Pearls

So, a couple weeks ago, Dusty was talking about worship. He related the story of the pearls he bought me for my 30th birthday. It's a great story (one that makes my heart smile), and it's a good analogy of how our hearts should be toward God. HOWEVER, there is another SIDE to the pearl story. One that's a good analogy of how NOT to be.

You see, I'm a simple girl: T-shirts, jeans... maybe even the SAME T-shirt and jeans I wore yesterday. And, like D said, I don't wear a lot of jewelry. I think I've been wearing the same cross for 4 years, almost daily... and that is only because the one I'd worn for the previous 2 years came up missing. Needless to say, I put little time into understanding my "fashion" and any well-put-together outfit is pure luck! 

My friend Kimmie, on the other hand,... ALL girl! Her motto is, literally, "it's all about the sparkle!" So you can imagine why, for my 30th, I had sought ensemble approval from Kimmie. I had my dress and shoes all picked out - complete with a little trinket necklace to match. You know - one of those 8 dollar jobbies from Claires or something.

Then Dusty brought home the pearls. They were beautiful. I was mystified intently listening to all the details of his search and what made them rare and wonderful. There was only one problem... did they go with my dress? He really wanted me to wear them that night and I had NO idea if they would look right. Cuz I'm that girl :) I frittered and fretted and wrung my fingers... what to do? I called Kimmie. "Wear the pearls she said." Whew! 

It's amusing to me to look back on that and think I even CONSIDERED wearing a tin, trinket necklace over the beautiful, one-of-a-kind pearls my husband had given me. But I think it's a spiritual choice we make OFTEN in life. God offers us the pearls of His plan for our lives, and we scoff. "Oh, God, I'm not sure you know what's going on? That doesn't make sense in my five-year-plan." Like Jonah, we walk the opposite direction, relying on our own perspective, wisdom or opinion. We miss out on the pearls of God's vision, God's wisdom. We might even have to spend a few days in a stinky, fishy place. (Sorry, I have 3 preschoolers.)

Or, maybe, like Moses, we're frightened of what we cannot see. We doubt ourselves, and therefore, God's judgment. We may walk on in partial obedience, but we might miss the fullness of all He offers. 

Into the light...

Is there something God has offered you or asked you to do, but you've been hesitant to obey?

Is it your own understanding that's holding you back, or is it your fear of what you cannot see? Do you see how both of these mindsets are issues of control? Have  you really given your life over to Jesus? Is he really the leader of your life? What "pearls" could he be offering you that you will miss if you do not move forward?

Wielding the Sword...

Read the stories of Jonah and Moses (linked above). 

How did each man walk in his own understanding, rather than in obedience to God?

What did that cost?

Read Proverbs 3:5-6. What does this verse say to you? How can you use it in your life?

Read 2 John 1:5-6. According to this passage, what is obedience?

Take the pearls God is offering you, girl. The battle is real. You are needed. :) Loving you...