The word of the day is: Challenges. We all have them I suppose; some more than others. The message at church today encouraged and challenged me at the same time. The new series is "Sold Out" and since I am child out the seventies, I thought about the flip side of that phrase. You know like when you would go out and by that new 45 single only to find out the flip-side was better!
To be a sell out for Christ is the ultimate commitment. But all too often we sell out for everything else. We sell out for our friends and frienemies alike. Trying to impress people we don't really like by spending money we don't really have on stuff we don't really need. We sell out on the job when we compromise our ethics. We sell out in relationships by trying to change ourselves for others. We settle when we should not.
If you are a business person the phrase carries yet another connotation. We you sell out of your goods or services it is a great thing. Selling out equates that you have successfully marketed your wares and will reap a financial gain. For example, a realtor selling a home places SOLD over the sign with joy. The theater manager is elated to hear that the next three shows are sold out. A newly marketed product is tracked by how many stores "sell out" of the product.
I reflected on this in the context of Mark 12:28-34 and Deut. 4:6.(OT Ref) and I concluded that if I focused more on who sold himself out for me I would be more inclined to maintain my focus of being sold out for him.
The P-31 woman is a classic model of a total sell out. She was sold out for her Lord, her family, her customers and her employees. Proverbs 31 describes her as a noble wife whose worth was far above rubies. Webster defines noble as: possessing high or excellent qualities; superiority of mind, character, ideals or morals. The price per carat of rubies (unlike diamonds which depend on the four C's, cut, carat, clarity and color) depends heavily on the color. Hence the term Ruby-red. The price can range from $400 to $10K. Historically it denoted passion and power. Clearly Ms. P-31 had both!
Verse 11 states that her husband ( Mr. P-31) had total confidence in her and as a result lacked nothing. You go girl! Ms. P-31 was a hard working resourceful business woman who demonstrated good stewardship. Her genuine care and concern for the well being of others began in her home and spread abroad. Sounds like a Jesus-love kind of sell out to me!
The lesson for me is that amidst all of those accomplishments were great challenges. However Ms. P-31 did one thing we often do not take the time to do in our busy and hectic lives. That is gain perspective by surveying your circumstances and prioritize! When you have the right perspective the view of the challenges come into the focus. Look into your right side view mirror on the car, the message says, " Objects in the mirror are closer than they appear."!
Peace and blessings!
Sheri Linette
Hebrews 12:2
King James Version (KJV)
2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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