Seeds For Thinking

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: “For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.” Galations 5:13, Living Bible
Ah! Freedom: The quality or state of being free. The power to do as one pleases. Freedom from physical restraint, freedom from arbitrary or despotic control.
Yes, but also permission to go freely within specified limits. FREEDOM has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated. (Definitions: Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary)
Paul speaks often of freedom, especially freedom from Mosaic law, in his letter to the Romans, and to the Galations. However, Paul points out that freedom in Christ is not total absence of restraint; that is, lacking legal or moral restraints. (See above)
Rather, “having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)
Some translations use the word “liberty” rather than freedom in Galations 5:13. Liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion, in this case, the restraint of the law and compulsions of the flesh.
I will admit that I have struggled with the concept of freedom from the law, as presented by Paul. After all, shouldn’t we try to keep the Ten Commandments? Aren’t we to obey ‘laws’?
Consider that the Rich Young Ruler had kept all the commandments from his youth, yet lacked the means to obtain eternal life. (Luke 18:18-27) Jesus is telling us, and Paul is affirming, that eternal life is not obtained through works, such as observing traditions, laws, or commandments. That is like earning a prize if you collect so many coupons. It is not that the laws are bad or sinful, it is just that human nature is to “talk the talk but not walk the walk.”
Part of the answer can be found in Jesus’ reply to the Scribes and Pharisees in Mark chapter 7 concerning charges that the disciples were breaking the “laws, i.e. transgressing the traditions of the elders. They were not following the ritual of washing their hands, pitchers and cups in a special way before eating. Is this a sin that will keep them from entering the kingdom of heaven?
Jesus answers that the Scribes and Pharisees are “teaching as doctrines the commandments of men,” quoting Isaiah 29:13, while rejecting the intent of God’s commandments. Many of their traditions were merely “lip service,” not true worship.
Jesus contrasts the commandment “Honor your father and mother” with the practice of making a “gift to God” (Corban) of money that should have gone to the parents, thus making the commandment of no effect. They didn’t ‘break’ the commandment, but they didn’t observe God’s intent of providing for parents, either.
Perhaps Peter had this in mind when he wrote of those who speak great swelling words of emptiness; “While they promise . . . liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption.” (2 Peter 2:18-19)
Peter also wrote that it is the will of God to do good “to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men - as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. “ (1 Peter 2:16)
Christ has set us free from “keeping lists” or “check off charts.” We don’t have to “collect coupons” to obtain eternal life. Jesus said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)
Salvation is a gift, granted by the Grace of God to all who accept Jesus as the Christ; they shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
“For, dear brothers, you have been given freedom: not freedom to do wrong, but freedom to love and serve each other.” (Galations 5:13, Living Bible) July 1, 2007

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

* Failure
* Scripture: But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached (Jesus) and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." (Luke 10:40, NKJV)

One would think that holiday seasons would be the happiest times of the year. Not so, many researchers suggest. Rather than times of relaxation and rejoicing, remembrance and celebration, holidays are periods of intense stress for many people. Why so?
For one thing, there are many Marthas in this world, "soul kindred," distracted with much serving. This is one of those 'tight rope' areas, I know. We walk a very narrow line, here, between duty and dereliction. Balance is a key word. Should Mary have helped Martha? Probably. Would Jesus have severely criticized Martha if something wasn't perfect, like if the towels didn't match, or if the table cloth had a spot on it? Probably not. It's all about friendship, not fatigue!
Martha doesn't seem to share in the joy of this occasion. She appears to be rather stressed out, fearing failure as a good hostess. Was Jesus perhaps there to be pampered, or to critique Martha's hospitality for a five-star rating? I doubt it. Perhaps He was instead thinking, "Hey, I came for a visit, let's enjoy it."
Failure is "laboring for the wind," claims the 'Preacher" of Ecclesiastes, to eat in darkness, with much sorrow and sickness and anger. (Ecc. 5:16-17)
There is likely little that you can do to make an old grouch satisfied. The grouch is longing, expecting to eat in darkness, with much sorrow and sickness and anger, and will go to extremes to obtain his goal. Like a pig, if you wallow in their mud, you will both end up 'dirty.' So move on down the street; let the pig - er, grouch, wallow in bitterness and self-pity.
Life is too short to wallow in bad things when there are so many good things to celebrate.
Many people have the "movie set syndrome." On-screen, the camera shows perfection, the perfect house, the ideal standard to strive for. It is instead just a front, a sham, a wall with nothing but props behind it to hold it up. You wouldn't, you shouldn't want to live there. Do you have four walls - and a roof? Be glad!
I recall the quotation:

"A man's reach must exceed his grasp,
else what's a heaven for."

It is one thing to be inspired, to strive, yet,

"Ideals are stars to guide us,
not clubs with which to beat ourselves."

