"What profit is there for one to gain the whole world yet lose or forfeit himself?" - Luke 9:25
Every time I read this verse I think of monkeys. You don't think of monkeys when you read the Bible? C'mon! Ok, maybe you've heard this before, but apparently hunters in India used to use coconuts to trap curious monkeys. The hunter would attach a coconut to a tree using a rope. The coconut had a hole just big enough for the monkey to put his hand in. The hunter would put something tasty inside and wait. The monkey would put his hand through the hole, discover the treasure and unwilling to let it go, would get stuck. Because his hand is in a fist, he can't get it out of the tethered coconut. The hunter moves in.
Dumb monkey. Just let the food go and run! Why are you hanging onto this tiny bite and sacrificing freedom and life! Hmm...
Sometimes we have to be willing to let go of what we want at the moment for what we want most. Lent is a great time to do that. Drop the thing that is holding you captive so you can taste the freedom and life that comes from an encounter with the risen Christ.
What's the treasure in your coconut?
Lord, reveal to me what I'm holding onto that is keeping me from being able to fully embrace Your love.
Reflection by:
Abby Watts
Did You Know...
Abby Watts was a member of the team at Spirit FM 90.5, the radio ministry of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, for 15 years. She is now "helping moms love well" as the Content Manager for iMom, a program of Family First. She and her family are active members of Nativity Parish in Brandon.
