Finding Unfailing Treasure

Sierra Vista Herald ^ | Arlie Rauch

[SandRat]

Do you ever watch people? I do. Like at an airport, for example. Or at the mall, when others are shopping. Watching people is a most interesting activity at times like that. I like to read faces. Oh, I’m probably wrong more often than not, but some people appear to spread gloom wherever they go. I’ve even seen a couple go at each other, and it would have been dangerous to get between them; they were arguing about the trip they were taking.

But then there are others who radiate kindness and gladness. You may not know them and may never see them again. But they have a ready smile and make you feel welcome even in that strange place. There are people like that and, at least sometimes, the reason they are like that has little to do with circumstances; it rather has more to do with God.

The Apostle Paul wrote about such in 2 Corinthians 7:6-7:

But God, who encourages the downhearted, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. We were encouraged not only by his arrival, but also by the encouragement you gave him, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your deep concern for me, so that I rejoiced more than ever (New English Translation).

This translation captured well the condition of Paul when Titus came. The root Greek word for “downhearted” actually could be translated as “low.” Other versions render it differently including “humble” (HCSB), “cast down” (KJV), “depressed” (NASB), “downhearted” (NET), “discouraged” (NLT) and “abject” (Geneva). The situation may not have been clinical depression exactly, but it gives you an idea of how the Bible scholars understood this condition of “low.”

The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament adds: “The condition may be intrinsic or due to the acts of others.” I’m sure that sometimes I have fit the description of “low” for either reason, and maybe you have fit one or the other as well. Paul had just been in Macedonia where he had been imprisoned and beaten; perhaps that contributed to his frame of mind.

But now his spirits were lifted by the arrival of friend and co-worker Titus. Apparently the very fact of his coming was encouraging. But that was not all: He brought good news. The good news was the Corinthians’ response to a letter Paul had written to them. It was a hard letter in that he had pointed out their sin and called for their repentance. The letter had produced the desired effect.

So Titus himself was an encouragement. The report he brought about the Corinthians was an encouragement. And by the report the Corinthians were an encouragement indirectly. Paul had been down, but now he was rejoicing.

It’s worth noting that Paul attributed the joy to God. He saw God acting in, through, behind the action of these other people. God is the one who lifts up those who are down. Actually there are many scriptures making the same point. I don’t know if Titus especially knew he was bringing Paul joy from God — he may have just been doing his job. But he did bring that joy, all the same.

If you had a choice, would you rather be someone who spreads gloom? Or would you rather spread joy? I have to assume that some people somewhere would rather spread gloom, but many people I know would rather spread joy.

Titus and Paul both had to deal with the circumstances of life, and often those circumstances involved people. That can include elements that are not pretty or preferable. But Titus and Paul both had hope in the promises of God and in the mission God had given them, and sometimes even because of the people of God.

I suppose you and I have some choice in the matter of what we will spread. I admit that I can get down when I consider what some other people have and can do. It’s seems like I’m on the short end.

But when I consider what Christ has done for me, I have to be encouraged! My list for giving thanks is long and there is still the future. I hope to spread joy.

Arlie Rauch has retired from 41 years as a pastor, has been awed recently by local sunsets, and can be reached at arlieandruth@cox.net.

[onona]

Amen Rat. Thanks for sharing.

[sauropod]

bkmk

[Buttons12]

Oh, I’m probably wrong more often than not, but some people appear to spread gloom wherever they go.

"One may smile and smile, and be a villain."

I have a relative who has always looked rather gloomy -- even in his baby pictures. He's delightful, witty, a born comedian, but strangers always ask him what's wrong or tell him he looks tired or sad.

And there are devils with irresistible smiles. Lots of them.