Last Saturday morning, during the weekly breakfast session with the guys, the discussion strangely turned to fancy table settings. Eric said he didn’t understand how someone decided the fork went on the right side, and the knife on the left (or was it the fork on the left and knife on the right?) and that the spoon would be on one side or the other. Mark confessed he didn’t know what to make of the series of spoons arranged above the plate. Tim admitted being confused by the tiny forks that are sometimes included in the mix.
As cavemen, none of us could comprehend why anyone would fuss over such things. We all agreed that the only tool you need to eat your food is a knife, but a fork is a good thing to have too. A spoon, while not essential sometimes comes in handy. We also decided that these utensils don’t need to be in any particular place, just within reach. We concluded that having several versions of forks and spoons, each with an assigned purpose and place, was simply nonsense.
The Holy Spirit, as always, was in attendance that morning and He weighed in on the subject, as well. He didn’t disagree with our findings, but as He is apt to do, He turned our discussion inward. One of my fellow cavemen asked, “Are there any unnecessary ‘forks and spoons’ in our lives that we insist be present, but could be considered nonsense by others?”
As I’ve considered that question, I’ve identified several firmly-established ideas, behaviors, and tendencies that need to be examined. At best, these things give importance to the unimportant. Worse, they have the potential to confuse, frustrate, intimidate, and alienate people I care about.
Dear reader, I would appreciate your sharing any scriptures that could provide direction, perspective, and encouragement. Thank you and God bless you.
A great post Greg! Hebrews 4:12-13 tells me that the Word of God is "able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." And that "all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him..."
ReplyDeleteAs I have spent time with the Holy Spirit (in prayer and in the study of God's Word), He has quickened me to identify areas of my life that need to change or be discarded...a familiar habit, an old pattern of thinking, a family tradition, or even a particular style of clothing.
God is continually making small modifications...molding and shaping me into the man of God that He has called me to be.
In Matthew 15:1-9 Jesus is teaching about how tradition nullifies the Word of God and then says that we honor him with our lips while our hearts are far from him. This is a dangerous place to be but many time we hang out in areas or with habits or with mindsets that are part of our comfort zone when in reality it can be the very thing that keeps us from the true peace and joy that God promises.
ReplyDeleteRomans 7:15-25 Paul talks about how the struggle between spirit and flesh is evident in his life. He wants to do good and be good but at the same time the carnal side rears its ugly head.
ReplyDelete1 John 5:4 says - For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
While we are in this "fight" we need to always remember that we are in God's family, therefore we are overcomers. I know it's easier said than done but let's continue the fight 'cause we know who has already won the victory!
Some great comments men...and all begun by cave men! Wow! My thought would be that there are really only two "traditions"...the traditions of men and the traditions of God. They are not necessarily exclusive of one another, i.e."honoring your father and mother" or even assembling together. However, "our traditions" can create "comfort zones" and "safety zones" which prevent us from following God's traditions. One of these is "newness" or "taking us to "new places". A great example (there are many) is in the familiar text of Exodus 14:1-14. Here God has directed the Israelis to go to a specific place. In verse 11 and 12 they begin to whine and pine for their traditions...400 years of making bricks with the lash on their backs! As we said Monday nite we must be willing to push off from the safety of shore...and if God has said "go out on a limb" we must go there to pick the fruit that only God can preare for us to harvest. Ephesians 2:10
ReplyDeleteAs I read through Greg's account and the wonderful comments, the Holy Spirit gave me this verse, "...my grace is sufficient for you." (2 Cor 12:9) The order and variety of silverware in a place setting can be likened to God's provision of grace in the lives of His children. The "unecessary" utensils are all useful for eating food just as God's grace in its many forms have saved each of His believers in the many valleys and hardspots that have manifested themselves in our lives. While a fork is acceptable for eating a steak, it is good to have a knife to make the bites smaller. God's grace is sufficient men because, like the knife, it helps make lifes large difficulties easier to overcome breaking them sometimes into smaller ones that are more easily endured. "...(His power is made perfect in our weakness!"(2 Cor 12:9)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
John