Family barnacles

Jesus asked, “Didn't I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17, 18 NLT)

Sometimes it takes the deeds or insight of an outsider to return value to a family, or family member, lost through years of fighting and misunderstanding. Senses become dull. Instead of appreciating individual differences and uniqueness we become intolerant of one another. 

Pride, selfishness and the dulling of senses can become like barnacles to a ship in a family. If barnacles are allowed to accumulate on a ship's hull, the ship will travel slower in the water, or it will have to burn more fuel to keep up its speed, than it would otherwise. A six month growth of barnacles can result in having to burn 40 to 45 percent more fuel to maintain cruising speed.  

As with the decrease in a boats speed from barnacles, it will take more and more effort to interact in a family consumed with the barnacles of pride, selfishness and hurt moving them away from healthy relationships to where intolerance is the standard.

Sounds like this was what was happening within the Jewish religious family. Leaders were consumed with pride in their positions, members were intolerant of anyone who wasn't a 'real' Jew.  It took an outsider, a dreaded Samaritan* to react in the manner the other nine family members should have.  

All ten were healed through their obedience to the command (vs 14), but the foreigner had something the others didn't...a thankful heart.  A grateful heart will always see beyond duty and obligation, and beyond pride and self.

*Non-Jewish people who partially adopted the Jewish religion, were never accepted by the Jewish people as one of them, and eventually became antagonists of the Jews. Originated about 700-600BC

Wisdom or arrogance?

“Kay, you blew it! Why did you feel the need to expound on a truthful but simple statement? Would have been fine to just let the statement stand and work on its message. My ‘so called wisdom’ was not needed!!”

This was the conversation I had with myself yesterday when leaving a local clinic where I volunteer. Was I trying to impress my client or was it truly the Holy Spirit working through me to reach this young lady? Valid question. While I believe the Lord can speak through us we must learn to distinguish between the two. One brings life the other sucks life.

Pride if not dealt with will always falsely draw others to us rather than releasing them to the One who is true wisdom.

Genesis 3:6 is one of the first references to wisdom in the bible. “She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her.” Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, offered it to her husband and false wisdom drew them not closer but away from the Source of wisdom and ever since we have been struggling to submit our wisdom and pride to God’s wisdom. God’s wisdom is always available to us but we cannot rob God of something before he is ready to give it.
True wisdom is born through humility, while pride is born through false humility that puffs us up in arrogance, conceit and smugness.

Pride leads to disgrace and humiliation while humility brings honor and wisdom (Proverbs 11:2; 29:23).

The Apostle Paul said, “In him (Jesus) lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments (prideful words?).” Col 2:4

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition (pride), there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 1:5;3:13,16-18

When I truly examine my heart and motives in light of the scriptures, then my mouth and actions must also be aligned with the true Source of wisdom.

“Take control of what I say, O LORD, and guard my lips.
Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
(Psalm 141:3-4; 139:23)