Into the Fire

You might as well know it takes something huge to impress me. Respect doesn't come easy. Appreciation is a different thing. I appreciate many things people are able to do, but the reasons for that appreciation go straight to the source of their giftings, talents, and/or offerings. It's that whole apart from God, people can do nothing gig.

I appreciate all kinds of people who use what God has given them -who work to develop their particular talents from writing words well to installing pipes under the foundation of a building to commuicating in multiple languages to organizing the best way to clean a room. The more visible creations of the arts warrant no more appreciation for the development of those particular talents. By grand design the true Creator gives opportunities to people along with the innate desires and abilities to pursue them. Some approach their talents early, some late, and some ignore them for their chosen objects of preference.

Some recognize they were "born" to do what they pursue, the thing that captured their devotion was encoded in their DNA by an endless Creator whose ideas stretch beyond human imagination – and performance.

And so it is . . . regretful, sorrowful, and tragic even, when those people who do amazing things give no credit to the One who provided the impetus, the drive and determination, the satisfaction in choosing the thing(s) they do so well. The eternal repercussions of living without recognizing the sacrifice that saves that soul . . . no one wants to factor that into the equation for achieving such success in a field where they excelled. The eternal value? Do we tend to think God should be impressed? He's . . . what? . . . maybe pleased? when we deny that rotten sinful nature its craving for accolades and recognition, when we do what He asks when He asks, and when we can abide by His decisions for the end results. No easy task for this carnal-driven existence. And these are the things which seem to matter to God. Their impacts on humankind are far less valuable to Him than their impact in heaven. Such noble things the martyrs accomplished by giving their lives to honor Jesus? Yes, the Lord's rewards for sacrifice and suffering will not be small. But for building the best technology or designing the finest bridge or writing the "best" literature or catching the most passes? Only if He asked you to do it and you acknowledged His leading in the process. It's impressive when you deny your flesh to follow the heavenly instruction to the best of your ability. Those rewards won't be from the fickle hands or mouths of men but from the Almighty who is the true Creator. 

Father, thank you for the privilege of beng able to create anything. We're in awe of you, not each other. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.