A Thought a Day...
Thursday, April 15, 2004
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1.
Today is tax day... April 15th. It's an interesting irony, isn't it? To get credit for what I've done as far as the government is concerned, I have to keep an accounting of it, and then declare for the public record what I've done. Of course, if I've given over 10% of my annual gross pay then I'm flagged for an audit... but that's a different story.
I give a lot away. I think I learned it from my dad... he has given more to others without any expectation of return, than anyone I know. I love to give gifts, to do random acts of kindness. And people's reactions are amazing. One of my favorites is to go through a toll booth and pay for the car behind me. You can watch for a long time in the rear-view mirror while the attendant points... the shoulder shrugs, the hand waving... and then finally the car trying to catch up to you to figure out who the heck you are, anyway! I don't give because of that, I give because of how it makes me feel.
When I was home Monday, Marcia and I went to visit a lady in the church who is in the Hospice center. Her son was there. Maybe because it was the time of day, or that we were both dressed in business attire (to go to a closing on the refinance of our home),but the son thought we were from the church. He seemed surprised that we were there.
My wife does things for others that I'll never know... and visa-versa. And so it should be.
I wonder this morning, God gave the ultimate gift to me... the life of His only son. I know it had to make him feel horrible, but after it was all done... after the resurrection... I wonder if He felt as good as I do when I know I've done something good?
But I'm also reminded that I'm not to live a righteous life or give to others for their approval. If my motive is selfish, then my reward is simply that... the way it makes me feel... or the joy that comes from the other person's reaction. The real benefit comes when I am righteous for righteousness sake. Not so that others will notice. It makes me more careful of my motives, that's for sure.
Father, this morning I just pause to say thank you for your greatest gift of all. After reading the fifth chapter, I was beginning to feel that I didn't measure up... but then in light of your gift I realize that I do. Allow you Spirit to continue to prompt me to do what is good and righteous in your site. And may I do it for you... not for myself. Anyway, I can't outgive you... so let me just be appreciative and as Peter and John said, "... what I have, I give....".
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:46, 47.
It's been a busy couple of days. Monday was Marcia's birthday and we closed on the refinancing for our home. Marcia took the day off, and we had a wonderful day together... busy, but wonderful. It was a definite delight spending time with her and being able to shower her with affection on a day when i would normally be a thousand miles away. And she returned my affection. What would we expect, we're married. Newlyweds, in a way... since I'm on the road during the week, we've spent less than a 6 months together since our wedding day over two years ago. I've been having a run in with the IRS recently... but the people I've been talking with over the past 6 months have families and friends, too... believe it or not.
As this scripture says, it's easy to love people who love you back. It's natural to spend time with the people who treat you right... who treat you with respect. It's a normal thang! When I talk with Marcia about what I want to do socially, it usually involves people I like being around. People who are of similar social status, financial status... well, to be honest... pretty much like us. But that isn't going to get me any stars... even those who don't believe there is a God will behave like I do.
The implication is that I should reach out to the unlovable... those not like me. OK... I'll send a check to the Salvation Army. Maybe I'll even give a donation to.... {gulp} ... The United Way! What's that, Lord? That's not what you were expecting me to do? What is it you have in mind? {momentary pause while I think about that} Oh, Lord, I'm not sure I can do that! I'm pretty busy and it could even be dangerous. Besides, people live out their choices... so it's all their own fault. And....
What's that? Read the next sentence? "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." That's not fair! I'd have to do a lot of things differently... and besides, that's a standard that's impossible to meet. You're going to make me feel inadequate when I don't measure up! Besides, my actions don't save me, Your love and grace does. What's that? My actions don't save me... but they might help save someone else? Now that's really not fair.
Father, as I start the day, you've challenged me where I live. I've been unable to deal with this passage for the past couple of days... maybe there's a reason why. I don't have anything to say. I'm guilty as charged. You've called me to not just do what I have to do to be safe... you've called me to be perfect! I get it. I'm sorry!
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Sunday, April 11, 2004
