Sufficient Self's Bible Study Group

[Beekissed]

Not I, said the fly! But then....don't you think we are delighted with these things because we know they were created just for us? I think it makes these things especially beautiful and awe-inspiring because we know they are not just random happenings in an accidental world.

I've always wondered why people who could sing or play instruments professionally often turned to drugs and alcohol. Why in the world, with a talent that great, would anyone not just find doing that for a living a natural sort of high? Could it be because they don't realize how incredibly special and delightful these things are? How singularly blessed they were to have a natural gift like that?

Same with writers, painters, dancers, etc. Oh, to be doing something you love, get paid much money for it, be surrounded by people who appreciate and applaud it....what bliss!

Maybe it is because they don't see their gifts as actual gifts bestowed by an almighty Creator?

 

[FarmerJamie]

Not I, said the fly! But then....don't you think we are delighted with these things because we know they were created just for us? I think it makes these things especially beautiful and awe-inspiring because we know they are not just random happenings in an accidental world.

I've always wondered why people who could sing or play instruments professionally often turned to drugs and alcohol. Why in the world, with a talent that great, would anyone not just find doing that for a living a natural sort of high? Could it be because they don't realize how incredibly special and delightful these things are? How singularly blessed they were to have a natural gift like that?

Same with writers, painters, dancers, etc. Oh, to be doing something you love, get paid much money for it, be surrounded by people who appreciate and applaud it....what bliss!

Maybe it is because they don't see their gifts as actual gifts bestowed by an almighty Creator?

Bingo. Not just artists, anyone with such a popular skill (we all have our talents). I had chances to meet several Christian pro athletes who bring that same message forward in their lives.

 

[Farmfresh]

It is because they are mis-using the gifts.

1 Corinthians 10:31
"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." New American Standard Bible

 

[Beekissed]

I would guess that would apply to anything us more common and not so blatantly talented folks do also. I didn't realize that for a long while but now I try to remind myself, on particularly stressful days at work, that I am doing it for the glory of God.

<whispers frantically> I'm doin' this for God, I'm doin' this for God.... God please help me not to slap this person, but if I do, let me do it in such a way as to glorify you!!!

 

[Farmfresh]

You bring up a VERY good point Jamie. We are all equally gifted. Each and every single one of us. Not the same gifts (thank God) but equal gifts. Some can sing or paint. Some can write or teach. Some have the gift of joy. Some have the gift of understanding. All necessary to life and all God given gifts.

with a very slightly different emphasis added...
"Whatever YOU do, do ALL to the glory of God."

 

[Beekissed]

I was reading a commentary that stated we are on this Earth for a short time to do the job God designed us for....maybe that ties into doing everything you do~toiling, eating, drinking, etc~for the glory of the Lord.

If one thinks about our life here as a specific job for God, then we can go about our days with much more purpose and serenity of mind and remind ourselves that life's stressors are merely changes in our job site/description and not something personally done TO us.

The Holy Spirit is "human resources" and God is the best boss in the world because He has set up the best work place, retirement home and benefits possible....ever!

I hadn't really thought about life here as employment in God's business before reading that commentary but it surely makes sense. And, of course, a job is only work if you think of it as such....it can also be a delightful involvement in something worthwhile and beautiful, giving one a feeling of purpose and importance to the world and those in it.

 

[sheaviance1]

Dh is unfortunately going through this right now. He is working himself almost sick. He got a raise and it seemed to fuel it even more. We are making more than we need. We have always been poor, but we have never depended on others or handouts and we have lived just fine. I saw it as making things interesting. LOL
Now he is worried about iphones and laptops and x-boxes and such. Even the bills aren't as important and take a 2nd to toys and more STUFF and more MONEY. He has worked over his 40 hours in 3 days this week already and he works 6 -7 days a week with times he only gets one or two days off a MONTH.

Thanks Bee for that translation. I was having a hard time understanding that scripture in my bible for some reason, but after I read yours and reread mine it made sense to me. I am also having trouble with the first verse. What is the "sacrifice of fools"?

This is totally my own interpretation after reading through the Bible. The people had gotten so far away from God that they pretty much did whatever they wanted and killed a bunch of animals to offer as sacrifice to "fix it". It cost them, but not much. They had gotten to the point that they didn't even feel bad. I can just picture them in my mind "okay, so who's gonna bring the sheep, I've got the doves" just after killing their neighbor to take his land or some other evil thing. In today's times, I would consider the sacrifice of fools as going through the motions of being a child of God without involving your heart and soul. Sitting in a pew on Sunday, dishing out meals to the needy, throwing a dollar in the offering plate without ever accepting God's gracious gift of Salvation, without accepting his Son, to me, would be the equivalent of the sacrifice of fools.

 

[FarmerJamie]

I think you all reminded me earlier of what is contained in verses 18-19. We seemed to get bombarded sometimes with the guilt-based appeals to donate to this cause or that cause. I'm coming to realize it's okay to enjoy the blessings bestowed on us, as long as we acknowledge where the gifts really come from and continue to do what we are commanded to do.

I think need an appropriate response for those "without" who gripe about how "lucky" you are.

Verse 7 also spoke to me as serveral of us are trying to plan for this year's growing season and at work as we are planning objectives for the upcoming year. Reading this, I remember my DW's stepmom who was always "fixin' to do" some grand scheme or the other. The stuff never got done and she was always miserable because of the unfulfilled dreams. I'm going to put a post-note on my computer monitor that just says "Ecclesiastes 5" to remind me.

 

[Farmfresh]

I think need an appropriate response for those "without" who gripe about how "lucky" you are.

How about ... "Luck has nothing to do with it, I have a rich Father!"

 

[Beekissed]

I'm wondering just how they know you are "lucky" as opposed to whatever their life is like? When they say these things are they referring to your material possessions? Lifestyle?