Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a handmade vessel of silver.
The key word in this entire phrase is “fitly”. We try clothes on, so we can find the ones that fit us properly. And the word “fit” does not just co-notate size, but also style. What looks good on one person might not look so hot on another…and nothing is more uncomfortable and dysfunctional than clothes, or shoes, that don’t fit well, or look good on us. Life functions at its best when we put elements together that were meant to go together.
Gold and silver are two precious metals that go well together and are usually always mentioned in the same context of thought. Throughout the entire history of the world they have opened the door to many a business transaction, and no two metals have been more readily used as hard currency with which to exchange goods and fuel economies than these. In this life, money often makes things come together and fit. However, life without their influence can be frustrating, and difficult to maneuver.
Have you ever felt like you were struggling to fit in? I certainly have, and nothing can be more debilitating and discouraging than the awkwardness we often encounter in these situations. According to the bible…there once was a man that I am sure felt just like this. Paralyzed from the waist down, he daily sat at the temple door in Jerusalem to beg for money, the one thing that couldn’t do anything to fulfill the greatest need he had in life! However, although his situation must have felt incredibly humbling, he was in a good place for change! He was at the door of the house of God! Suddenly, two powerful elements come up to him at the door and address him directly. Listen to the amazing dialogue that followed in Acts 3:4-8.
“And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him, with John, said, Look on us. And he looked up at them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, I do not have any silver or gold; but what I have, that I will give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength. And leaping up, he stood, and began to walk; and he entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”
Wow!! How quickly did he move from awkward to awesome!! Jesus Christ does that! He removes the dysfunction of life and makes everything fit the way it should!! How many times have we sought for answers in the wrong place, simply because in our frustration we were asking the wrong questions?
If life is awkward for us, we need to change the focus and direction of our search...until we find something that fits!