January 7th
Read: Matthew 6:25-34; 1 Timothy 6:17-19: Ephesians 5:5
Most of us have something of the acquisitive in our nature. Owning something just for the sake of owning it is usually an expression of that part of our nature. Owning only those things that are in some way useful is the next step up the ladder of faith. Owning only those things which are a true need in our lives so that we have them when we need them puts us on a higher rung. Owning nothing which will prevent us from being perfectly available to God and trusting Him for all we need is an expression of the deepest sort of faith. On which rung of the Faith Ladder are you?
THE ANTIQUE PITCHER
‘Twas in the window to entice,
A pitcher of outrageous price.
What good, indeed, to own this thing?
What peace or comfort will it bring?
Will it furnish food from out its well?
Will it keep my soul from eternal Hell?
Will its grace bring beauty back to me?
Does its pattern trigger memory
Of some forgotten time or place
Or the smile on some lost loving face?
What is there here that holds my eye?
What makes my fingers itch to buy?
Confess it now–’tis none of these–
Not beauty, grace, or memories.
‘Tis but the tempter’s thrust, alas,
And my own greed that says, “Amass.”
The battle o’er, I turned to leave,
But felt a tug upon my sleeve,
And there, on tiptoe in my place,
Was a little boy with tear-stained face.
“Oh, how much is that pitcher, sir?
“I broke my Grandma’s. It’s for her.”
I saw the coins in his small clutch
And knew the pitcher cost too much.
“I do not know,” I bravely lied.
“Let’s go and ask the man inside.”
With joy and not a moment’s doubt
I pulled the twenty-dollars out
And put it where the clerk could see
When the youngster looked away from me.
“How much is that pitcher, sir?
“I broke my Grandma’s. It’s for her.”
“You’ve just the right amount,” he said,
And on that small face gladness spread.
He left, his little heart content,
And I, my money wisely spent,
Had bought to take along with me
A happy, living memory.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please reveal to me the true needs in my life and help me to divest myself of those things which are inconsequential and time-consuming.