What Clouds

"Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith"

1 Timothy 1:5 NKJV

Have you ever had your head in the clouds? The expression originates from the fact that clouds are distant from the Earth, and indicates a person who is distracted, absent-minded, and unaware of the reality around them. At most, it is associated with being a dreamer. If you have had the opportunity to climb to high altitudes and find yourself so close to the clouds that you can touch them, you will not accept this meaning. In fact, it depends on what the clouds can represent. A thick fog over your head is synonymous with thoughts, worries and troubles that “cloud” your mind and soul, just as is happening to you these days. The cloud that descends and covers the mountain, making us disappear into it, does not frighten me like the fog on the road when I am driving, which seriously endangers my life. Rather, it reminds me of God descending to speak to his servant Moses, isolating him from everything else, enveloping him as if in a cloak to protect him from possible dangers. So, rather than just my head, I want my whole being to be in the cloud of His presence. Experiences and moments like those on the Mount of Transfiguration are short-lived, however, because faith always descends into the valley.

The words of the apostle Paul to Timothy testify to the awareness of the minister who does not focus on himself in the work entrusted to him by the Lord. The instruction he received at the feet of the wise Gamaliel may have influenced his way of teaching and preparing disciples for ministry, but it did not affect his personality. Paul, despite all his reasons for pride, reveals himself to be a humble instrument, surrendered to the powerful hand of the Lord. His actions reflect his understanding that the work belongs to God. The care, support and encouragement given to Timothy are to be emulated everywhere. Those who are advanced in years, those who have experience behind them, should take it upon themselves to share with younger people what they have in their store of life, because if we are not able to look to those who come after us, we are shortening history. Many of our actions can find fulfilment and success through those who come after us. Instead of gathering for ourselves, our arms should be used to give to others, bearing in mind that the purpose of the commandment is love. Faced with this imperative, our hearts, our consciences and the faith of each one of us are placed in the spotlight.

Temptation or moments of weakness are behind everyone's door, as they were for Cain. It takes very little to end up in the clouds. That is why it is wise not to consider oneself strong or immune before having gone through the test. Men greatly used by God have faltered when they gave space to their own convictions, losing sight of the Lord's will. The prophet Elijah, after seeing fire come down from heaven in response to his invocation, threatened by Queen Jezebel, is overcome by fear. At that juncture, he is overcome by the conviction that he is alone and that it is no longer worth continuing. This state, the “Elijah syndrome”, affects anyone who strives to do and know the Lord's will when they focus on themselves. Be careful of external influences and personal prejudices, because when we embark on a path outside of His will, we will soon find ourselves having to retrace our steps: this is what happened to Elijah. We may soon be replaced by others, in the spirit of “everyone is useful, but no one is indispensable”. A pure heart, a good conscience and genuine faith will nourish all our efforts to love: our neighbour, our enemy, those entrusted to us, anyone who crosses our path.

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Weekly Bible reading Plan #36

September 1, Psalms 135-136; 1 Corinthians 12

September 2, Psalms 137-139; 1 Corinthians 13

September 3,   Psalms 140-142; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

September 4,   Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

September 5,   Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

September 6,   Psalms 148-150; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58

September 7,   Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16