God has used this chapter to radically reshape my life. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, these are three things God has taught me:
1. Work really hard to make someone else’s vision come true before trying to make your vision come true.
I did an unpaid internship at a church for a few years and many times I had to do things I didn’t care about, and I’m ashamed to say I didn’t always do these things with the best attitude. Instead of thinking how I could make my leader’s vision better, I would dream about the time when my vision would happen. “God when are you gonna give me the keys to the kingdom?” I’m embarrassed to admit this but it’s nothing God doesn’t know already. Now as I lead the Press Bible team, I’m very thankful for our team’s inspiring loyalty to do the small things. I believe that God will bless each of them as they begin to experiment with their own dreams. My encouragement is do what I didn’t do. Be inspired to work for other people. And really care.
“And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?” Luke 16:12
2. Nobody likes a dirty liar.
Liars are the worst. I used to work at a restaurant and would notice my co-workers cheat customers by charging them a little extra and pocketing the extra cash. At the end of the night, my co-workers would have an extra fifty bucks. In high school it may be funny, but sadly some of them carried those habits into their lives to this day, never really growing out of cheating people. Their lying and cheating reputation made them sketchy to others, and they were often excluded. Be honest, you’re not really hiding anything, just hurting your relationship with God and with others. They may seem small at times, but lies have the potential and power to ruin your life.
“And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? Luke 16:11
3. Cut the Crap.
Recently, my brother and I watched “Leave it to Beaver.” My favorite character is Eddie Haskell. Eddie’s the kid who acts polite on the surface, but inwardly is a schemer and a brat. At the climax of the movie, Beaver’s mom finally sees through Eddie and tells him to “cut the crap.” Our Almighty God who sees all and knows all isn’t fooled by our faux righteousness. God can see through any ploy. Our hearts matter to Him. If there is one thing God would tell us I fully believe it would simply be: “Cut the Crap.”