Those skilled in the art of cultivation know how to distinguish between wheat and tares. Both crops may appear identical at first, but it is during the harvest season that their true nature is revealed. Wheat bows under its own weight, while tares remain upright. It is at this moment that the farmer discerns and separates them; wheat is chosen to be turned into flour, while tares are discarded.
Connecting this narrative with our previous conversations, challenging situations have the power to align us and lead us to fulfill our purpose (a test of faith or wheat). On the other hand, they can also distance us, guiding us towards lifestyles that are not in harmony with that purpose (religiosity or tares), diverting us from it like temptation.
Although religiosity may seem to impart life, it is, in reality, disguised pride that closely resembles a relationship with God but bears no fruit. While religiosity does not bring life to others, a relationship with God does, as it connects us to the source of life that He is.
Tests have the ability to soften us, cleanse us, or remove the stones from our land (our life), allowing us to become the living expression of God. They make us humble and more sensitive to others to serve them.
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To illustrate this point, consider the example of a family father who, facing financial problems, loses his temper. Even the wife has to warn the children to approach with caution, as their father is in a bad mood. This reveals that this man has placed his hope not in God but in financial prosperity. The financial situation becomes a temptation that distances him from God, making him renounce Him; this is called pride. In contrast, if the financial situation drives him to seek God, listen to His guidance in managing money, assess his priorities, and acknowledge his dependence on God, then this test of faith brings him closer to God, developing humility and taking him to a higher level of faith.
Considering this, we should be thankful for difficult situations. They lead us to appreciate things, people, and to depend on God. They guide us towards God's presence to understand how to get out of those difficulties and emerge whole, giving life to others. In other words, we come out of challenging situations being humble and depending on God.
The questions we must ask ourselves are: Do we truly depend on God or on our resources? During difficult situations, do we give life to others or focus only on our situation? Are we humble, seeking our Father's help, or are we proud and obstinate, thinking that we can solve it on our own?
Written by Víctor Preza, based on the sermon of 11/11/2023
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