The Word and The World

“16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.” – Luke 12:16-21

“What kind of legacy do you wish to leave behind?” I recently was asked that question in an interview. It stumped me for a while. Generally, I don’t think too much about the legacy I leave behind at a church, or other workplace. I’m usually content to know that I was there and my presence may have influenced someone, some way.

But that is not always the case. I found out the other day that a church I had served recently made some significant changes in the way they work. This wouldn’t bother me normally, but the changes were things I pushed for before I left the church, and had met a great deal of resistance.

The nerve, I thought. How could they do this stuff now after I had tried and broke my back trying to get them to see the possible benefits of the changes. To be honest, I was ticked off!!! Someone else will take all the credit for the hard work I did to pave the way. An old friend tried to help my mood by telling me it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t laid the ground work. That helped some and then I took it to God and calmed down a bunch. It still hurts, but not as bad.

It would be nice if someone at least said thanks. But I think that would be an earthly treasure. When I made the suggestions it was not for personal glory… or was it? I’d like to think I was looking out for the church’s best interests, but maybe there was a certain amount of self interest too. Why else would I get upset when I heard the news?

I think that all of us can fall in to the trap of false modesty. We claim to not want the fame and the legacy of our good efforts, but deep down we do. I guess that is just a part of the human condition and our sinful nature.

Loving God, help us to ensure that the treasures we store up are heavenly and not just for this world. Grant us the grace to understand that when we work in your name, our thanks come from you. This we ask in the name of our Savior for whom we give you thanks and praise, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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Psalm 16: 5-9

5 The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. 7 I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.

1 Sam. 24:18-20

18 Today you have explained how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the LORD put me into your hands. 19 For who has ever found an enemy, and sent the enemy safely away? So may the LORD reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.

One of the toughest tasks facing a Christian each day is to discern the voice of God in their life. Especially, when we have been hurt or wronged by another. It is easy enough to lash out in response to hurts. But is that what God calls us to do? Is there a more Christ-like response to those who hurt us or smear our reputations? I believe there is.

Christ told us to rejoice when others persecute us for His name’s sake. He also urged that we “turn the other cheek.” I am convinced that this does not mean we are to be a door mat for others to walk across.

Instead, I believe we are challenged to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. To weigh, in totality, what is at stake when we are wronged and seek a solution that shows uncommon compassion, grace, and mercy, as God shows them to us..

Sometimes, this means we will be at odds with our spouses, our friends, employers, and others. We may even find be at odds with the established church, or the state. But as Christians, our final authority and allegiance rests with God, the Holy One, who gives us counsel and is our chosen portion and lot.

Gracious God, you are my portion and lot. It is in you that I find counsel and strength each and every day. Grant me the courage to show mercy, grace, and compassion to those who hate me, who revile, and who slander. May I be a shining example of your love at work today. Amen.

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