I love that statement because it goes straight a point of truth.
It is so easy to become entangled in our minds. Our thoughts can consume our days and sap our energy for anything else. We can become prideful and arrogant because we have become enamored with our own beliefs. 1 Cor. 8:1 says; "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up". Knowledge can be like a lot of hot air, puffing up in our head and hearts. But love is a an action. It has substance and produces fruit.
The Bible says that we are "prepared for works of service" Eph 4:12. That is, whatever transformation God works within us is not an end to itself.
It is transformation for a purpose.
Our "talents" are to be used and multiplied. That we may "live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work" Col. 1:10
When we read the scriptures regarding the life of Christ, we read his words AND his works. He
Himself said his works validated his claim of being the Son of God.
Is it possible that we keep our heads in such spiritual loftiness that sometimes we miss out on the opportunities that are opened to us on a daily basis? The disciples of Jesus did.
Jesus was tired. He sat down at a well and waited. Soon, she appeared and an interaction begun. The result of that interaction was that a woman, and "many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him, because of the woman's words,.....he stayed two days and because of his words many more became believers." Jn 4:39,40,41.
As far as disciples were concerned, they were on their way back to Galilee and unfortunately had to pass through this undesirable region of Samaria. It was inconvenient to stop here, and that Jesus actually was wasting time talking with a woman, and a Samaritan at that, was just plain confusing. They were even more surprised that Jesus wanted to spend a couple days there! They had places to go (the villages of Judea) and important things to do (hang out and be a part of the ministry). Not waste time with women and Samaritans.
Jesus gave them a reality check.
"Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest?' I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe and ready for harvest." Jn 4:35
Jesus took them out of their thoughts and intellect that knew how to interpret the seasons and said; look! Open your eyes and see what's in front of you. Ripe hearts, prepared and waiting to be harvested into the Kingdom. Today is an opportunity for impact.
Our eyes need to see around us the opportunities that are available and waiting for us. Our fields that are ripe and ready. They are there if you get out of your head and start looking.
The neighbor who we've just waved to from our car from time to time. The store clerk we see every week at our grocery store or favorite gas station. A co-worker that has been quiet and isolating themselves. The barrister at the coffee shop we regularly visit. Our mailman.
Simple, ordinary life interactions that can have everlasting affect if we'd take the time to look.
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