1 Corinthians 1:3-9
This piece of scripture is rich with lessons for all of us. Today, I want us to focus on verse 7.
A few years ago I was on a mission trip to Nicaragua and had the experience of a life time. Our team was set to visit a land fill and provide a meal and basic supplies for the residents of this place. Yes, I said residents and I mean people! We were told there is a group of people that survive by sifting through the trash and scavenging whatever they can find to sell. The drive up the road to the dump was filled with smoke, flies and a sickening smell. All around us there was burning trash, which made the heat incredibly intense as we headed up to the top of hill.
When we reached the top, I jumped down out of the truck and tried to take it all in. I stood there in sadness as I saw the last of the women and children making the walk up the road. They were dirty from head to toe and I could only imagine their struggle for survival in such a difficult place. I found myself looking up at that sky and asking God “Why?”
That is when I heard something that would change me in a very profound way. It was singing! I followed the voices just beyond our trucks to find the residents of the dump engaged in worship. Worship! In the midst of the smoke, smells, and flies they were praising Jesus. I was humbled. They had almost nothing physically, but lacked nothing spiritually. I was there to provide for them, when in reality they gave much more to me.
In this time of Advent, I often find my mind and heart cluttered with the desire for physical gifts. I am consumed with the busyness of the season. I have everything I need physically, but I often overlook what I have been given spiritually. Each day I want to be filled with the understanding that I do not lack any spiritual gift. I need to change my thinking as I eagerly wait for Jesus Christ to be revealed!
Jon Jones
