Dear SCC & Friends,
The sorrows of those who have bartered for another god will be multiplied. ~Psalm 16:4a
Update #45
Bartering is as old as human history. A traveler to the Middle East will tell you that their entire modern culture works on bartering or haggling over prices. In fact, bartering (trading) remains the main way of doing business in most places in the world. It may be my competitive nature, but I love the give and take of negotiating price to close a deal. I realize that economic theory can be very complicated…micro/macro etc., but when all is said and done, trade and commerce remain about supply and demand…exchanging this for that with both sides deriving benefit. Scripture never says bartering is bad but does warn against fraud and false pretenses.
What does it mean to barter for another god? Trading our birth right for a bowl of soup…worshipping creation over the Creator…being captivated by vain and empty philosophy or keeping our life and thus losing it. Jesus said, “What good is it if a man gains the whole world but loses his soul?” The whole world is a bad deal to Jesus, and people have bartered their place in God for far less. Bartering for another god is the worst possible deal a human being can make. These days have been increasingly difficult to get our bearings. Every day we hear competing and often contradicting voices in the medical, political, financial and social arenas. The constant noise of culture drives the daily news cycle…and if we’re not careful, it can drive us. Dudley and I just came out of two weeks of COVID and quarantine. We are so very grateful that we had mild cases and were sustained by your thoughts and prayers. Keep up the good work! Today is yesterday’s tomorrow…This is our time to know, love and serve the Lord.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. ~Matt. 11:28-30
Blessed be His Name,
Kevin