Today’s scripture: Luke 14:12-24 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
I love how Jesus constantly sought to get to the heart of the matter — to look at our motives, values, ethics, and morals. There’s no doubt that doing the right thing is extremely important to him, but that’s only Part One of successful living. He wants us to wrap our heads around the equally (or more) important Part Two — why! In other words, what’s the reason you did the right thing?
For example:
- Did the host invite his guests to dinner because he wanted to bless them, or because he thought he could get something in return because they would feel indebted to him?
- Am I nice to people at work because I truly believe in love and respect, or because I’m afraid it would jeopardize my job if I yelled and threw something at the person who irritates me?
- Am I honest because I believe in it, or because I’m afraid I’d get in trouble if I wasn’t?
Do I do the right thing for the wrong reason? What are my true motives? Jesus wants to know!
The reason Jesus is successful at probing our hearts is because he set the genuine example for us, and we trust that he truly loves us and cares for the well-being of our souls. It reminds me of an old Christian friend of mine, Jeannie. She had an honesty that inspired me to be more genuine. Her love put me at ease and, you know, I don’t think I could have told her a lie even if I wanted to! She inspired me to be better!
And excuses? It looks like Jesus is saying, if I consistently miss doing something — like my prayer list — then he’s going to lovingly ask me, “And just how big of a priority is this for you, Steve?” If I still flounder, his mercy will carry me, but, his honest question won’t go away. His impact on me is so great that, one day I’ll start giving up some precious sleep if I have to, and make the time for it. For me, it’s something I’m called to do, so it’s just too good to miss!
Just as Jesus did with the man who invited him to dinner, God is awakening our minds to higher ways of understanding. God molds us, coaches us, counsels us, comforts us. God causes us to think more deeply and inspires us to purify our intentions, to embrace higher values, to be more mindful of God’s still, small voice, and to enlarge our thinking. Truly, we are changed!
Thought for the day: God, thank You for bringing us into radically new and higher ways of understanding, often by a spark, a thought which You impress upon our minds and cause us to reach a whole new world of insight.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.