Reluctant Retiree

We can be jealous or envious in a number of ways. We may desire what another person possesses. We may want the admiration directed toward another person directed our way. We may want the honor afforded to another. We may simply want to be like another person.

I Corinthians 3:3 says, “For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?” Jealousy is a uniquely human experience. All of us exhibit this dangerous desire in many ways. Jealousy is a self-centered emotion that usually leads to disputes.

Only the person who trusts God can diminish jealousy tendencies. When we trust God to provide what we need, we are not desirous of what others possess. He will faithfully provide for our needs. God-centered focus removes the source of arguments caused by jealousy.

When we lived in Nepal, merchants had several price levels. The foreigner was charged the highest price, Nepalis were charged a lower price, but the best price was given to those of the same people group. We have similar pricing in the United States, as certain people can receive a discount if they qualify in some way defined by the merchant. However, charging different prices based upon ethnicity is forbidden by law.

James 2:9 says, “But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” God does not show partiality in imparting His grace and love. The Bible says, “Whosoever may come”, meaning all are welcomed by God into His salvation and redemption. Therefore, we cannot show partiality in our friendships, service to others, and love. Just as we have freely received from the Lord, we must also give to others.

A new political scandal seems to pop up every week. Politicians have made themselves appear righteous and proper, otherwise they generally do not get elected. However, when they are subject to the bright lights of public scrutiny, many have their terrible secrets revealed and they are publicly dishonored. Athletes, movie stars, and any high profile celebrity is subject to similar risks. It is because we make of show of being good in order to be liked, but we take little care of our hearts and minds to make sure that they are right.

Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders of His day when He is quoted as saying, “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39) The religious leaders, that is the Pharisees, made hundreds of rules regarding cleansing. Some rules were spiritual in nature like the required offerings. Many rules were related to day to day activities such as hand washing. The rules were extremely cumbersome for the people. Nobody could possibly keep them all consistently. The leaders laid these burdens on the people to keep them subject to the religious elite.

Jesus pointed out that God is more concerned with our inward purity than with clean dishes. He wants us to have pure minds and hearts, loving people and God. We spend far too much time on our outward appearance, while neglecting the development of virtue, purity, and righteousness in the inner man through the power of God’s Spirit. Let’s repent from our outward focus and ask God to purify our hearts and cleanse our hands.

Every morning, and probably several times throughout the day, we look into a mirror to see if we look good at that moment. The mirror reveals where we appear presentable and where we might need to cover up the flaws. This brief glimpse into our appearance helps us take actions to improve ourselves, or at least our perception of ourselves.

Psalm 19:1-2 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, night to night reveals knowledge.” God created all things and His creation reveals much about Him. He has given us the ability and privilege of enjoying the beauty and grandeur of the creation. Let it speak to you of God’s love, grace, and goodness. Let nature teach you true knowledge of its Creator.