There's A Fly In The Ointment

 

I have been saying it on repeat.
Our words matter.
And then I see it.
Another example in the text.
In the life of Jesus.

And before you’re tempted to make the common argument, “Jesus was perfect, I can never be like Jesus.”
Ahh… but shouldn’t that be the aim of our days?
 This dress-rehearsal in preparation for eternity?

Ecclesiastes 10:1 says this, “As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor.”

In other words.. dead flies (our sin), causes even the ointment (our reputation) to send forth a “stinking savor.”  (as the KJV puts it.)  “To smell bad, to be offensive.”

And a study of our Savior gives us reason not only to hope, but to make habit of ourselves in practical daily living.

Because even one small moment of set back can jeopardize an entire lifetime of wisdom-seeking.  One false move of the blade can produce malpractice that threatens to extinguish an entire future career.

We do it in many ways.
We gossip and spread lies.
We argue and complain.
We withhold forgiveness and grace.
We remain inflexible in our purpose.

And one small decision eradicates our reputation, and the notoriety of Jesus living inside of us is compromised.

There’s a fly in the ointment.

My commentary says that one of the most obvious and impressive features of the Savior’s character was His meekness.  It suggests that Christian’s lack most, the beauty of their Master’s holiness.  We are afflicted with evil tempers, and cannot “rule their spirits, or rather do not try.”

And yet it is the responsibility of those claiming Christ, to live as He did.

The one who had patience, generosity, and gentleness.
Patience that grievances couldn’t upset.
Generosity which disgrace could not ruffle.
And gentleness which no foolishness could extract an unadvised word.

Jesus was meek.
Jesus didn’t retaliate.
Jesus didn’t offend with harsh language.

And what Jesus was, I should strive at becoming.