May the mumbling commence!
Sometimes, it’s hard not to play favorites. Playing favorites happens in every walk of
life. The solution for the Hebrews was
to use the lot – to ask God for the correct path to take… the correct person to
fill the job. There are many church
bodies even today who use the lot amongst several qualified candidates. So it was in the early days of our spiritual
ancestors. Read from First Chronicles chapter
twenty-four:
All tasks were assigned to the various groups by means of sacred lots so that no preference would be
shown, for there were many
qualified officials serving God in the sanctuary from among the
descendants of both Eleazar and Ithamar.
Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, acted as secretary and wrote down
the names and assignments in the presence of the king, Zadok the priest,
Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the family leaders of the priests and Levites.
The descendants of Eleazar and Ithamar took turns casting lots. (Verses 5-6)
When there seem to be multiple good choices, allow the
Lord to decide. The same can be said for
when there are many bad choices to choose from.
Let the Lord decide.
Then, let your love shine through – no matter what the
Lord has called you to do. Do it with
love. Read from Romans chapter twelve:
Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them.
Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and
take delight in honoring each other.
Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.
Be glad
for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always
be prayerful. When God's children
are in need, be the one to help them out.
And get into the habit of inviting
guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.
If people persecute you because you are
a Christian, don't curse them; pray
that God will bless them. When others
are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow. Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to
act important, but enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you
know it all! (Verses 9-16)
Love is genuine.
Love honors others. Love is hard
work. Love calls for patience and
constant prayer. Love invites guests to
dinner and to stay the night.
Love knows no boundaries when it comes to “enemies”.
Love shares happiness and sadness equally. Love does NOT demand its own way… it allows
for harmony. Love enjoys the company of
all people.
And love always has the attitude of learning. Yes, learning and loving go hand-in-hand.
No more masquerade, no more façade! Take the role God has given you and do it
with love.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
No comments:
Post a Comment