A Goldilocks Life

Aim High!

I’ve been doing a deep dive in the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew Chapters 6-8. The section I’m studying lately is Matthew 6:19-24 labeled “Treasures in Heaven.”

In verses 22 and 23, Jesus says the eye is the lamp of the body. Our eyes are the barometer of our connection to the Lord. If our eyes are good (verse 22) our whole body (or life) will be full of light. This speaks of the light of God’s love and grace. If our eyes are bad (verse 23) our whole body (or life) will be full of darkness. This speaks of sin’s darkness blotting out the light that God gives.

When our eyes are good, we are focused on what pleases the Lord, and our affections and actions will be guided in His direction. When are eyes are bad, with a heart focused on us and what we want, envy, anger, griping, and grudging will result. Bible commentator Matthew Henry says if we aim at the glory of God, all actions will be gracious, “pleasing to God and comfortable to ourselves.” But wanting the approval and applause of men, we will “contrive to honor ourselves and seek our own things…”

Henry closes his comments on these two verses as follows: “The hypocrite soars like a kite, with his eye upon the prey below. The true Christian soars like the lark, higher and higher, forgetting the things that are beneath.” Will we aim for earthly pleasures and gains, comparing ourselves to people around us? Or will we aim high, looking to God as our guide and heaven as our goal? Let’s Aim High!

Just ASK!

Steve and I just returned home from the first follow-up appointment with his surgeon after knee-replacement surgery. The doctor removed the clear, waterproof bandage and steri-strips from Steve’s right knee and said the wound is healing well. That’s a relief. Now he may transition from walker to cane, and the home physical therapy ended this week. One thing is sure—my husband has experienced excellent medical care. We’ve called with questions and problems and received quick replies.

It’s the same with the Lord our God. He’s available every moment, and He knows our problems even before we express them. That doesn’t mean we don’t need to ask for help and trust Him. The Word of God reminds us, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7. We’ve faced a few worries through this process, but knowing we’re under God’s care gives peace through theJesus tells us to ask for what we need: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7. Sometimes we may have to wait for an answer. The three key words—Ask, Seek, Knock—and what their first letters spell assures me Jesus Christ knew way back then that English would be a dominant language in our times. A.S.K. That’s what God desires from us when we need His help and direction.

Just Ask!

Before Night Comes

Jesus tells a parable about a rich fool as recorded in the book of Luke chapter 12. This man wanted to keep building his barns bigger and bigger to hold more crops, not thinking of anyone or anything but himself and his wealth. His hope was to one day enjoy the easy life of eating, drinking, and being merry. Who would benefit from the fruits of all his labor and plans if he died? Had he thought of that?

There are so many facets to this story that touch on life here and now. One is the encouragement to appreciate life today. Like us taking our son, Ray on an unforgettable cruise to the Bahamas a few weeks ago. We made plans to go while we still could. We know we have more days behind us than ahead of us. Steve’s birthday is Sunday. Happy 75th, Darling.

Then there’s the matter of not being rich toward God. Verse 21 sums it up: “Who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” We give as we can now, and it’s a blessing to see our church growing and hear from missionaries who are thriving.

Another aspect of this passage that struck a chord is that we’ve made sure we have a will that provides inheritance to our children. Not that we expect it to be much, given the cost of care as we age. We’ve done what we could.

Finally, the man asks, “What shall I do?” as he considers his large harvest. “This is what I will do…” Author John Ortberg mentions a missing piece from this man’s life–no one to talk to about his plans. Ortberg’s wise warning is, “Be the kind of person others want to sit next to.”

The most important part of this passage are the words, “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” It’s a comfort knowing that by faith in Jesus I’m bound for heaven when life here ends. The Bible says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23. Let’s make wise plans for today, tomorrow, and eternity before that night comes.