Day 108 "Our lack of action will create a reaction, so why not take action?"

Day 108

Matthew 12:30 "He who is not with Me is against Me, and He who does not gather with Me scatters abroad."

This morning, as I was praying and preparing to write, I had every intention of adding two more verses; however, thankfully, God had other plans and interrupted my own. When you read this obscure little verse tucked away between divided kingdoms and unpardonable sins, it is rather easy to overlook the power of it! "…He who does not gather with Me scatters abroad" is an extremely powerful and dramatic statement that bears looking into. Jesus is, of course, speaking at this time directly to the religious leaders of His day, the Pharisees; however, the message is for all men who dwell upon the earth. To gather is referring to bringing in the lost sheep, or the unbelievers, and the implication is that, if we do not join Jesus in doing so, we knowingly or unknowingly are participating in the scattering of those same people. That is a little heavy. We often view not participating in various things as simply that, not participating. However, our lack of participation actually works against the cause of those who are willing to make the sacrifice to serve. By sitting on the sidelines, we negatively affect the outcome of the game! How can that be, you ask? How can I, by not doing, cause actions or effects; after all, I'm not doing anything!

A few years ago, I recall watching President Bush giving a State of the Union address, and, of course, all of the congressional leaders and Senators were there, both Republicans and Democrats. I noticed that every time that the President made a point, the Republicans would stand up and applause while the Democrats would sit and even sneer at his remarks, and it didn't matter whether his remarks were accurate or beneficial for the people–the response by both parties remained the same. The message I took away from that night was very clear: neither party cares so much about the people they serve so much as they care about the power they maintain–one side showing it by their participation and the other by their lack of it.

This message has, in many ways, embedded itself in the hearts and minds of the people of America and complacency toward politics, and our leadership has become the rule. Now, I'm not getting political here, I am honestly disgusted by both parties, and my political beliefs will remain private; however, what a great example of influence without so called action. I hope you see the point. Jesus is sending a very direct message about gathering; we are all to be about the business of gathering. The question is, “Are you participating or are you on the sidelines?”

Daily Prayer: Father, help us, Lord, to remember that our lack of action truly does send a message whether we mean to or not. Show us, Lord, how to get involved, each in our own way and at our own pace. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

"Our lack of action will create a reaction, so why not take action?"

Pastor Gene Burroughs