A LIFE-GIVING CLARITY
Karen Hodge, Guest Writer
TODAY’S TREASURE
When our children were little we let them make a list of all the places they would love to visit should the Lord allow. It was a big list and we lived on a small pastor’s salary. Providentially, the Lord has actually allowed them to travel to some of the grand and far off places on their lists. They have been to the Holy Land, England, Alaska, the Grand Canyon and even Disney World. All of these places grew their understanding of God and revealed a different dimension of His glory.
We become what we behold. Women are products of their doxology. The etymology of the word comes from “dox” meaning glory and “ology” meaning to study. It is our chief end to glorify and enjoy Him. To worship Him in all His glory and grow in our doxology. The etymology of the word “worship” finds its root in the two words “worth” and “shape”. In other words, what we hold as worthy, what captivates us, or we treasure profoundly shapes everything about our lives. It impacts all our decisions, attitudes and actions.
Life-taking leadership is myopic. Life-giving leadership is comprehensive. Paul who helped train the early church fathers had a rich doxology. He brings clarity to the bigger picture of who God is and who we are in relation to Him. Paul climbs the great theological mountain of Romans 1-11 and reaches the top and his first word showcases his doxology- “Oh!” He is overwhelmed by the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge. He sees it as stockpiles of His grace to us. He praises the God who knows everything and everyone. God is the One who knows exactly what we need and what we do not need. We can rest because our Father knows!
Paul then asks us a bunch of rhetorical questions. “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to Him that He might be repaid?” Of course, the answer to all of these questions is a resounding NO ONE! You see when our doxology grows the corollary growth is a recognition of our depravity. The more we see our Savior, the more we see our sin and our need for a Savior. Instead of seeing the bigger God-sized picture we are tempted to shrink things to a man-centered view. We try to figure out His thinking. We are tempted to counsel Him as to the best plan for our lives. Then when we are truly aware of our desperate need we try to repay God for everything. The last line of Chapter Eleven brings crystal clarity. He brings cohesion to life and answers every question or concern we might have. Where will I find the answers, strength or time? It is from Him. How is everything going to work out? It will be through Him. Where do we direct the glory when it does? It will be to Him. Amen, may it be so!
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PRAYER
Lord, when everything seems to be coming apart at the seams, You bring cohesion. When questions swirl in my mind You bring wisdom and clarity. When I try to trace out Your path for my life, You remind me of Your sovereignty. When I try to pay You back, You graciously remind me You paid it all on the cross.
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Sharon W. Betters is author of Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, co-author of Treasures of Faith. and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture. She is Director of Resource Development and co-founder of MARKINC.org, a non-profit organization that offers help and hope to hurting people. Sharon enjoys quality time with her husband, children, fourteen grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.