MATTHEW 22: 15-22 ".... Pharisees, ... with a few of Herod's followers... ask, 'Teacher, {Jesus} we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion and don't pander to your students' " (v. 15-17, MSG).
Are you asking God during these uncertain times about things financial, knowing His track record? Money is among the top 10 most frequently spoken of subjects in the Bible! I know its current poignancy to me on a budget decision I'm in the midst of. No wonder I'm feeling a bit scattered this week - I was blaming it on: missing closer interaction with you humanoids. So better yet: am I following Jesus' lead, well aware of His integrity and enlightenment on God's way, relevant to my own stuff? Ya might say, it's right in my face, that His timing is impeccable! Now, you're not my therapist but I am an advocate of truth via: a) journaling if it works, b) admitting it to self, c) bringing it to God and d) sharing it with another person.
Although the questioners in the parable above came to the teacher with an ulterior motive, my intent is toward clarifying. In our day and culture there are times and situations that 'feel' like extraneous, need I say superfluous information is introduced for the purpose of convoluting an issue and/or obscuring truth; - which is likely a subject for another day. As students of 'Christianly-thinking', I believe we are fortunate to be truth-seekers, which generally keeps things simpler; though not automatically clearer, things are a bit more straight forward for the most part. We commoners are fairly solid on paying to Caesar or Uncle Sam their due. The, giving to God what's His continues to loom as challenging in the treasure realm for many. Easier said than done you say?; if I don't lose sight of all I've been given and that [it] all belongs to Him, the doing becomes almost as easy as the saying. Now, my humanity can cause me to stride toward bettering my lot, and justifying it because "it's for the family", resulting in second guessing a budget line item that lessens God as my priority. That's what's really happening now in my current personal budget crisis; my pride, jealousy and wants are trying to encroach on Jesus' proven track record and teaching. I was thinking I could pander, rather than aid God, Franklin Federated and our needy community and world. Thanks for your ear - I originally thought I'd go down the time-talent-treasure path but the Spirit moves mysteriously and this was catharsis in real-time!
Blessings, people can change - Kevin T. (serving with the Deacons) ....