Pastor Karen's meditation for November 1

Good afternoon!

Sorry I have been away from Facebook so much lately. Ministry has been very busy. I have missed our devotions and prayers. But I have been thinking and praying for you!

I am reading Ecclesiasticus, again, and am really intrigued. Ecclesiasticus is not the same as “Ecclesiastes.” It is a different Wisdom book. Ecclesiasticus was often used by the early church for teaching and preaching and was embraced as a Wisdom book with the Jewish scriptures. Jesus and His disciples would have been familiar with it.

Somehow, Ecclesiasticus did not make it into the Protestant Bible most of us use today. But you will find it in Roman Catholic and Orthodox Bibles. And I think with good reason! It is just packed with practical wisdom and godly advice for people of faith in all places and times. Words to live by!

Today in chapter 31 beginning at verse 12, we read warnings about greed. The author tells us how there is nothing more greedy than the “eye”:

“Are you seated at the table of the great?
Do not be greedy at it,
and do not say, ‘How much food there is here!’
Remember that a greedy eye is a bad thing.
What has been created more greedy than the eye?
Therefore it sheds tears for any reason.
Do not reach out your hand for everything you see,
and do not crowd your neighbor at the dish.
Judge your neighbor’s feelings by your own,
and in every matter be thoughtful.

“Eat what is set before you like a well-bred person,
and do not chew greedily, or you will give offense.
Be the first to stop, as befits good manners,
and do not be insatiable, or you will give offense.
If you are seated among many others,
do not help yourself before they do.”

But this passage isn’t just about the importance of good manners when you are a guest at someone’s table. It’s about having the self awareness and self control to say “No” to your “greedy eyes.”

It isn’t just food we want all the time, is it? Our eyes want so many things that we see or can imagine in our minds! We want nice houses, handsome clothes, fancy vehicles, and so many things we don’t really need to be happy and comfortable in this life.

And why do we want so many things? Because we can’t help it. We are creatures of “flesh”—as the apostle Paul tells us. We are creatures who seek things that please us and make us feel good and feel good about ourselves.

I love this part, “Do not reach out your hand for everything you see, and do not crowd your neighbor at the dish.” The writer of Ecclesiasticus could have been at my home when I was a kid growing up! You had to be fast in my house to get to the food before my older brother made a dash for the last piece of whatever it was that mom was serving out that night. He had a good appetite! And, I guess, so did I! Still do!

We didn’t say to one another, “Oh, excuse me, after you.” We pushed and shoved.

We said, “Hey, you already had a big piece!” and “I called it first!”

In my house, it was “you snooze, you lose.”

But now that I am a grown up and a Christian, I know it is far better to have control over my “greedy eyes.” Because the eyes will want everything they see. But everything isn’t good for me.

And taking everything without considering my needy neighbor is selfish and even cruel, if my neighbor is truly hungry.

My thoughts to share with you today are, “How can we help someone else?” and “What do we have or want that we don’t really need—that we can share or give to someone else?”

And not just the cast off clothing or whatnots that we have grown tired of or have replaced with a newer, shinier model. What do we have that we can give to be a blessing to someone else?

Nothing is a better gift than the gift of ourselves in friendship to another. The gift of reconciliation and forgiveness is something God has given us that we should be sharing with one another.

Nothing is more valuable than the gift of God’s love and Christ’s presence, especially to a neighbor who doesn’t feel loved—and doesn’t know that Jesus gave up His life to make a way for the forgiveness of sins committed yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Today is the day to give of ourselves to someone else—as an offering to our loving, giving, and forgiving Lord!

Will you pray with me?

Heavenly Father, Forgive us for giving in to our “greedy eyes” that want everything they see—especially this time of year when there is so much tasty candy and other sweets around us. Not everything that tastes good is good for our bodies, which you lovingly created and gave to us so that we could be Your servants. Not everything that brings us pleasure is good for our souls, either! Exchange our “greedy eyes” for loving, compassionate hearts, ready to serve and give to those in need. Help us to be Christ’s peaceful presence wherever we are. May we be a blessing to You and other people. In Christ we pray. Amen.

Today’s reading is Ecclesiasticus 31:12-18,25-32:2.

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Karen