Then Moses told them, "Do not keep any [manna] overnight." But, of course, some of them didn't listen and kept some of it until morning. By then it was full of worms and had a terrible smell. Exodus 16:19-20
Last week I made the mistake of picking a small rose from the tub on my front deck because I really wanted a flower on the counter in front of my kitchen sink. I had been watching this little rose for a while and I noticed that some insect had been chewing at it but I thought that it would be okay - I was desperate!
The first mistake I made with this rose was that I hadn’t cared for it properly, that is, I hadn’t been diligent in spraying it to protect it from the insects. The second mistake I made was trying to use it to decorate my kitchen. Why was that you ask? Because as the bud began to open it became apparent that there was a hole right near the centre of my rose (see picture), and a mess began to appear on the counter. You see the little worm was still at work feeding on this beautiful flower and ‘recycling’ the waste. I felt a bit like Jonah when he got angry at a worm eating his shade plant!
So why am I writing about this? Because the thought that came to me is that we often have worms ‘eating at us’ and sometimes we don’t realise the mess we make, which other people then have to suffer or perhaps even clean up. If we are holey and not holy we cause a lot of problems in the body of Christ, or with family, friends and colleagues.
We need to have the courage to examine ourselves and see if there are areas that need cleaning up. There can be holes of hurt from past abuse, (verbal and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as sexual abuse). You may have holes from disappointments suffered in broken relationships or there may be bitterness, anger or unforgiveness from situations that you have either faced in the past or are facing right now. I promise you that if you do have these, they will be eating away at you just as that little (unseen) worm was eating away at my rose. You may think these things are well hidden but I can assure you that our insecurities and ‘issues’ do show up….. sometimes to everyone but us! If you are very brave you could ask a wise and trusted, loving friend to suggest any area of weakness that is obvious to them.
Last week I made the mistake of picking a small rose from the tub on my front deck because I really wanted a flower on the counter in front of my kitchen sink. I had been watching this little rose for a while and I noticed that some insect had been chewing at it but I thought that it would be okay - I was desperate!
The first mistake I made with this rose was that I hadn’t cared for it properly, that is, I hadn’t been diligent in spraying it to protect it from the insects. The second mistake I made was trying to use it to decorate my kitchen. Why was that you ask? Because as the bud began to open it became apparent that there was a hole right near the centre of my rose (see picture), and a mess began to appear on the counter. You see the little worm was still at work feeding on this beautiful flower and ‘recycling’ the waste. I felt a bit like Jonah when he got angry at a worm eating his shade plant!
So why am I writing about this? Because the thought that came to me is that we often have worms ‘eating at us’ and sometimes we don’t realise the mess we make, which other people then have to suffer or perhaps even clean up. If we are holey and not holy we cause a lot of problems in the body of Christ, or with family, friends and colleagues.
We need to have the courage to examine ourselves and see if there are areas that need cleaning up. There can be holes of hurt from past abuse, (verbal and emotional abuse can be just as damaging as sexual abuse). You may have holes from disappointments suffered in broken relationships or there may be bitterness, anger or unforgiveness from situations that you have either faced in the past or are facing right now. I promise you that if you do have these, they will be eating away at you just as that little (unseen) worm was eating away at my rose. You may think these things are well hidden but I can assure you that our insecurities and ‘issues’ do show up….. sometimes to everyone but us! If you are very brave you could ask a wise and trusted, loving friend to suggest any area of weakness that is obvious to them.
We need to do ourselves, (and those around us), a favour and face the worms and find healing at the cross of Jesus Christ. We can bring our ‘baggage’ and leave it with Jesus; and we need to if we are to live lives that will demonstrate the love, grace and power of God. If we refuse to deal with our stuff then our lives will be like the manna that the Israelites held onto overnight when they were told not to. We will be full of worms and have an unpleasant smell. There, I’m kind to you…. I didn’t say you would stink as the King James version says! Our lives are to be a sweet-smelling aroma of Christ to all we meet. Is yours?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to honestly face my issues and bring them to you for healing. In Jesus’ name. Amen
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