A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver – Proverbs 25v11
In the book of Joshua chapter 15 there is the story of a man called Caleb who gave his daughter a wedding present of part of his land. Instead of complaining about being given semi-desert, his daughter gratefully accepted the gift, but then asked for something else as we read in verse19: Caleb asked her, ‘What can I do for you?’ She replied, ‘Do me a special favour. Since you have given me land in the Negev, give me also springs of water.’ So Caleb gave her the upper and lower springs. She wanted springs. Why was she not content with wells which were the water source in the Negev? Well, the problem with a well is that it requires labour and time to get water from it and is therefore of limited availability and use. But springs are fresh and animals and humans have as much water as they need. In addition you can irrigate the land so it produces crops.
Water in Scripture is a picture of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of Christians providing spiritual cleansing and constant refreshment. Sadly many Christians are content with water from a well which is only sufficient for their own needs and is what I call survival Christianity. Why is this? Because if you are a spiritual nomad using wells there is no responsibility for the welfare of others.
The reality is that caring and providing spiritually, emotionally and materially for other people can be a burden and cramp our lifestyle and doesn’t appeal to the selfish side of our character. But God made us to be gregarious and the greatest meaning in life is how we impact and help others. Therefore let us be bold like Caleb’s daughter and ask the Lord for springs of abundant fresh water so we can grow metaphorical trees and plants which bring abundant fruit not just for ourselves, but enough for many others. We will find the Lord gives us not just lower springs for us and our sheep, but upper ones which gravitate to supply our fruit bearing crops. Then instead of living a life of selfishness we will be a blessing to all we come into contact with as we reap the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Friends are you prepared for the risk, responsibility and labour which are necessary to grow fruit or is your world small and insular? Let us not be content with trekking with buckets to the well just to survive, but rather let us seek the abundant springs which Christ gives and be the stewards of its blessings. Then you will live a life of significance and meaning.
God Bless Graeme Greenwood