive to the good news delivered from an angel, they decided to go immediately and see for themselves (Luke 2:16). Later they become God’s messengers, for “when they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” (Luke 2:17). You might identify most with the shepherds for they represent those who are frequently overlooked, whom Jesus would later refer to as “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). They are those who often times come to understand Him the best.  For they know the answer to the question: “Who is He in yonder stall . . .  at whose feet the shepherds fall?”  

REFLECTION: How does Joseph’s decision to please God rather than men give you pause for consideration in your own life? Can you be like Mary and accept God’s plan for your future, knowing it could cost you dearly? How could you be more like the shepherds through sharing the story of Christ’s birth with others? 

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)

If you’ve been around since the 1970’s, you may remember the well-known commercial about a ketchup product that was slow to come out of the bottle. Because they insisted their brand was thicker and richer than their competitor, marketers used the slogan “the taste that is worth the wait.” They even paired videos of their ‘slow ketchup’ overlapped with a soundtrack featuring a verse from the Carly Simon song, “Anticipation.”  The saga ended decades later when the same company invented the upside-down ketchup bottle. In new promotions, a revised version of the song was interrupted by the sound of ketchup easily pouring out after a simple squeeze. The announcer says, “Tired of waiting? No wait, no mess, no fuss, no anticipation.” Christians often become like the impatient ketchup users. They get tired of waiting on God for answers to their prayers, and they sometimes fail to anticipate Christmas for the right reasons.

These days children have barely put away their Halloween costumes until decorated trees and images of Santa have occupied most of the many chain store outlets. I have noticed in my own neighborhood that way before Thanksgiving, one family had so overpopulated their yard with those inflatable Christmas character that the small nativity scene toward the rear of the property has become somewhat lost in the shuffle. By the time the season of Advent arrives, Christmas has been so commercially over-exposed that most of the joy of its anticipation has been greatly diminished. But imagine what it might have been like thousands of years ago when children were told a story that carried an anticipation never before experienced. Instead of the Night Before Christmas, one can envision parents sitting with their little ones gathered around the fire reading to them from the Book of Isaiah: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

From the time we first hear of those prophecies of the coming Messiah, it was many centuries until the Christ-child was actually born.  As the time grew near, there was an aged man in Jerusalem by the name of Simeon, described by Luke as “just and devout.” Having received the promise of the Lord that he would not die until he had seen the Savior, he was prompted by the Holy Spirit to go to the temple. When the parents and the child entered the temple—Mary for the ritual of cleansing and Joseph to pay the tax necessary to redeem the firstborn from priestly service—Simeon took the child in his arms. He then spoke these words: “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). Simeon’s declaration reached far beyond the understanding and hope of those of his nation, for he saw the universal nature of Christ’s ministry. He bore witness that Jesus was Savior to Jew and Gentile alike.

With great expectation, children still awake on Christmas Day anxious to find out what gifts they’ve received. As Christians, that’s how we should be… like children in anticipation! Just because Jesus has already come doesn’t mean the anticipation should end. A gift has indeed come our way – the best in all of human history. So, anticipate and celebrate that wonderful gift of the Christ-child. Don’t become preoccupied and allow it to get buried underneath all the packages and tree trimmings. Open your eyes, and prepare your heart. Ultimately, anticipating Christmas relies on the memories and the excitement of past Christmases. Each new year, we remember Jesus’ birth, knowing what He has already done for us. Why not begin today, equipped with renewed enthusiasm for the hope of that newborn King? With the promise of His return one day, we can anticipate that another miracle awaits . . . for He is coming.

REFLECTION: Do you find yourself obsessed about your time here on earth, or are you joyfully anticipating seeing him face to face? How do you properly anticipate and appreciate the real reason for the season, the birth of our Lord? What could it mean to take a few weeks to spend some time with Him, preparing your heart and your mind for this great gift of Christmas and the long-awaited Savior of all mankind?

“I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the LORD helped me.” (Psalm 118:13)

During a senseless act at Minnesota’s Mall of America, a stranger threw a five-year-old boy from a third-floor balcony in April, 2019. Critically injured with head trauma, the youth miraculously had no brain damage but suffered many injuries including leg and arm fractures. Launched the day after the incident, a fund-raising account eventually received more than $1 million from well-wishers to help pay the medical bills while the young boy recovered from the 40-foot fall. Cards and prayers helped to sustain him. He expressed the following comment via social media: “Don’t worry, I fell off a cliff, but Angels caught me and Jesus loves me, so I’m ok and you will be too!” A little over seven months later, he was back in school without even a limp. Leaving the house, he would blow kisses at his mom. Whenever she would inquire how he was doing, he told her, “Mom, I’m healed, you don’t need to ask anymore.” As we enter the Season of Advent – we might consider getting to know Jesus a little better, following the example of this five-year old boy who seemed to know and understand Him far better than most of us.

