Boxes

     Years ago when I was substituting, a teacher friend suggested baving a 'bag of tricks." I took the idea and carried a box of supplies with me to have on hand if in case a lesson plan was not prepared or if I needed educational content rather than fluff. I didn't want to just be a babysitting service. I worked too hard to earn the certificate I was determined to use it. A toolbox, educational box, "bag of tricks" is great for making repairs and or teaching.
     In our humaness, we like boxes. I have boxes of toys to entertain children, another box of medication for colds and flus, others to store paint, summer and winter clothes. As Christians we have boxes too Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic and so on.  And even more divisive, unloving, arrogant attitudes rising up from blood bought, grace taught siblings. Instead of criticizing or mocking others we are called to be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethern to dwell together in unity. Our first real steps toward unity are not toward those we naturally like. They're toward those we don't. Jesus unity only exists when those who stood sword to sword are now standing shoulder to shoulder.
     The damage sin does in our heart cannot be reparied by a toolbox of talents or resources. Jesus is the only one who can provide for this need. If we know Jesus then his Holy Spirit is repairing our hearts. Christ's wisdom, grace and power can be released into every nook and cranny in our lives. We need God every day and in every way. As Believers, we're as dependant on his grace this moment as when we first believed. Each time we come to Jesus we realize how poor we are without him. Blessed are the poor in spirit for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. To be poor in spirit is to be bankrupt totally dependent upon God at all times for all things. God's power is at work in the lives of those willing to live like this the question is will we live this way?