“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV)
“Bless be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” Perhaps you are familiar with these words written by John Fawcett in 1782. There was a sense of unity when we used to sing this song at the end of services back in the day. Although I might have jogged your memory or perhaps for some of you younger readers, I have moved you to look up this song, but know that this is not the “tie” I am writing about this morning.
The “tie” that I am referring to is the fact that after all these years, I have not mastered the art of the art tying shoes. I go through the same motion and even make a few adjustments to my technique, increasing my tightening of the laces, or investing in various type of shoe strings. While I have certainly mastered the art of tying knots, honestly, I have not mastered the art of tying shoes. As it relates to my “tie” it cannot be described as one that binds. They always come loose. Why? Perhaps I never really did it right from my childhood days and that has carried over into my senior years. But I’m not giving up! I’m not ready to clean out my closet of my tie shoe for loafers, not yet. I don’t want Velcro straps, not yet. I’m not ceasing in my efforts to get it right, not yet. When I slip out of my house shoes and put on the shoes I will wear outside this morning, I will once again try to “tie” better and get it right.
What should be your takeaway his morning? The takeaway is that I want you to think about the things that you still need to work on in your Christian development. I want you to identify the things that you still have problems getting some things right. For instance, have you got the “love one another” commandment right? Have you got the “treat others like you would like to be treated right? Have you got the “trust in the Lord in all your ways” admonition right or are you slipping up and leaning on your own understanding at times? Have you got the “study to show thyself approved” instruction right or are you continuing to so what you have been doing since you were introduced to Bible study? Have you ignored the instruction and you have not really dug to see what the Scriptures say, what they mean, and what do they say to you? How about your stewardship of your time, talents, and treasure? Stop pumping your brakes and keep on reading! In reference to your treasures, are you still putting in the same amount in the collection basket, even though the Lord has blessed you enough so that you are able to be more generous in supporting His kingdom building work? Have you continued your same habits and not considered your ways? Or have you never considered your ways that might not help the building up of your church? No matter how hard you try, have you had trouble controlling your tongue, your anger, or your unholy thoughts? Well, here is my advice to you my friend, here is my takeaway: Whatever you have to keep working on, don’t give up! Keep trying to get it right, just as I continue to do in tying my shoes right. Think on this meditation with transparency and integrity as you do some self-talk. Pray and don’t give up! Have a great Tuesday! Be blessed!
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King