John the Baptist has just called the religious crowd "a brood of vipers." These people are showing up to be baptized, but he tells them that their spiritual life is a sham! They are not bearing fruit. And God is about to cut them off forever.
Luke 3:10-14 10 The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What then should we do?" 11 In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you."
14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
Steve, my boys, and I have been praying about the possibilities of adopting an older child (maybe two) into our family. One of the young girls who needs a home right now has touched our hearts deeply. She presently lives in a foster home and has basically no more possessions than will fit in her suitcase. Her social worker tells a story about this young girl... "a few years ago we had terrible floods in Georgia and many people lost homes and possessions. The foster home where she lived was not affected, but at her school, they took up a collection of clothing and canned goods to give to the families who were in need. This child went through her little suitcase and found something to give!" She had two coats and gave one away.
If she can do this having nothing already, what might we do with the belongings in our closets? (I counted this morning... Steve has six coats.) I mentioned it as he headed out the door... gentle natured as he is... he didn't count the number of coats I own. Neither did I, it would have taken a while to find them all... as they are stored in various closets around the house. What are we going to do about it?
Most of us think that we follow in the way of Jesus... but I am not so sure John the Baptist would agree...
Do we own more than one coat? There are 1000s of people in any metro area who can't afford a coat and are cold. John the Baptist doesn't think we are bearing fruit if we have more than one coat and others have none. What about the other pocessions we are hoarding in our closets? Go bear some fruit!
Do we eat more food than we need? Do you know that 1 in 10 households in America are going to go hungry today? Go bear some fruit!
Do we run our business affairs completely honestly? Go bear some fruit! Here is your chance during tax season! Or the next time you fill out your time card or bill a client. Or "buy" school supplies for your children.
Do we take advantage of others? Do you know if the goods you buy and sell are produced ethically? Go bear some fruit!
John teaches the religious crowds that this is how transformed people live! Go bear some fruit today!!
A Side Note: Interestingly, you might not only be helping others when your share your blessings, but by living this way, did you know that ancient cultures believe that you may also unblock both your own energy and potential? Chinese Feng Shui practitioners encourage their clients not to keep belongings that are either not in use or do not beautify one's surroundings. They claim that by decluttering your home (not by storing unused things, but by giving them away), you will be able to focus on just want is important in your life! They believe that hoarding possessions blocks energy and potential. Perhaps this is the way of Jesus' followers too?
Giving up some food might benefit our health too.... just saying...
Luke 3:10-14 10 The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What then should we do?" 11 In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" 13 He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you."
14 Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."
Steve, my boys, and I have been praying about the possibilities of adopting an older child (maybe two) into our family. One of the young girls who needs a home right now has touched our hearts deeply. She presently lives in a foster home and has basically no more possessions than will fit in her suitcase. Her social worker tells a story about this young girl... "a few years ago we had terrible floods in Georgia and many people lost homes and possessions. The foster home where she lived was not affected, but at her school, they took up a collection of clothing and canned goods to give to the families who were in need. This child went through her little suitcase and found something to give!" She had two coats and gave one away.
If she can do this having nothing already, what might we do with the belongings in our closets? (I counted this morning... Steve has six coats.) I mentioned it as he headed out the door... gentle natured as he is... he didn't count the number of coats I own. Neither did I, it would have taken a while to find them all... as they are stored in various closets around the house. What are we going to do about it?
Most of us think that we follow in the way of Jesus... but I am not so sure John the Baptist would agree...
Do we own more than one coat? There are 1000s of people in any metro area who can't afford a coat and are cold. John the Baptist doesn't think we are bearing fruit if we have more than one coat and others have none. What about the other pocessions we are hoarding in our closets? Go bear some fruit!
Do we eat more food than we need? Do you know that 1 in 10 households in America are going to go hungry today? Go bear some fruit!
Do we run our business affairs completely honestly? Go bear some fruit! Here is your chance during tax season! Or the next time you fill out your time card or bill a client. Or "buy" school supplies for your children.
Do we take advantage of others? Do you know if the goods you buy and sell are produced ethically? Go bear some fruit!
John teaches the religious crowds that this is how transformed people live! Go bear some fruit today!!
A Side Note: Interestingly, you might not only be helping others when your share your blessings, but by living this way, did you know that ancient cultures believe that you may also unblock both your own energy and potential? Chinese Feng Shui practitioners encourage their clients not to keep belongings that are either not in use or do not beautify one's surroundings. They claim that by decluttering your home (not by storing unused things, but by giving them away), you will be able to focus on just want is important in your life! They believe that hoarding possessions blocks energy and potential. Perhaps this is the way of Jesus' followers too?
Giving up some food might benefit our health too.... just saying...
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