Sometimes it's the little things that make us uncomfortable with God's presence.
A few times in my life, I've owned a handful of pigs. Hog are unusual animals.
They can be funny, mean, and dangerous all in a matter of moments. I have an
uncle who made a sizable income by raising hogs. For me, it was simply a hobby.
I enjoyed their antics and the exercise I received trying to repair what they
destroyed. But there was no guaranteed profit from raising them. Prices
fluctuated wildly. Pigs were fun but not more important than my regular
employment.
Jesus encountered a group of people to whom pigs were more important.
"Entering
the country of the Gadarenes, he met two demon possessed men. As he healed the
men, the demons pleaded to be sent into nearby swine. Jesus obliged, and the
pigs ran wildly over a steep bank and drowned in the sea. Instead of rejoicing
over the healing, the townspeople invited him to leave. Pigs were more
important. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to
go away and leave them alone." (Matthew 8:34 NLT)
When pigs are more important, it reveals my priorities need attention and more
than likely rearranging. Priorities in the right order don't just happen. Time
and energy are involved. What pigs are more important to me is revealed by the
light of Jesus as it did with the townspeople. Light doesn't like darkness.
Theirs was a demon infested land. Losing their livelihood was more important
than changing their lifestyle.
Change is never comfortable. God's chart for me often interferes and clashes
with my sketch for me. However, his is always superior. I can ask him to leave
my area just as the townspeople did, but I'll never know the peace of freedom if
I do.
Have you asked Jesus to leave an area of your life because you like the pigs
better?
Prayer: Father, we ask You to cleanse us from all things that hinder us from
realizing Your perfect plan.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
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