Published by:
International Missionary Baptist Publishing Ministry Smyrna, Tennessee
Editor:
Joseph F. Roberts, ThD, PhD
director@imbmpodcasts.com
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Devotions From the Pen of Dr. W. A. Dillard A HOLE IN YOUR BUCKET???
“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways. Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” Haggai 1:5,6.
The scripture reference is addressed to God’s covenant people who had deserted the house of God and His ways in favor of materialism. However, rereading the verse today causes one to see the ills of the modern world, especially America, but the Lord’s churches in particular. As church attendance continues to decline, dissatisfaction in material things mounts as they fail. More material things satisfies less while such demands continue to increase. To be sure, there are holes in the bucket of those who prefer material things to the fellowship of God and His cause.
But to be precise in what is conveyed here, industriousness is not cast in a negative light, only its misuse. There is a considerable amount of negative, even outright condemnatory statements in the Holy Word about the lazy, sluggard, and
“will not work” attitude. On the other hand, Solomon said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Ecc. 9:10. What God has given to each one in life by which life is sustained and material things provided, should by all means be used skillfully. The sin is in the misuse of time and talents for selfish consumption.
Wise ones will remember that it is God who gives life, health, strength, opportunities for advancement, etc. To forsake Him and His cause for what must soon be left behind forever is nothing short of idiocy run amuck! Do you work hard, but can’t make ends meet? Do you worry about your daily needs?
Listen to Jesus.
“Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. 6:31-33. Isn’t it time to plug the holes in your bucket?
FOR THOUGHT:Is there a hole in the bucket of your life? Are you tired of seeing expectations disappear through that hole? How are you going to plug the hole? God does not desire any of His people to be lazy, but all should be industrious while trusting and serving. Please read the last paragraph
of
this
article
again.
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