What matters and doesn’t matter?
As disciples of Jesus we have to occasionally remind
ourselves how to answer that two part question.
Like the person in psalm 73, we can get our “fill of it” and fall into a
downward spiral of second guessing ourselves and the wisdom of living as
kingdom people.
The psalmist begins by making a statement followed by a
confession:
Truly God is good
to Israel
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
to those who are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
my steps had nearly slipped.
For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
After he reveals his uncertainty over the futility of
wickedness vs. righteousness, he lays bare his real angst:
All in vain have
I kept my heart clean
and washed my hands in innocence. (v. 13)
and washed my hands in innocence. (v. 13)
We have days like that.
Have you had one recently? Like
the psalmist, we get our “fill of it.”
We throw our hands up, perhaps literally, but most often quietly. We wonder…we really begin to wonder: Is what I do as a person of faith for God and
the gospel really significant? Does it
matter…really? Our struggle is often
acute and overwhelming. We struggle on
two levels: 1.) Does being a person of faith make a
difference in the lives of other people?
2.) Is God paying attention to
our service?
At first glance it may sound a bit self-centered. And, admittedly, it could be taken that
way. But then, scripture has so much to
say about checking faith struggles and the full-blown despair and cynicism that
can follow.
Someone remarked the other day, “I have to remind myself
everyday that being a disciple of Jesus is the most important thing I can do on
a daily basis. I have to remind myself
of this because I can feel the tug of the endless barrage of cultural messages
prompting me to just “go get mine” every waking minute. Ambition is everything. Make your mark. That’s all that matters. Tend to “your stuff.” Build something significant with your life
the way the culture defines significant – significance defined and driven by
ambition! And, by all means, don’t get
lost in ministry to human beings whether it’s sharing the gospel, standing for
righteousness or serving in some way.
It’s okay to dabble in it. Give a
turkey away at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Drop off a gift card now and then.
Wear a Christian badge of honor when it is convenient or, be nice to
people when they cross your path. But,
don’t bother yourself with getting off
your path to find them.” They
continued, “I have to remind myself that my significance is in the gospel. It’s everything!”
Hebrews 13:13-16 is a counter measure against the cynicism
that can come knocking on the door of our hearts:
“Therefore let us go
to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here
we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then
let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that
is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good
and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
When we experience an attack of the Psalm 73 blues, reflect
on the greater reality offered in Hebrews 13!.
God sees us! He
really does. He knows what is going
on. He is not an absentee landlord. Advancements in technology have not changed a
single thing where He is concerned. He
still sees His people serving in the trenches bringing the reality of His Son’s
reign to bear in the nooks and crannies of daily life. That’s great news isn’t it!
“For with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
O Father, lead our hearts
toward the things that are firmly anchored in who you are. Encourage our hearts in the wisdom of knowing
that this is the very best thing we can do with our lives every day.
Empower us to this end every day. Amen.
Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas
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