Which One Does Not Belong?
Everything you needed to learn really DID get taught in Kindergarten. For instance, do you remember the “what doesn’t belong” exercise? A classic! The duck with rubber boots and a polka dot umbrella DOES NOT BELONG with the other plain ole ducks. I use to ace every one of those tests. As a result and as a dad, I’m really good now at determining which boys DO NOT BELONG in a dating picture with my daughters. The one with chains from their hip, questionable piercings, and full sleeve tattoos chronicling the discography of Metallica is circled on my workbook sheet.
There was another useful skill Mrs. Ireland taught me in Kindergarten. Opposites. Another classic. What is the opposite of white? What is the opposite of hot? What is the opposite of “you shouldn’t drink milk from little white cartons with straws through your nose?”
What’s the opposite of someone who has lost all sensitivity, and have given themselves over to abandoned sensuality and impurity? (BTW… Mrs. Ireland didn’t actually cover this)
Paul writes these words in Ephesians 4:19 after going through a wonderful challenge of making a “self” donation by serving with our grace gifts (Ephesians 4:16). Losing sensitivity and getting sucked into sin is the exact opposite of giving yourself away.
The Jesus followers I encounter who seem to stay on track, are the ones who willingly and continually give themselves away. How will you give yourself away today? What grace gift has God given you that someone else needs? Today you can die again to self, and let Jesus live and serve through you. THAT is the opposite of what most people around you will do today.
I’m confident that someday in heaven God will encounter someone who made life all about their own selfish interests, bank accounts, and toys — and say, “This one does not belong.” BE THE OPPOSITE OF THAT!
Blessings on your Tuesday.
What a great journal entry.
I fear one day finding out I have a gift that I have not shared. I want to hear, “Good job faithful servant.”
Proverbs 3:9
NKJV “Honor the Lord with all your possessions….”
NIV “Honor the Lord with your wealth….”
Message “Honor God with everything you own….”
Recently, Proverbs 3:9 took on new meaning for me. “Possessions, wealth, everything” not only includes giving and tithing but all the gifts Christ has given – for instance, speaking (communicating). My voice is one of my possessions and Ephesians 4 reminds me to honor God by “speaking the truth in love”, “speak truthfully to my neighbor”, and “be kind and compassionate”. Left on my own, I blow it. Thankfully, His grace is sufficient to cover my critical, quarrelsome nature.