“Turning Points: Computer Crashes, Silence & Renewal” Part 4
The
computer was in the shop for five days but I was the one in real need of help.
While searching for answers, I ran across a story by Arthur Gordon about a
doctor’s advice for overcoming a touch of depression. “Find an isolated
spot and follow the instructions on four separate slips of paper.” While
reading the four prescriptions I also studied the book of Proverbs. The
combination proved invaluable.
1.
Listen
Carefully.
This
first prescription was a poignant reminder that in this fast paced world, God is
still very much in control. I was the one who needed to pause. “Come here
and listen to me! I’ll pour out the spirit of wisdom upon you and make you
wise.” (Proverbs 1:23)
2.
Try
Reaching Back. A
photo album represented precious memories and golden moments to savor and
appreciate. Each moment became a treasure trove of memories offering reassurance
that I am loved and shaped by family and friends. More than that… “Wherever
you walk, their counsel can lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you.” (Proverbs
6:22)
So
far, so good! By now, I was eagerly anticipating opening the third prescription.
Carefully unfolding the third piece of paper, I read: Reexamine Your
Motives.
“Reexamine
your motives! Why? There’s nothing wrong with my motives. I work hard to be
successful and provide for my family. I enjoy being good at what I do. Is there
anything wrong with that?”
A
quiet authoritative voice seemed to whisper in my ear… “Maybe? It all
depends on whom you’re working so hard for? What are your real
motives?”
Truthfully,
my motives had subtly changed over the years. I enjoyed the adulation and
compliments a little success can bring. I yearned to be recognized as an
authority among my colleagues. I liked having a little extra money in my
checkbook. Is it wrong to desire the fruit of my creative labors?
Did
you notice the last paragraph’s emphasis on “I” and “my”? In other
words… “I” had a problem.
Reexamine
your motives. Are you working for something bigger than yourself?
Choose
my instruction rather than silver and knowledge over pure gold. For wisdom is
far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can be compared with it. (Proverbs
8:10-11)
Until
now, I thought this passage was a reminder to spend more time in Bible study.
Not really! Actually, God is showing us where to focus our motives. Silver and
gold represent the motives of personal status and financial security.
Instruction and wisdom represent striving for something beyond personal
accomplishments. In the end, God promises: “Nothing you desire can be
compared with it.”
U
Reexamine
your motives… is a call to discover God’s purpose for your life and carry it
out.
U
Reexamine
your motives… provides the comfort of knowing you are valued for who you are.
U
Reexamine
your motives… requires courage to reach beyond what is comfortable.
U
Reexamine
your motives… demands humility because ultimate success belongs to God.
U
Reexamine
your motives… promises gifts far greater than anything you’ve ever imagined.
“All
who fear the Lord will hate evil. That is why I hate pride, arrogance,
corruption and perverted speech. Good advice and success belong to me. Insight
and strength are mine… I love all who love me. Those who search for me will
surely find me… My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than
sterling silver! Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries. (Parts
of 8:13-21)
“Reexamine
your motives,”
for me… was a much-needed reminder from God to repent. “Forgive me Lord.
Purify my heart and help me change.” In the quiet of the early morning
hours, alone in my study, I began to cry. Embarrassed, I tried to wipe away the
tears but they simply would not stop. For several minutes, I was trapped by an
overwhelming sense of guilt. Yet, this is exactly where God wanted me. Because
without discovering a need to change, I would never understand what happened
next.
How are you
doing so far? Write me at sowseeds@nesbeonline.com
and let me know.