Contrasts

Ecclesiastes 2:1-10  I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. 2 So I said, “Laughter is silly. What good does it do to seek pleasure?” 3 After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.

4 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. 7 I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. 8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!

9 So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. 10 Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors.

Matthew 16:24-26  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "if any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross and follow Me.  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it.  But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.  And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world, but lose your own soul?

Philippians 2:3  Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

James 3:15  For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

See the difference between life lived for self and life lived for Jesus?  We lose ourselves when we live for ourselves.  It's always more, always the next "high", always the next grasping for something to fill the void in our heart, because the only thought is how can I be happy.  I notice this with myself.  I seek fulfillment in things, in food, in focusing on my needs and I get so disappointed because I never truly feel any lasting joy when I do that.  But what a difference when I do something to bless another.  When I know I am doing what God designed me for.

I heard this teaching from Joyce Meyer on my run yesterday.  And it lined up with a situation I came across this week.  I know someone that is always buying things for themself.  Their home is dark, cluttered, filled with stuff.  And that is like our hearts when we live to hoard the things of this world.  We become dark.  Giving away our time, our resources, and especially the grace and love God has given us (yes, we can become hoarders of that too)  causes our hearts to be lifted and light filled.  There is nothing of this world to clutter it up!

The things of this world will never fully or lastingly satisfy.  I have caused my finances much harm in grasping for things, experiences, worldly pleasures.  God gives us all good things to enjoy. He wants to see His children enjoy the world He has made.  But it's only when we put Jesus in the center of life that we find true lasting joy, and the things of this world don't hold us prisoner.

I can and do live for self through pride as well.  The "I'm not going to let them get away with that", or "They're not taking advantage of me" thoughts that lead to selfish actions is all about self as well.  I feel like I've hoarded God's grace entirely too much.  I take in wonderful teaching and yet sharing His grace hasn't exactly been on the radar.  That's going to change.  Our lady's Bible study group was challenged in our lesson this week to extend grace to those around us, both strangers and those close to us alike.  That is my project this week...to be a grace giver.  I am not sure if I am tying this all together here in a way that makes sense, I only know our Father has put it together in my heart and He wants to see this worked out in my life.

Lord, forgive me for hoarding Your grace and for grasping after the world.  I want to give, lose focus of myself and put You at the center of everything.  Help me to give up looking for satisfaction in the world and living in pride.  Thank You that You are always teaching, always sharing Your heart.  Lord, please remind me EVERY moment to put You in the center.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.

Extend grace today.