You're Smarter Than That!

Scripture: Jeremiah 4:3b – “Break up your fallow ground, and do not sow among thorns.” (NRSVue)

When I was growing up, one of the most beloved comic strips was The Far Side by Gary Larson. In perhaps its most famous comic, a boy is struggling to get into the Midvale School for the Gifted because he keeps pushing on a door that says “Pull.”

Here is a link if you don’t remember it: https://i0.wp.com/blog.fenwickfriars.com/wp-content/uploads/FarSide_PushPull_1986.jpg?w=400&ssl=1

The comic suggests that even those who seem the most intelligent lack the common sense to do basic tasks. But instead of laughing at the boy, I want to identify with him for a moment. This is a child with great potential, but his efforts are wasted. I look at him and say, “C’mon, kid! You’re smarter than that!”

We are deeply spiritual beings, created in the image of God to be co-creators of a world of beauty and justice. But despite this truth, we keep doing stupid things that get in our way. We put our faith not in God, but in the things that seem like good ideas at the time. We put our trust in the things we have or the activities that bring us fleeting happiness or in isolating those who we distrust. We think the more control we have in our lives, the closer we are to fulfillment. But this is not true. It is a waste of time and energy.

In the Book of Jeremiah, the prophet criticizes the people of Judah for putting faith in false gods and human power rather than in the God that loves them. He talks about going back to the old ways of faith, for those are the ones that will bring joy. He uses the image of sowing a field, suggesting that the people sow in a fallow field, that is one that has been used recently, instead of among thorns. To Jeremiah, that fallow ground is the way of faith. It is fertile, it brings life, but it is just sitting there. Instead, the people waste their time trying to grow food among the thorns, leading only to misery.

How are you wasting your spiritual energy? What do you put your time and passion into that does not feed you but only hurts you? What practices of holiness have you been ignoring? Is it praying for help to be a better person? Is it gathering among those who will pray with you and love you in your times of sorrow? Is it performing acts of kindness and generosity, even in times of scarcity and fear?

Stop wasting your spiritual energy. You’re smarter than that!

Prayer: Loving God, give me the wisdom to discern your truth and put my faith in you. Amen.