In Genesis 3, we read that because of man's disobedience, the ground was cursed to pruduce thorns and thistles (Genesis 3:18). Since then, thorns have come to symbolize the worries of life as well as the temptations of the riches and pleasures of this life. The Canaanites that the Israelites did not drive out became like thorns in their sides or in their eyes (Numbers 33:55, Joshua 23:13). In the parable of the sower, Jesus talked of the seed that fell among the thorns. The thorns were compared to the worries of this life and the "deceitfulness of wealth" (Matthew 13:22).
Do I have thorns in my life? Something that I should have gotten rid of, but did not and is now preventing me from a fruitful life. Something that a "sluggard" or a lazy bum would keep around him (Proverbs 24:30,31).
Earlier today, I had a visit with an old friend, who has been a successful endocrinologist both as a clinician and as an academician. He gave it all up, so that he can be closer with the Lord and devote his life to a ministry serving the underprivileged of the inner city. He and his coworkers established a Living Water Ministry house in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Cincinnati where drug trafficking and murders have happened. He himself leads a simple life and gives himself in ministry to the poor, just as Jesus would have done or wanted him to do.
What thorns prevent me from a fruitful life? Am I not deceived by the "deceitfulness" of wealth? Wealth is fleeting. It should not be an end unto itself. My end, my purpose must be to glorify the Lord and enjoy His presence.
"O, Lord. Open my eyes and let me see. Let me see the true glory of Your Presence. Let me appreciate what is truly worthy and what is not. Let me live a life worthy of being called Your child. In Jesus' name. Amen."
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i had a conversation about this topic with john before actually. i think it was at grace chapel, that i heard of this story- maybe i read it somewhere- maybe i met the person. i can't remember how i came upon this story, this person, but i remember the story.
ReplyDeletethe man said that he gives 1/10 of his time as his tithe, because his time is the most valuable thing to him. so he takes 1/10 out of the year (whatever months and days that is) to go on missions, or stay in the same community but be heavily involved in some way to serve God whether it be to help broken families or provide free medical service (he was a dentist or surgeon), or do something that he feels is what he can give best to God that year. church ministry overseas or in dangerous neighborhoods is an easy cookie cutter answer, but if the heart's not in it, then that might not be what will answer the hunger to give God something more.
The story is thought-provoking. God is asking that I give him not only 1/10th of my time, but the entirety of my life as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Lord (Romans 12:1). The question is, can I do it?
ReplyDeletei guess if you feel that way, then you might want to first reconsider the heart you bring to your professional workplace. maybe the workplace will seem to change accordingly... and you'll feel that you're using your talents well. =)
ReplyDeleteit's really interesting to see you ask this question to yourself because... when i first started thinking about that during junior and senior high, you and umma said that not everybody is cut out for the missions field as it is popularized and advertised--overseas with people who've never heard about jesus, and completely illiterate with poor health. and since then i've been wondering how i can actually put my talents into place because i've realized that if i can't be happy with the place i'm at, then no matter how i'm giving to God, i'll be unsatisfied. so at least personally for me, since i enjoy art, food and people, i'm looking for avenues to channel them through. for you, if you enjoy medicine.. it's another story.