Have you ever taken a moment to think about all the things we measure in life? In cooking we measure each ingredient to make sure the desired dish comes out tasting great. During a building project we calculate each measurement precisely to ensure proper function and safety. We even measure our kids to see how fast they’re growing. In each case, we always have tools to help us achieve an accurate assessment. Our society has even taught us how to measure a person socially by judging a person based on certain standards such as wealth, education, social standing or appearance. Now, I ask you, “By what, do we measure these attributes and how can we feel secure in the accuracy of our ‘measurement’ of that person? How much does our approval of each other really matter in the long run anyway?” Yes, in some social situations achieving approval from certain individuals may provide prosperity to a person’s immediate future but does it really benefit later on or even where it matters most-eternity? Remember everything that happens, every decision that you make will affect your life, those around you and your future: here and for eternity!
Change Your Focus
In Luke chapter 10:37-41 a Pharisee asked Jesus to dinner in his home. At the beginning of the meal the Pharisee was amazed to notice Jesus did not wash before eating. Noticing his host’s astonishment, Jesus began discussing the tradition of cleaning the outside of cups and platters in order to make them “ritually clean” before eating out of them. They believed that this process protected them from becoming “unclean” themselves. Jesus explained that the contamination was not on the outside of the eating utensils but on the inside of their hearts! He continued by saying that their focus of outwardly appearances was missing what was most important-the person on the inside: the true soul of that person.
Jesus tells us in Luke 12:6-7 that sparrows were sold for only a few cents each yet he valued them immensely. He went on to say that each of us is a greater treasure than the birds that he feeds, shelters and cares for so deeply! If Jesus sees the worth of a person by looking on the inside then how can we justify judging people by what’s seen on the outside? Jesus even gave specific instructions against this behavior in the book of Matthew. In chapter 7 verse 1-5 he warns of the dangers in taking a superior attitude toward others, even if we don’t show it outwardly, when he said, “The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged”. He continues to remind us of the hypocrisy of taking a condemning stance with someone regarding their shortcomings when we have greater faults of our own. We all should continually ask God to keep us sensitive to the Holy Spirit as he convicts our hearts of sin so that we can live with a pure heart and the humility needed to help others in love not condemnation.
Where is your treasure?
This approach is exactly what Jesus was talking about when he taught against the practice of working to obtain monetary prosperity on earth while neglecting to build spiritual wealth in heaven (Matt 6:19-21). How do we do that? Show love and compassion for others regardless of their appearance or social status-just as Jesus would do!
Have you ever heard the saying, “You can’t talk the talk and not walk the walk”? Sincerity is not something that can be faked very well. If you’re talking sweetness but still being judgmental in your heart, all your efforts will be worthless. Jesus warns in Matthew 7:15-20 to beware of those who dress themselves in a righteous appearance only to tear you down. These people are known by their actions. Just as a tree produces fruit, we all produce fruit, which is the evidence of how a life has been spent-good or bad. A life lived well is not measured by fancy houses, nice cars and expensive clothes. It’s determined by showing sincere love and compassion to others from the inside out not the outside in.
What determines the measure of a man? It isn’t in the vastness of wealth but rather the depth and fruit of the heart. Look closely at your own heart. Maybe it’s time to upgrade our measurement standards and let God be the judge!
Morning Glories Devotional 2012