For most of our lives, we strive to be independent. We’re told that good parenting will enable us to think for ourselves. As we mature, we realize that there are times we need to affirm ourselves and must learn to “stand on our own two feet” so to speak. While we should always embrace those who encouraged, prodded, and loved us through our lifetime – the concept of self-actualization is affirmed by our society. When we invite Jesus into our lives, there can appear to be a contradiction with what we have been taught. As our culture often communicates a need to outgrow dependence on others, followers of Jesus come to realize that they will never outgrow their need for Him. The Apostle Paul tells us that “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Unlike those earthly child-rearing experts, our Heavenly Father raises us to depend on Him more each day.

To fall in love with Jesus, we must know Him . . . not superficially, but deeply. That kind of knowledge takes time and persistence, just like any good relationship. Jesus invites us to abide in His love, indicating we should not rush through it. In John 15:9, He said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.’” Everything changes when you begin to know Jesus as a real person. When you read in John 8:3-11 about Jesus standing by a shamed woman daring the self-righteous to convict her, one can imagine Him doing that for us. As He dined with sinners (Mark 2:15-17), you can feel His presence in your own home breaking bread with your family. When Jesus stopped a suffering woman who in faith touched His cloak to be healed (Mark 5:24-31), you just know He would also pause for you. As we come to embrace these truths, we affirm that Jesus is real, and He loves us. In order for us to experience that love and offer it back, we need to know Him. Really know Him. One who intensely loved Him stated that we must “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). When you invite Jesus to live in and through you, He will give you the faith you need to persevere. If you trust Him especially when you feel broken and vulnerable, God will use this experience to accomplish good purposes in your life. Jesus will be your source of strength when you can’t rely on your own.

God is always working in the lives of the those who love Him. When His children fall, He will pick them up and dust them off. He will never forsake His faithful ones, and with His righteous right hand He will hold them up (Isaiah 41:10). Here then is the challenge which lies before you: Make a conscious decision to commit to Him, and continue to study and live by His Word. Hold on to God’s promises in your heart and know that He is by your side in every situation. For you see, when you fall in love with Jesus, He will put everything in its rightful place. After all, He was there for a little five year-old-boy who was certain his fall was broken by angels, that Jesus loved him, and that he would be ok. As we move toward Christmas and celebrate His birth once again, you can be assured that the same will be true for you.

REFLECTION: Does the love of God create in you a desire to obey, serve, and to pray to Him each day? Where, or under what circumstances, do you most feel your dependence on Jesus? Are you passionately pursuing your relationship with God by getting to know His Son better? How can we help others fall in love with Jesus and see the Bible as God’s love letter to us, not a rule book of morals to follow?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., DECEMBER 7 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“The disciples were indignant when they saw this. ‘What a waste!’ they said.” (Matthew 26:8)

I once heard the tongue-in-cheek story about a rich man who was determined to give his mother a birthday present that would outshine all others. He had read about a bird that had a vocabulary of 4000 words, could speak in numerous languages, and even sing three operatic arias. Locating such a bird, he immediately bought one for $50,000 and had it delivered to his mother. The next day he phoned her to see if she had received it. “What did you think of the bird?” he asked. She replied, “It was delicious.” Following your immediate response, your next thought might be . . . “What a waste?” A more revealing true fact is that during Thanksgiving each year, Americans will discard 35% — or several hundred million pounds — of edible turkey meat alone. While this holiday is a time to reflect on our many blessings, much of the bountiful food supply which fills our plates and bellies this season will eventually overflow into our landfills. It has been estimated that the amount of food wasted in the United States each year could feed hundreds of millions of hungry people. These staggering numbers have generated enough sensitivity to sponsor an annual ‘Food Waste Weekend’ nation-wide awareness campaign in the faith community.

In God’s Holy Word, there are numerous references to waste. In the Old Testament, we read that David was sheltered in a cave. Three of his “elite group of fighting men went down to meet him there. David was staying in the stronghold at the time, and a Philistine detachment had occupied the town of Bethlehem. David remarked longingly to his men, ‘Oh, how I would love some of that good water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem.’ So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew some water from the well by the gate in Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as an offering to the LORD. ‘The LORD forbid that I should drink this!’ he exclaimed. ‘This water is as precious as the blood of these men who risked their lives to bring it to me.’ So David did not drink it” (2 Samuel 23:14-17).  It would have been easy to ask the question, “Why such waste?” However, it appears that no one questioned David’s actions; instead they were most likely inspired. For you see, the gift was too precious for any person to consume it. It belonged to God.

