Poor People: Our Ignorance
For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required.
Luke 12:48 (NKJV)
Ignorance reigns when the truth isn’t known. Consider a tragic analogy:
What if you saw a man drowning and threw him an inflatable life preserver? The waves are big. The ocean is noisy. His eyes are frightened, but he catches it! Even so, intense fear has gripped his mind, and he can’t recall how to inflate it. He can’t hear people yelling, 'Pull the string!'
Similarly, the Words of Jesus Christ are foolishness to human ears and minds gripped by Satan.
If we consider them as “outsiders” (even “poor” people, for lack of knowing) should we openly judge and condemn them… for their lifestyles or acts that offend us? They don’t see or know THE Life Preserver.
Please note the name of today’s devotion: It addresses OUR ignorance– not theirs!
We dare not shame or shun struggling people. Instead, we must dive straight into the waves… hug them and offer…
Love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control!
Consider a noteworthy Parable– about the Faithful and Evil Servant. The faithful servant (who follows orders), treats those beneath them KINDLY and GENTLY. The evil servant does the opposite. He BEATS the servants God placed under him.
We might think, 'I've never “beat” anyone.' But what do we call Earth's games of profit? The ones where we compete for top dollars.
In careers based on buying and selling, deceiving poor consumers is common. Of course, we don't use words like “deception”. It's advertising, so buyers beware…!
Bottom Line:
Poor people, those ignorant of their sins, are (in our Father’s Eyes) far less guilty… than Christians who know (but don’t show) the Truth. Even worse? They MISREPRESENT the Truth (Jesus) by hateful and self-serving acts.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
By your Father’s Hand, you’re positioned to know and show better! So… don’t leave the boat, because the seas are rough.
Your love and good acts are life preservers!
Poor People: OUR Ignorance (Part 17)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* The Parable of the Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant: (NIV) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A35-48&version=NIV; (NKJV) https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+12%3A35-48&version=NKJV
What does God think about sin, when the sinner is ignorant of the truth?
John 9:41 NIV - Jesus said, “If you were blind, you - Bible Gateway
John 15:22 NIV - If I had not come and spoken to them, - Bible Gateway
John 15:24 NIV - If I had not done among them the works - Bible Gateway
Romans 3:20 NKJV - Therefore by the deeds of the law no - Bible Gateway
Romans 4:15 NIV - because the law brings wrath. And where - Bible Gateway
James 4:17 NIV - If anyone, then, knows the good they - Bible Gateway