"You know we should probably stop for gas..." my Mom said as she glanced at a gas tank on "E."
"Don't worry--I could get us to Seattle and back on this," Dad replied jokingly...about a zillion times throughout my childhood.
Thankfully, I don't even remember running out of gas in my parents' car. I don't even know why Dad was comfortable driving on empty (at least for a little while). My parents could always afford gas. Maybe it was just easier than taking time to fill up? Or maybe it was the thrill of living on the edge? I don't know.
My Dad's gas tank may have been sooo empty, but have you ever met someone who seemed soul empty?
Today's passage described such a person:
Look at that man,
bloated by self-importance—
full of himself
but soul-empty.
But the person in right standing before God
through loyal and steady believing
is fully alive, really alive.
What a contrast!
When we think we're the most important, we're empty. When we trust in God (instead of just trusting in ourselves or things), we're really alive.
It's important to note that people who are self-important may not be the people you and I would consider arrogant, stuck up or pompous. In this context, the verse is talking about people who are self-centered and selfish--characteristics that aren't always easy to spot because often, they are tied to motives.
Being totally self-reliant or self-important may sound good, but they lead to the soul emptiness that is truly sad, isolating and destructive.
It's better to be soul filled, leaning on God's strength, provision and leadership for your life.
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