Asides

“For those who find me find life, and receive favor from the Lord.” (Proverbs 8: 35, NIV)

These words from the book of Proverbs are inscribed on the natural history museum building of the University of Kansas (my alma mater).

I don’t know why Wisdom’s promise is posted on the museum and not, instead, on one of the other prominent buildings on the campus’ main thoroughfare — Jayhawk Boulevard.  Yet, a museum is appropriate in that it is a repository of the tangible history of a people, an event, or of an era.

Is Wisdom evident in our tangible history: The bank account, the appointment calendar, the contact list?  Have you and I chosen wisely the investments we’ve made of our treasure, our time, and in our relationships.

The litmus test in these things is whether our choices would find favor in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  – Luther

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“Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” (Matthew 22:21b, NIV)

We know what belongs to Caesar.  Caesar’s name is on his money.  Caesar collects his tax from wages, even before it is deposited in our personal accounts. Caesar has laws for conduct that must be obeyed under penalty of fine or imprisonment. We get it, and we render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar because it is right to do so.

On the other hand, what belongs to God?

For an answer, we need look no further than the first book of the Bible (Genesis), where we see that we each were created in the image and likeness of God. As coin and currency bears the image and likeness of Caesar (a.k.a civil government), it is God’s image only that is borne by you and me.

While Caesar is about possessions and property, God is always about persons.  We belong to God, and God desires our fellowship.  He desires nothing more; and we should offer Him nothing less.  – Luther

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Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. (Romans 14:19, NIV)

Is your and my ambition to do the things that lead to peace?  In our interactions with others, do we aspire to build-up the other as we seek to become better ourselves?

These are simple tasks, and within reach of each one of us.  Through obedience to God in these two things, we can change — for good — the nature of our personal relationships, our business relationships; and the atmosphere in our homes, churches, and schools.  – Luther

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