She looked like a million bucks. Wonderful pearls, soft and translucent, adorned her neck and waist. A conservative, yet powerful, feminine, and provocative dress conveyed a sense of worth and reserve. The impression was incredible! From her hair to the shoes, nothing was left to chance. She seemed to have it all; beauty, wealth, and opportunity.
Then she spoke and the portrait crumbled into tiny pieces. It was as if she had not read a book or extended a thought in years. Pop clich?s, trivial thoughts, shallow desires seemed to be all that filled her mind. I found myself searching, hoping almost beyond hope that it was just a first impression. As the conversation wore on my despair only grew. This was a person who seemed to focus solely on the externals. No attention was given or valued for what lay within. Still waters were the order of the day. In the end my view could not get past the smell of stagnation.
“Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.” (Proverbs 20.15)
It is too easy to observe, comment, and move on. The rot within was clear for anyone bothering to take a serious look. I do not doubt the accuracy of my insight yet before I judge too harshly I wonder if I have looked in the mirror.
I did and what I discovered was not very pretty! There are inconsistencies in my life that lead to the same type of stagnation. I fight it hard to let God take a truly center stage in my life. It is as if I want to keep a little piece of myself just for my self.
God offers you and me so much more. The price is 100% commitment. Drinking is the start; not of externals like gold and gems, but of the knowledge of love, grace, and mercy. Today is the time to accept this opportunity. Do this and nothing will ever be the same; refuse and stagnation will begin, like it or not.
