In Our Shoes!

"If that were me I would. . . ." Oh, how easy it is to think of what we would do or would have done in another's situation and then turn and be neglectful of what ought to be done in the situations of our own life. We might be well meaning and sincere, but when it comes to action, what characterizes our own follow through? More than what we might do in another's shoes is to pay attention to what we are doing in our own! Someone has said, "The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention!" [original source unknown]

In one of Jesus' parables we read. . .
"(28) "What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work in the vineyard today.' (29) And he answered, 'I WILL NOT,' BUT AFTERWARD HE CHANGED HIS MIND AND WENT. (30) And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, 'I GO, SIR,' BUT DID NOT GO. (31) Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. (32) For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him."" ( Matthew 21:28-32 ESV)

Of the two sons, one said he would (and perhaps really intended to), but did not. The other said he would not (and also may have intended that to be the way it was), but repented and did go and do what he had been commanded. It was not the intentions, but the GOING AND DOING that was seen as the obvious sign of carrying out the will of the father.

Jesus came face-to-face with many who claimed allegiance to God and the carrying out of His Will, but refused to accept Jesus as having been sent of God as the long awaited Messiah. And in the midst of their rejection, many whom these might have looked down upon were accepting and gaining entrance into the kingdom of God. Then, even after seeing that, these still refused to believe and so enter.

On another occasion Jesus stated. . .
"(10) One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." ( Luke 16:10 ESV)

Whether little or much, what characterizes the manner in which we are handling what has been entrusted to us? Let us not live by intention alone, but by every word and deed being done in faithfulness to the Will of God and to His glory!

Have a great day WALKING FAITHFUL IN ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Faithfulness