Gen 31:49 ‘… Mizpah for he said, “May the Lord watch between you and me this day”‘
Are we a good friend, neighbor and family member? Today’s entry addresses that.
This is the famous verse that best girl friends used to put on necklaces. However, in context it was made by two men that were mortal enemies. It was made as a truce to stay away from one another and that God is watching. It’s like a restaining order.
Jacob grew up in one portion of the country. He was then was chased out by his angry brother. His adult life was with his uncle on the opposite side of the country. He is now fleeing this region because of bad relationships. Now, Laban was a bad guy, so the blame isn’t all Jacobs. However, the speckled sheep incident was Jacob’s attempt to unfairly increase his flock. I spoke to this in an early blog called, “Don’t Keep Score.”. In Jacob’s mind, he entered the war with Laban to advance himself. What I want to comment on is what kind of trail are we leaving behind us? When we look back on friendships and relationships, is it with fondness and good memories or is it with hurt and anger? Are there smoldering relationships (burnt bridges) or treasured ones that we could call on at any time?
Paul said in I Cor 13:3, “if I give all that I possess to the poor and even sacrifice my body that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” One gauge to measure whether we are “a good guy” is to look at past relationships. If our friends, coworkers, and neighbors (both past and present) were to be interviewed, what would they say? The thought of this makes me feel guilty. I am an introvert, so I don’t talk to many people. So, I would say many wouldn’t have a response. Almost as if I’ve been invisible. While it’s not bad, neither is it good. It’s almost like the person that was given one coin in Jesus’ parable. He locked it away for fear of losing it. So, he gained nothing; helped no one. On a continuum, are we the “rule keeper” or are we warm and giving?
Lord, help us to be more loving. Give us wisdom as to how to do this. So, at life’s end, we would have a wealth of friends and goodwill.