“Why is there coffee on the floor?”
If you’re like us, living in a busy home, you’ve likely asked that question a time or two. A common answer (at least here) is: “Someone or something bumped me.”
To be honest, that’s actually the answer to a different question: ‘How did the coffee get on the floor?’ The real answer to the first question is generally ignored because it’s too obvious: ‘There is coffee on the floor because that’s what was in my cup.’
Today, while driving, I heard a great illustration on the radio that used this example to point out an important spiritual truth. (The station was K-Love. I’m not affiliated, just a frequent listener.)
When life hits us with a jolt, it’s inevitable that what comes out will be the thing that fills us. This does not just apply to stubbed toes and accidental hammer blows; it’s also true when we’re cut off on the highway or feel wounded by someone we’re close to.
This can be a convicting thought. If we’re completely honest, there are times when our responses to events like these might need to be bleeped out of a G-rated film. (Even if we don’t say the words aloud, we have to admit there’s sometimes a temptation to utter them.)
Jesus had a way of putting his finger on our greatest shortcomings with the simplest of examples.
“The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45 ASV
...Wow, “The evil man…?” But my reaction was just a careless expression!
God’s Word is a mirror, and sometimes, the things it shows us are hard to look at.
Careless expletives aside, it goes deeper than that. How we react to life’s trials and painful disappointments speaks volumes about what’s inside us. Do we build others up at these times or tear them down? Jesus was even more harsh in his words to some Pharisees…
“You are a bunch of evil snakes, so how can you say anything good? Your words show what is in your hearts.” Mat 12:34 CEV
“I promise you that on the day of judgment, everyone will have to account for every careless word they have spoken.” Mat 12:36 CEV
Ouch
There are plenty of other examples in scripture about salty springs and pure motives. In truth, God knows us better than we dare to admit. He has seen every thought and intent of our hearts – not just in our past, but also in our future – and still, He calls us His beloved.
As we’ve just celebrated in this Christmas season, Christ’s purpose in coming was to bear the guilt that we have earned. The angels announced a Savior to the shepherds at His birth, telling them that they would find Him wrapped in swaddling clothes. This detail had a unique meaning to the shepherds of all people; they knew that it was the firstborn, perfect lambs that were wrapped in swaddling cloths. These were the lambs designated for sacrifice on the holiest days. The angels were declaring at His birth that Jesus would be the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.
Thank God for His Saving Grace!
The true purpose of God’s Law was to show us our sin. It’s been clear since the Garden in Genesis chapter 3 that we have fallen short of that model of perfection. Yet, as blunt as Jesus’ words may have been, He did not come to condemn us for falling short – He came, instead, to save us.
"A bruised reed shall he not break, And smoking flax shall he not quench, Till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles hope."
~ Matthew 12:20-21
As we start a new year, it’s a good time to aspire once again to fill our lives with the kinds of things that produce blessings when we’re knocked around by the world.
God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. ~ Galatians 5:22-23
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