Contrast this passage with the story of the alabaster jar in the New Testament. In one account we see Jesus dining in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper when a woman enters the scene. She has brought a beautiful alabaster jar containing expensive perfume. She proceeds to break open the jar and pour the perfume on Jesus’ head.  Realizing the value of the perfume, “Some of those at the table were indignant. ‘Why waste such expensive perfume?’ they asked. ‘It could have been sold for a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.’ So they scolded her harshly. But Jesus replied, ‘Leave her alone. Why criticize her for doing such a good thing to me? You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to. But you will not always have me. She has done what she could and has anointed my body for burial ahead of time.  I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached throughout the world, this woman’s deed will be remembered and discussed” (Mark 14:4-9). It was immediately after this event that one of His own becomes selfish: “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve disciples, went to the leading priests to arrange to betray Jesus to them” (Mark 14:10).

In today’s society, Judas might be referred to as a modern-day ‘whistleblower.’ If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will have to admit that there are times in which we each have our Judas’ moments.  We often turn from God’s purpose and waste time on what is more comfortable for us, but God will always do His best to call us back to Him. Oftentimes though, He will find us preoccupied by an investment in ‘more important’ activities. A recent study has shown that in a lifetime most individuals will spend over 40% of their time staring at some sort of screen, be it a smartphone, laptop, tablet or TV. Hopefully you are more like David recognizing that the gift of a life is just too precious to waste. As you spend more time giving to the Lord, you will encounter those who do not know or understand Him. They will dare to look at your acts and pass on judgement: “What a waste.” But others of us know better.

REFLECTION: Is your time well spent? In what ways are you using it to advance the cause of Christ? What would you say to someone who is critical of your relationship with Him as a ‘total waste of time’?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 30 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.

“Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God.” (Ephesians 1:11)

It was once common for families in which there were numerous siblings to pass down material possessions, particularly clothing, from one child to another. Depending where you were in the pecking order, these garments could be fairly worn or out-of-style by the time you inherited them. While some may associate this ‘hand-me-down’ philosophy to a lack of wealth or status, it was simply practical to get the most out of items that still had some useful wear. New clothing can become quite expensive, especially for parents whose youngsters who are growing ever so quickly. It continues that families will offer hand-down clothing items to smaller children in the neighborhood or among their friends. Even so, the concept of hand-me-downs does not have a great reputation with certain people. We associate them with things that have lost their value because they were used by or belonged to someone else first. As we grow older, there always comes a time when we will either outgrow or downright reject hand-me downs and want to make our own choices, individualizing our own sense of what we think is fashionable.

There are streams of Christianity that talk this way about faith as well.  They sometimes profess that the only faith having real value is brand-new, acquired by an individual on their own just for themselves. Faith that evolves from being raised in a family of faith is sometimes viewed as having less value, considered to be a hand-me-down that doesn’t really belong to you. The Apostle Paul would disagree as he specifically affirmed to Timothy that he, in fact, had kind of faith. He wrote, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5). For Paul, personal sincerity and family heritage aren’t in tension with one another but are instead mutually reinforcing. He instructed Timothy to invest his life in faithful men who would be able to pass on God’s truth to the next generation. Paul understood that faith is never something that we earn or accomplish on our own; it is always a gift.

Not everyone is fortunate to possess a legacy of faith similar to that which Timothy received from his mother and grandmother. There are no perfectly functioning families, because there are no perfect people. Each of us will encounter persons, sometimes in our own circle, with a level of dysfunction. If those individuals become influencers in our life, we may carry their hand-me-down values into our adult life and relationships. Peter tells us that developing a bond with Christ will help us to overcome those deficits. “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Remembering that sacrifice, Paul agrees: “For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you…” (1 Corinthians 11:23). This affirmation is at the heart of the Holy Communion message as believers receive the sacrament.

As followers of Jesus, He hands down a specific fashion to all those who follow Him: “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:12-15). Let me encourage you to wear the clothes Jesus has laid out for you. It’s a very personal decision, and no one’s going to dress you. Maybe it will make it easier to try them on when you pause to realize that the One you admire more than anyone else – namely Jesus, your Brother – wore them before you. They might just be a great fit . . . for wearing them will make you look more like Him.

REFLECTION: Do you have a faith that is worth handing down? What good habits of your parents have you retained, and what bad traits have you absorbed from those who went before you? Have you ever felt burdened that the faith you may have inherited from others is having a negative impact on your life? What are some ways you might you pass along some holy habit or spiritual hand-me-down?

A NEW LOOKUP  DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., NOVEMBER 23 , 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.