This morning I awoke
earlier than usual with some things weighing on my heart and mind. As I tried to listen for some
direction, He led me to these places to read: 2 Samuel 12 (read 2 Samuel 11 first), Psalm 78, and the
first 3 chapters of Malachi. These
all address what happens when character and honesty get compromised because we
want something more or faster than we are getting it, when we want something
that isn’t ours, when we fear He will never bring what we long for.
Are we being honest? Are we pushing ourselves, even the
tiniest bit to live out what we say we believe? Are we satisfied with 70% honesty and give ourselves a pass
for the other 30% because we deserve it, or we’ve convinced ourselves we are
too weak to do better? Do we avoid
God’s word, because we really don’t want to know what He thinks and says? Do we trust Him to provide? Really? Are we approaching life in a way that will honor Him in how
we handle what is in our possession…time, stuff, money, and our hearts? I believe that God is in a unique
season of pouring out on His people blessing and provision to those that will
trust Him for their needs.
We may be enticed to
accumulate money or affection or influence…all in His scope. He knows our needs. Our problem is that we don’t let
ourselves be transformed in the process of life and instead scramble to provide
what we don’t think we can live without.
We’re an insatiable lot.
A couple of questions…Do
you go about your financial business in the same way you would want someone to
deal with you? I am talking about
taxes. And billing. And how you work for your employer. Are you being honest with the time you
are there to work? Are you giving
them the focus and effort they are paying you for?
In relationships, are you
crossing lines that you know aren’t right because you are deathly afraid of
what you fear may not otherwise come your way?
Good business and life
decisions don’t require operating in dishonest means to get what seems like a
desirable bottom line. God has
more than enough ability and resources to give you what is for your good when
you do things in honest and upright ways.
But we don’t really believe it sometimes. Fear has us in its reins and far too often is running the
show and we sow seeds of dishonesty or compromise and expect good plants to
grow in our gardens.
Rare is the individual,
business, or ministry, that doesn’t fall to fuzzy lines in how it
operates. Christians and
Christian-named ones, far too often, don’t seem to operate much better. But we are
in a new day. We can get life in
better order. Read God’s promises
and what He says He will do for you.
Take seriously His words about what actions will bless you and what will
not—He told us so we could benefit from the wisdom. Ask Him for help to transform your doubt into trust. Be honest with someone (it is a
beautiful and mighty thing) and start to correct things that your conscience
had pricked you about long ago.
As the winter winds down,
as the Lenten season begins, and tax time comes, let’s be mindful about our
messes, honest with ourselves, open to new starts and receiving what He has and
is providing for us. Let’s be
willing to look in the mirror and do some of the work that needs done, so that
when spring arrives, windows open, ground softens and new life blooms again,
the harvest of our lives will be better able to reap what they were meant to
produce because the soil we are planting in has been readied for far better
things. Beautiful gardens don’t
grow in trash heaps. Our God is merciful
and kind. He forgives. He knows our weakness. He has such immense love and tenderness
and help for all who ask.
Do justice, love mercy,
walk humbly with your God. Micah
6:8
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