Stepped On Or Touched!

Having our toes run over by something or stepped on by someone can be quite painful. That pain can even make it difficult to walk. Perhaps it seems at times our feet take a lot of abuse. We're on them for so long during the day, and oh what agony when we stub a toe or something is dropped on them.

Jesus told a parable of a manager who was removed from the charge of a rich man's possessions and the shrewd steps this manager took to make sure he was helped by others in the future. ( Luke 16:1-9) Our Lord then went on to point to a lesson on faithfulness whether it be over little or much. ( Luke 16:10-12) Jesus also addressed the problem with a HEART divided between God and money. ( Luke 16:13) All this teaching caught the attention of some of the Jewish leaders and so we read. . .

"(14) The Pharisees, WHO WERE LOVERS OF MONEY, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. (15) And he said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but GOD KNOWS YOUR HEARTS. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'" ( Luke 16:14-15 ESV)

Some would say Jesus had gone from preaching to meddling. That's what many say when the lessons hit too close to home. These did not like the finger accusatively pointing at themselves. Jesus was stepping on their toes and it hurt. However, it was their HEARTS -- which God knew -- that were in need of being touched. Yes, toes can hurt, but OPEN HEARTS are responsive to what needs to be changed when it is pointed out.

How often mankind needs to discern that what is highly exalted by the world is not always what is exalted by God. In fact, the world often exalts views that are immoral, disgusting, and shameful in His sight.

Since the message of God is actually aimed at HEARTS, are we listening with toes merely feeling the pain of being stepped on, or is our HEART remaining open to the lessons we need? Let us lift the view above our toes and center it on a HEART that has its attention turned toward God. With a HEART continually receptive to the lessons we need, our life walking will go much easier.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A HEALTHY HEART FOR WALKING WITH GOD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Heart