|
We must always remember that as many times as you can look at gold before it's worthless, it's the equivalent of as many times as the Bible can be read before it gets old.
That very small seed grows into a great shrub (Mark 4: 31-32 RSV) when watered and cared for, producing much good and confidence. Of course, this mustard seed is faith coupled with belief, the kingdom of God. We have all been endowed with life and with some special gift or talent that no one else possesses. We are unique as a snowflake. We must always remember that as many times as you can look at gold before it's worthless, it's the equivalent of as many times as the Bible can be read before it gets old.
Like a pearl of great price (Matthew 13: 46), we must make abundant life our very own by getting rid of all worthless and earthly desires. Our joy is like finding a great treasure in a remote field. We sell all that we have, so to speak, and then we go and buy that small piece of property and obtain the true riches; a better treasure. If you are lonely, bored with life, or worrisome, you can displace those things in your life by having an unfeigned love for your fellow man, by not being graceless, and by strongly desiring sanctification. All of this comes from within, not from without. We must, at all costs, avoid being sanctimonious, of course. Some have become shipwrecked in that way, but some also have successfully gotten back up again; the Christian way of life. One does not ever give up because God is so merciful. He desires that we struggle against the evil in this world, and when we ask for faith, we receive it. Then he is pleased.
By turning inwardly, we can eradicate the wrong kind of pride that tries to cling within, and we can annihilate the cacophony in our hearts. We are quite capable of eliminating the dross that may have accumulated there over time. When we make the time to tend to our little mustard seed within, our outer paleness also starts to shine a bit, even to spread to others who may be searching or suffering needlessly. "A little leaven leavens the whole lump" (Galatians 5: 9).
Look at the world around you and its constant turmoil and problems. There is war, hate, hunger, socio-economic disasters, and corruption both in and out of the business world. There is racism, discrimination, nepotism, child abuse, and all sorts of evils that are multipied worldwide. This is not a pretty scenario. Reach into your heart (soul) and nurture that ever-so-small grain of mustard seed. It will grow if you strive to follow the narrow path that Jesus our Lord spoke about. It is not even cumbersome when you discover faith's secrets. It may seem painful and unfulfilling at first (like fasting), but one thing you must not forget: "If God is with you, who can possibly be against you?" (Romans 8: 31). You need to make a decision if you want your life to become meaningful and fulfilled.
Now remember, in the spiritual life we go from one glory to another. In 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle Paul speaks about the resurrection. He says in verse 43, "It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power." Let us be grateful for that. Let us bear fruit for the Lord of glory. Let us be sanctified from that mustard seed.
|
