Matthew 8:30-34
Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Like it or not, Kingdom business always comes with a price. It might be your time, or your money, or your material comfort, or your reputation. I'd like to think the townspeople in this story felt bad for the two demon-possessed men and were happy about their new found freedom … until they realized it came at a personal cost: their herd of pigs. So much for charity.
I wonder how many of us would rather "keep our pigs" than see the Kingdom of God advance in our communities?
"I love that great stuff Jesus does, but why do I have to pay for it? Can't somebody else pick up the tab?"
Those townspeople had their priorities way out of whack, and in the end, they actually PLEADED with the Son of God to hit the road! Can you imagine? Sadly, many of us do the exact same thing. Maybe we aren't quite that obnoxious, but our unwillingness to change our lifestyle in any way in order to get more involved with Kingdom work accomplishes the same thing.
Thanks … but no thanks.
Are you willing to "sacrifice some of your pigs" in order to be a part of the advancement of God's Kingdom?
Oink. Oink.