Striving, reaching is not by itself our downfall, but to be consumed by striving for the truly impossible without rejoicing in the possible - that is failure.
We are, perhaps, at times like the mice that I sometimes find in my barn. They have acquired the food supply of their wildest dreams - at the bottom of the grain barrel, from which there is no escape.
Failure is like climbing a mountain, only to be stopped by an impassable obstacle, then, to gaze dismally at the peak, out of reach, rather than turning and rejoicing in the view from the height that you have attained.
Failure is to worry, worry, worry about your next breath, when you should be rejoicing about the breaths that you have already taken.
True failure is to wallow in despair over what has not been done, instead of rejoicing over what has been accomplished.
Failure is anger at what has been lost, rather than joy at what has been found.
Failure is like standing at the door, frustrated, with a dead battery in your radio car keyset, when all you need to do is to insert the key in the lock, the old fashioned way.
Rejoice! It shall be opened.
Do not be distracted by much serving and striving for the winds of the world.
Seek ye the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.
December 31, 2006

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . “ Philippians 4:11b, NIV
I must admit that I have difficulty associating Paul with a lackadaisical attitude toward anything. His writings, and those of Luke in the Book of Acts, seem to describe a man of action in both word and deed. As Saul the student, he reacted strongly and decisively toward what he perceived to be a corruption of God’s laws and customs. He was not only “breathing out murderous threats” against those who were following The Way, but took action by going to the high priest to obtain authority to take both men and women prisoner, and bring them to trial for their perceived apostasy. (Acts 9:1-2)
Paul and Barnabas had such a “sharp disagreement” concerning John Mark that they parted company, Paul taking Silas, and Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus. (Acts 15:36-41.
No, Paul did not laze back in matters of faith, practice, or belief and let what ever condition he saw slide by without concern. He spoke out, and put his concerns into actions.
What, then, is Paul talking about when he says, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” in Philippians 4:11?
This is another instance where we can not take the word out of context. Paul is explaining that he is willing to accept the situation in which he finds himself as an opportunity to serve God, without consideration of payment or physical amenities. He was not giving priority to things that would merely contribute to his comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. In fact, the Living Bible translates Paul’s words here as, “I have learned to get along happily whether I have much or little.” Take time to read the full passage of Philippians 4:10-20. He is thanking the church at Philippi for their previous aid and gifts, and is explaining that he had not written them seeking monetary support, but to share the Word with them, and bolster their faith in what ever way he could.
We need to examine our own lives and thoughts and see if we can relate to Paul’s words. It is sometimes difficult to accept the cross we have been given to carry, to endure the thorns to reach the fruit. We seek things that would merely contribute to comfort, convenience, or enjoyment. The irritations of life take our focus from the vision of serving the One who gave His all for us.
Consider that we may have been placed where we are because God has a task for us there. Look at what we have an opportunity to accomplish, not at what we have not. It may be possible - just possible - that we have been placed with that irritating associate, the demanding boss, the fractionous situation not to bristle, but to bloom, not to be comfortable, but to be Christlike.
December 7, 2003

Link: http://seedsforthinking.oldgleaner.com/

Scripture: Jesus said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant . . .” Mark 10:43, NIV

When I worked at Newark High School, I often noted, with a smile, a sign posted in the Band Room:
Your Mother doesn’t work here,
So pick up after yourself.

Children are not inherently, scrupulously, tidy! But they are inherently imitative. They copy what we - parents - do in word and deed. Sure, it takes a while, but tidy behavior observed will eventually be acquired as a behavior learned.
It is not what we say that makes an impression on people, but what we do. The best kind of service we can perform is not “lip” service.
What a difference (in English, at least) two little letters can make. Many people want to be served. How blessed are those who clip those last two letter off of the word, and simply S.E.R.V.E !
To be useful! Surely no phrase is as honorable as the statement, “I just want to be useful.” Not everyone can be president, king, or chief honcho. Not everyone needs to be. Everyone can, and should be, useful.
“Too many chiefs and no Indians.”
“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”
You get the picture. There is another saying with much merit: “No one stands so tall as when they stoop to help a child.”
One of the fastest growing segments of our society is what is called the “Service Industry.” People who repair, provide service, and fill the needs of others. All too often we indeed get more “lip” than service. It is one of the biggest complaints registered about businesses today. No one wants to serve. Telephones are not the only place where you are “put on hold.” True service is something many people are reluctant to provide, and the downfall of many businesses.
Woe! indeed to the Christian who joins the throngs of the “Non-servers.” Heed the words of The One whom we are supposed to emulate if we are to be called Christians. He who demonstrated that he came not to be served, but to serve.
His disciples, James and John, requested to sit in the places of honor next to Jesus when He came into His glory. “Not so!” He reminded them. “Whoever wants to become great among you (disciples). . . must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Little things matter. Or should I say, “There is no insignificant service one can perform.” So start by thanking someone who provides a service for you. Even the clerk at the checkout. Smile, and let them know you appreciate their service.
February 2, 2003