And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)
Are you a golfer with a dream?
Most of us are. Even if we gave up long ago dreaming of a tour career or a scratch handicap, we still lay our head on the pillow at night thinking about how nice it would be to have that flashy new driver, or those comfy new shoes, or that membership at the next club up the ladder. Hmmm… sweet… dreams…
So let’s say that one night the Sandman comes along and says, “I’m going to fulfill your dreams.”
You reply eagerly, “Really?! That swift golf cart will be mine?”
“Uh, no.”
“Then what? That putter with the perfect weighting? The one that makes every three-footer?”
“Sorry, not that either.”
“Well, this is no good,” you whine. “You’re not fulfilling my dreams at all.”
“Are you sure?” he answers. “Because here’s what I’ve come to give you: a new swing, an ability to score like never before, and true satisfaction every time you play the game.”
Big question: Would you take him up on his offer? Of course you would! Why? Because he is about to fulfill the dream you had discarded in exchange for golf’s less valuable accoutrements.
In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote of having seen some of the same behavior among the believers in that hip city. Though Christ had so much more to give them, they had fallen back into thinking that it would be good enough if he would just give them the fancies: tasty food, a fair home, maybe a faithful servant or two. Just get me through the day, Lord. Frankly, it was an impoverished mentality that kept them from the loose generosity that should flow from a blessed and trusting child of God.
Paul confronted this thinking by reminding the Corinthians that they had entered the kingdom. That their sights should be set on so much more. That God wanted to deliver all grace that they might abound in all good works. You see, it’s not about goodies; it’s about goodness.
Now ask yourself: What do I really want from the Lord? Am I willing to change my sights to get it? It’s a question we must ask because we are so quick to fill our eyes (and our dreams) with stuff that hardly matters.
—
Jeff Hopper
November 6, 2012
Copyright 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.