Apples of Gold

It was one of those ‘little things’ that aligned my focus and encouraged my heart greatly today.

Awakened and dressed early, I sat on the front porch for the comfort it afforded me by way of the warm sun, the singing birds and the smell of springtime. Still, the Evil One tugged at my mind to allow discouragement to rule the day: ‘Yes, it feels good to be among God’s living, earthly and wonderful creation. But what about all those concerns you wrestled with last night?  Ho-hum – “the whole world lies in the sway of the wicked one” (I John 5:19).  I am of this now-fallen world and my Christian testimony seems to be of no real value to anyone. What to do? Where to go from here?’  My mental mode was once again tilting toward the verge of what Solomon declared, “All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2).

Then ‘IT’ happened.  The young mailman reached our mail to me, as we exchanged our rote greetings. “How are you?” I spat it out in a numb manner. His response was “I am wonderful!”  “‘This is the day which the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ I’m great!” I was a bit stunned and momentarily speechless, as I gazed on a pleasant, smiling and hopeful face. He proceeded in his brisk trek of deliveries toward the sidewalk again, still smiling. I managed an audible but insufficient “Bless you” to his back. His friendly response, glancing back, “You have a great day!”

It was one of those insignificant significants. It was better than the golden sunbeams of the morning. It was as soothing balm to an irritated heart. It was an invaluable gift from God to me. Those words might have seemed a small gesture to him – words that would (for all he knew) fall on indifferent ears. But they fell instead as a waterfall on parched earth. I was slow to let it soak in for the drought of my own heart. An insignificant event to some, but a very significant refreshment and spiritual nourishment to me. But it did sink in, giving me sustenance.

Besides the blessing of encouragement, this spontaneous quotation of Scripture deeply assured me of God’s constant awareness of our present state of mind. He knew I needed those very words and a rejoicing messenger to speak them. I was also reminded of how none of us can fully know the heart of those nearest to us and much less the hearts of those whom we see only from a distance. Who knew that my mail carrier loves the same God I love and was presently overflowing with praise in his heart to his God?  “THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE. LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT” (Psalm 118:24).

Praise God for the youthful Christians, the babes in Christ (regardless of physical age) and all the others who don’t allow the cares of this life to dim their view of the majesty and love of God.

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment” (Philippians 1:9; see similarity at I Thessalonians 2:11-13). These passages, written by the same Apostle to two separate peoples seem to sum up his desire for those to whom he ministered regarding the outward workings of their faith. He longed for their presence with fatherly, protective love. He longed for their expedient and out-reaching love for each other. He longed that they would have unashamed faces when they stand before their Creator and Judge on the last day.

“By this shall all men know that you are my disciples – if you have love one to another” (John 13:35). This is the hallmark of a Christian – a holy, active love for each other. How do we express this love for each other? How do we truly love our God?  In deed and in truth – not with words only but also with action. Combining words and actions as an expression of love for God and others is the ultimate expression of faith and worship.

One of our most common failures as believers is not “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) – especially the truths of Scripture so that others will hear and be encouraged. We edify and strengthen each other when we do.  We hold forth a light for those who sit in darkness when we do so (see Luke 1:79).

To hide the beautiful treasures of truth given to us by God is shameful and harmful both to others and to ourselves.  Men do not light a lamp to place it under a basket, but on a lampstand… (Matthew 5:15).  Countless people suffer today because those around them do not open their mouths to speak the good they know. The world quickly becomes a dreary place with weary people when truth is so well hidden and joy is silenced. If “he who has ears” should hear, then he who has a voice should speak the truth – the praises and testimonies of Holy Scripture.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold…” (Proverbs 25:11)

We never know who needs to hear what God has spoken to us today through his Word as individuals. If we have good words in our hearts, words of praise, encouragement, instruction, or perhaps even of love-inspired rebuke, let us not keep silent.  Should the rocks cry out because the living keep silent (cf. Luke 19:40)?  No. God has ordained that we encourage one other!

Ours is not to question why ~ But to heed the words to Philippi   J …

The New Testament book Philippians has a theme of Christian joy and of our union with Christ and each other. Let us read and study this book for words of truth to share with fellow Christians and (if God be willing to bless us so) to light a candle (or even a bonfire) for the masses who sit and wander in darkness. ~ DLA