Parables of Christ - Part 17

Careless

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241020 - Careless - Parables Of Christ - Part 17

Matthew 5:13-16 KJV

[13] Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Note for 20241020

There is another related scripture in the reading this morning, friends.

Luke 14:34-35 KJV

[34] Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? [35] It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Salt and light. That is what we are in this world according to our Savior. This morning as I prayed, I received the word, "careless." At first, I thought that I was being corrected; but then, I received, "that is what the title must be today." Now, that is before I even saw what I am reading today. I prefer to discover the Word of GOD each day, so I don't peek ahead at all, but patiently wait for GOD'S will to unfold according to His Will.

Now why may GOD want me to write under the title of, "careless?" As I told you yesterday, we attended a memorial for a friend who passed on, and we got to witness again the raw emotion of grief and mourning. But, the care I speak of was seen by those that supported the family and friends in the process, the tea ladies and an elder who kept an eye on everything. The sound and media lady was so awesome, helpful and even preemptive in what was needed. It was a seamless operation, even though we were visiting guests. Standing in service of another in tough times, even when they are strangers, is a beautiful thing to witness. Of such we can say, they are the salt of the earth.

I saw some barely keeping it together as we celebrated the almost 95 years of Aunty Theo's life. I heard the gasp of wonder, when some of the guests heard of things she experienced, that they did not know about. Oh, the care for her, and the care for one another was quite clear to witness.

So far, I have only written on the opposite of today's title. But, it is quite intentional, friends. You see, the stood out, because it is not so common anymore. No, friends, you see the dress code for this memorial was one of color; and joy went hand-in-hand with it.

We live in a careless world. So much so, that when something breaks that careless mold, it stands as a beacon of light on a mount for all to see. You can serve in awe, but it is far better to serve in love. I could not fight back the tears as a letter by her caregiver of 39 years was read out. She called her, her best friend and how she looked forward to meeting her again in heaven. Even now I have to fight the tears back.

As I saw and heard, the contrast of what we see in this world lingered in me to ponder on. When those that should be close, act as enemies against each other. A love that has grown cold; and that is if it was ever love or care at all. We stand in a world where so many come together for the sake of personal convenience and profit. Man stands in a position to be served, rather than to serve another. And in this moment, the similarity of selfishness is balanced so closely to the title of today. The carelessness of this world we live in is exposed. Who is left who can see or hear? For in seeing, they do not see and in hearing, they do not hear; and they continue on in self-centered ways. Careless! For as they see and hear, they will even acknowledge it; but it is left at the door as they exit the building. Then, it is back to the race of gain again.

Is this not what we are called to season with our salt? In this darkness, are we not to shine our light? If we don't, have we then become careless too?

Selah, Shalom.

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Expanded from verse 24)

1 Peter 2:21-25 KJV

[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: [22] who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: [23] who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: [24] who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. [25] For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.