April 6
Yesterday, I had a man and wife from Saudi Arabia come into the store to look at jewelry. I was a bit surprised at some of the questions they were asking such as “How can we know for certain this is gold?” “Do you have a scale where we can take out the diamonds and weigh them so we can know they are what you say?” I had to stop and think exactly how to answer for a few minutes. I wanted to just say “Because that’s how we do things here!” I tried to gently explain that if we tag it and sell it with incorrect information, there are ramifications and if there was a patter. Of unethical behavior, that would put us out of business. He said “In the Middle East, things are different. You have to check everything.”
Such a different culture and such a different way to approach life—continually thinking someone is always trying to cheat you. Aren’t we glad that there is one thing that we can be sure of and one thing that we can take to the bank? One thing that no one is trying to get something from us—but rather the other way around. God is simply trying to give us everything. It’s almost hard to wrap our minds around, isn’t it? It is easy to see why missionaries have a tougher time in places like the Middle East where the culture is so very different. God is great and God is good, in fact, God is nothing short of amazing!
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” —Romans 13:10 NIV
“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.”
Ephesians 5:1-6 NIV
God is very clear about how we should treat each other and how we should love each other. And with that love comes the absence of greed. Wanting more for ourselves than for another person—wanting it all for us—being selfish. And usually we think of money but it can be greedy for power, too—for having (and getting) your way. That’s not treating each other in love, and that’s not humility. In fact, pretty much the opposite.
Lord of Love, teach us to love each other and to think of each other more than we think about ourselves. Help us to want more for and to want to do more for each other today. Help us to take steps to improve our foolish talk and any part of unholiness because you are holy. As we wait for your return Jesus, we want to be busy and we pray that our work is a sweet offering to you. We pray our talk has no empty words but rather is full of the words of you, our Master and Savior. We know you are in the waiting and our courage comes from you, we find strength in your joy, for you are never failing, our Lord. Amen and amen.
Love you dear friend,
Pam
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