Holiday Thoughts
'Twas the night before Christmas, you've returned to your pad,
from last minute shopping, the traffic wasn't half bad!
You've tucked the kids in; actually, you slipped 'em some drugs,
so you could assemble their toys on the living room rugs.
But before you start toiling, something must be done first,
about your parched throat, you've got a big thirst!
As you sneak in the kitchen, you're smoother than silk,
You open the fridge door and grab some skim milk.
Your eyes open wide, you gasp; what have I gotten?
The milk that you swigged was really quite rotten!
How 'bout my attempt at poetry? Don't quit your day job preacher? Yes, I think you all are right! But what about bad or sour milk? That sweet fruit of the moo, what makes it go bad? When it gets hot or it gets old, it becomes deadly! The same is true for you and me. When we allow ourselves to get stale, when we allow things to get under our skin and we get hot under the collar, we are no good.
In Luke 10, Mary & Martha have invited Jesus to have lunch. If you remember the story, Martha had a bad day. Why? Inviting Jesus for lunch was good. Working hard and serving the Lord was good. Where did Martha miss the boat? She let the things of the world worry her. Jesus said to Martha after she exploded, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important." Perhaps Martha worried about whether she'd have enough food. Would the food taste just right? Why isn't Mary in here helping me?! The worries of life have soured Martha's heart. She'd forgotten that the meal was to bring honor to Jesus, not Martha.
This Christmas season (and every season) let us remember who gets the honor! It's easy to forget who is the servant and who is to be served. By the way, Satan knows that we have this memory problem. He didn't take Martha out of the kitchen; he took away her purpose in the kitchen. Our enemy won't turn you against the church, he will get you to look at yourself so you won't be able to see the church. He won't take you away from your ministry, he will disappoint you in your ministry. When we lift up Jesus, our vision becomes clear. Our spirits become sweet and wholesome. God has gifted us with many talents. He has done the same for our brothers and sisters. When we concern ourselves with their talents, we neglect our own. When we concern ourselves with what God can do through us, we will shine to the world! Have a good holiday season. Keep looking up!