Driving around the countryside is a pastime I enjoy. Discovering new roads and outlets that you could never see if you never ventured out. It is something that allows me to decompress when the roads are open. Memorial weekend is not the most advantageous time to go for a drive as many of the roads are cluttered with travelers. But still I managed a nice ride…
“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled (Hebrews 12:15 ESV)…”
As I’ve mentioned often enough, it is in these moments that I get some of the best revelations from the Lord. And today’s cruise was no exception.
I could see two items being churned out for the people, one would become butter and the second would become bitter. Each item was used to augment a meal, whether in preparation, consumption, or layered as a flavor. Both served up different results.
The first picture where the butter was the substance of choice, the family and friends relished the time spent together. Imagine a bright kitchen and dining table with laughter and love. All because butter was used in the frying pan, boiling pan, oven, and even on the table for some layered delight. It was a pleasant addition to the festivities and conversations.
The second picture where the bitter was churned in provided a much darker and gloomy result. The partakers mixed it in the frying pan, boiling pan, oven, and even the conversation. It took the gatherers from being thoughtful and kind, to being sharp and vindictive. It covered everything and spoiled the meal.
Each picture pokes a different outcome to a similar situation. Butter and bitter are closely related. One is served with a “U” and the other is served with an “I”. When “U” are serving each other in love a family is built up and when you are serving “I” the family is torn down.
This simplistic analogy is a reminder to do good. Forgive one another even when it isn’t easy. Love the butter and hate the bitter. Build one another up even when others are accelerating past you. God has you right where you need to be. The writer of Hebrews finished it this way, “do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:16 ESV).”
Godspeed, The Journeyman
Ps. What do you bring to the dinner table?
Take a moment to give thanks for all of those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our enduring freedoms! Thank you for reading…
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