Luxury or Necessity?

I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.  I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards.  I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them… I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces… I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure.  My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.  Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:3b-5,8a,10,11

A newspaper columnist, in a recent article, lamented the poor money management skills exhibited by many American’s.  The editorial states, “(Americans) Living paycheck to paycheck, spending money as fast as one can make it, is becoming the new norm.”  He contrasts this claim by remembering that Americans formerly planned their household budgets to include sharing with others, insurance safeguards, and preparing for retirement.  Saving money was commonplace.  The shift in thinking is illustrated by a recent NFL draftee becoming an overnight millionaire.  The new norm for individuals in this situation might be to immediately go buy an expensive, fancy new vehicle.  However, this particular NFL rookie has chosen to save his money.  He still drives a borrowed Honda minivan.  Needless to say, he has been the recipient of teasing (ridicule) by his new teammates.  His thriftiness stands out, in their eyes, as odd and curious behavior.

I, too, was made aware of American’s expectations of luxury while traveling internationally.  Yes, there are differences in culture and practices from one country to the next.  However, I was struck by the number of things I considered “necessities” in America, but non-Americans functioned just fine without them.  I suppose human nature causes us to believe that our personal experiences and practices are normal and, therefore, expected in all places at all times.  This narrow sense of entitlement is a just form of selfishness and greed.  We like living happy and satisfied.  Problems arise when my happiness is reliant upon satisfying these selfish expectations.

Children of God must realize the meaninglessness of trying to satisfy selfish desires.  God is pleased with a humble attitude and obedient behavior.  The spiritual man is willing to rethink what is necessary in his life and is willing to change his expectations.  The mature disciple of Christ will have a sacrificial perspective on life.  He will be content with what he has and is able to boldly say “no” to the devil’s schemes.  According to Solomon, nothing is gained by accumulating wealth and luxury.  Rethink your expectations and trust God to provide what is necessary.  

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive our selfish desires to obtain happiness through wealth and accomplishments.  We need to trust you to take care of our needs.  Help us to seek righteousness and develop a mature faith.  In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Carl Smith

Stephenville, Texas

The Thief

 There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be put to death. When they came to a place called the Skull, the soldiers crucified Jesus and the criminals—one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.”The soldiers threw lots to decide who would get his clothes. One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: “Aren’t you the Christ? Then save yourself and us.” But the other criminal stopped him and said, “You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is. We are punished justly, getting what  we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus said to him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Luke 23:32-34, 39-43

As Jesus hangs on the cross between the two criminals this exchange between these three men is recorded for us.   What insights are here?  Why is this story preserved?  I can't help but think an intended view is to see myself as one of the  criminals on the cross. I have no defense. I am guilty. I am being punished for what I deserve.  It is too late and there is no hope for a reprieve.  The sentence is passed and I am condemned to death.  It is finished
for me.

It is from this position on the cross,  condemned to death that I must see myself to grasp what Jesus has really done, understanding He is hanging beside me sufferring for me.   It is from this place, hanging on the cross guilty and without excuse that I must see myself to hear the prayer Jesus prayed for me: "Father forgive him, because he doesn't know what he is doing".  It is from this perspective of utter despair on the cross that I must see myself to hear Jesus speak the words "Today you will be with me in paradise" and realize He has just saved me.

I want to meet the thief in heaven and hear him tell the rest of this story.   I want to hear how he felt when Jesus spoke those words, how it changed the suffering he endured, how it felt to take the first steps in heaven with Jesus beside him, and what it was like when Jesus introduced him to His heavenly Father.   I bet he tells it every day for eternity, each time with disbelief that Jesus would do such a thing for a condemned thief.  Can you imagine such mercy?    Mercy received like this changes you to think and act in a whole new way.

Father your mercy is beyond my comprehension.  Thank you for rescuing me from certain death.   Through Christ my Lord.

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas

Lions are Nearby!

A friend of mine enjoys traveling to Africa and going on safaris.  He has been there many times.  His stories are better than fiction!

I remember him telling about a "close call" several years ago while on a lion safari. Traveling along in a small pickup, the safari guide suddenly smacked the top of the cab signalling the driver to stop.  In a low voice he said, "Lions are nearby."  Though approximately 300 yards away, they could make out the top part of a male lion's head. Talk about an adrenalin rush!  The lion disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared about 100 yards away.  He stood broadside and roared.  The safari guide rushed the hunter to get into position and take the shot.

Later, the guide apologized for rushing my friend's shot.  The urgency was due to a single fact about lions. From a crouched position a lion can cover a hundred yards in about 4.5 seconds!  Not much time to squeeze off a calm round!

I don't know how much first century Christians knew about lions, but they knew enough to get the message Peter conveyed in 1 Peter 5:8:

"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

During the ride back to base camp, the safari guide educated the group about lions. He talked about how keenly they can smell and see.  They can tell if prey has been in an area a good while after it has vacated the area. They can smell a wounded or dying animal from a considerable distance and track it.  Their eyes are large and very capable of spotting prey at night with very little sky light.  They rarely rush their prey.  They stalk them and move into the most advantageous position before making their move.

Peter's imagery is accurate and timely as it describes what is true of life in the spiritual domain.

If this was the only verse on the Accuser of God's people (the Satan) that we had in the New Testament, it would be enough to remind us to be "vigilant."

Peter does not elaborate on how or when he prowls.  He just states it as a fact and exhorts us to stand on alert.

Peter goes on to say, "But resist him firm in your faith." (1 Peter 5:9)

A wildebeest, gazelle, or any other prey that falls under attack by a lion has little to no chance of getting away safely.  This is not true in the spiritual domain!  Our attacker can be resisted.  We are not at his mercy. James says: "7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

That's a great promise!

We need both reminders.  Temptation, sin, evil - they are real.  Paul said our struggle is not against "flesh and blood but....." (Ephesians 6:12).  The last thing we can afford to be in life is naive about the battle ground we live on every day.  Battles come in many forms.  Staying sharp and alert is first order business.  And, the good news is that whatever Satan brings against us we can resist and defeat through God's help.

Walk this week in strength, peace and wisdom...and pay attention to what's moving in the grass.

Father, give us clarity of mind and heart so that we can be vigilant to the schemes of Satan.  Thank you for providing us with the weapons of truth, wisdom and strength when the evil one comes against us.  Thank you for Jesus who has defeated the reign of evil and death and who lives to make intercession for us.  Amen.

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas