Sometimes we hold on too tightly to our “treasures.” At home we can smother our loved ones, not allowing them to freely create and explore. At work we can hold on to our dreams and vision so stubbornly that we fail to make necessary changes, lose touch with the latest technology, cannot relate to current trends, and ultimately cannot reach our goals. Some people hold tightly to their money and material possessions, thinking these are necessary for their security and a joyful life. Our “riches” can take many forms.
This reminds me of a story about a baboon and a very thirsty African hunter. Although the hunter had looked for days, he could not find any good watering holes. It occurred to him that the natural curiosity of a baboon might help him with his dilemma. So, the great hunter dug a small hole near a colony of baboons and placed a handful of ripened fruit inside. He then concealed himself in the jungle and waited. It was not long before a baboon approached the hole and stuck its hand inside, grasping a tasty morsel. The African hunter had skillfully carved the hole just large enough to allow the animal’s hand to enter but not large enough to allow its fist to be withdrawn.
When the hunter emerged from the forest with a small rope, the baboon shrieked in terror. Amazingly, instead of running for its life, it held tightly to the fruit. Slowly and casually approaching the panic-stricken animal, the hunter laid a noose over the baboon’s neck and gently pulled it away from the hole. When the animal was eventually freed, it did exactly as the hunter had expected. The clever hunter simply followed the animal as it made a beeline for its secret waterhole.
How often have we, as rational and intelligent beings, fallen for essentially the same trap? Lured by one bite of forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve lost their perfect home and intimate relationship with God. Esau sold his birthright for the instant pleasure of one meal. Samson traded his special gift of strength for the affections and approval of a woman.
A stubborn fist of enticement, one hoarded comfort, or blessings held too tightly can keep us from reaching our true goals and cause us to lose something even more precious. An expensive price tag is tied to each “fist full of fruit.” Overall, a lifestyle of holding on too tightly is exceedingly more costly than a life of letting go, releasing, and giving.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:24-34
Personal Application: God wants us to seek Him first and trust Him for all our needs. If you are not sure whether you are holding on to something too tightly, try letting go. Surrender it to Jesus and thank Him for all He gave up for you: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5