A MATTER OF FAITH- TAKING CARE OF MYSELF

SONG OF SOLOMON - TAKING CARE OF MYSELF       

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6
Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept. “But my own vineyard I have not kept.” 




Today I see many people taking the time to adorn themselves. Men get manicures and pedicures just like women.  False hair, weave, is a multi-million (if not billion) dollar industry. Designer clothes are sold at a premium and Mary Kay is still a successful company; she died in 2001. People are very good at maintaining the fence around the vineyard but fail to maintain what helps the fruit grow. Far to many people think they are not worthy of the love of a healthy loving relationship especially the love of God - “Do not look upon me,” because I am not ready.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.

People judge by appearance but God judges the heart. It is a false assumption to believe that people who wear nice clothes to church have it all together. A manicured lawn is not the sign of a manicured household, chaos could be behind the doors.

JEREMIAH 2:32
Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number.

Whatever the reason, many get very busy with things. People plan their time and money to go on a vacation. Friends take time out to celebrate a birth, marriage or birthday. But God has been given 2 hours on Sunday and maybe 10 to 15 minutes during the week, time permitted.

He is not a microwave oven. You cannot spend 30 seconds with God and expect all of your problems to be done.

The Shulamite woman was so busy serving, caring for the family vineyards, that she did not have time to care for herself. The story of Mary and Martha elaborates on this concept. (Luke 10:38-42) Despite the need to feed their house guest Mary chose to feed her soul first, Martha on the other hand thought it was more important to make sure that everyone’s physical needs were met.

LUKE 10:41-42
And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

In order to grow a person must feed his or her soul.

Both the Shulamite woman and Martha were busy doing what they thought was necessary work.  Matha went to Jesus and declared: “Look at what I am doing? Mary isn’t helping me to do.” The Shulamite woman turned to her friends and said: “I have not had time to take care of myself and now the king is coming.”

MATTHEW 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

We need to develop a Mary mindset, make sitting in the presence of the Lord a priority.

PSALM 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

NOTE: The KJV uses the term ‘heathen” in Psalm 46:10 whereas the NKJV and other translations use the term “nations” both are acceptable. The implication- non-believers will exalt the Lord. 

If you are to busy to spend an unlimited amount of time with the Lord then you are to busy.

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:6
Do not look upon me, because I am dark, because the sun has tanned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard I have not kept.

Women enter unhealthy relationships because they believe they are not good enough for “Mr Right”. When the right person comes along they make excuses as to why they cannot be in that relationship.

Despite regular church attendance far to many Believers lack spiritual growth and development. How long had the Shulamite woman been working in the vineyards? It was not until she encountered the king that she became concered about her appearance. It is the same with our faith: we do not focus on our spirit until we encounter the King.

Many people say they are a Christian yet they do not know who Jesus is. He is the Son of God, He is God, He is Lord. People know of God but they do not know God.

PHILIPPIANS 3:9-10 THE VOICE
When it counts, I want to be found belonging to Him, not clinging to my own righteousness based on law, but actively relying on the faithfulness of the Anointed One. This is true righteousness, supplied by God, acquired by faith.  I want to know Him inside and out. I want to experience the power of His resurrection and join in His suffering, shaped by His death,

Just as the union of a man and woman in marriage is personal so is that of the Believer and the Lord. It is a personal relationship with Him that is developed over a period of time.

Taking care of yourself begins with taking care of your soul.

JOHN 3:3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 

The first step in taking care of yourself is to allow Jesus to be Lord of your life. To do this you must believe that He is who Scripture says He is. 

There are no majic words, no sacrid actions- it is a matter of faith and belief. Many people have gone to the “alter” at church and said a series of words, was recognized by the body and then went on his or her way without any true understanding. Being dunked in a body of water means nothing if you do not have that personal relationship with the Lord.

ROMANS 10:9-10 THE VOICE
So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and if you voice your allegiance by confessing the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved!  Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that’s right with God; confession departs from our lips and brings eternal salvation.

 — written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
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