Are You "Open" or "Closed?"

Deuteronomy 15:7-11

            We have all seen the neon signs in store and restaurant windows with the blue neon border and words in red which say “OPEN.”  Such signs express more than the current status of the establishment.  The sign says “Come on in,” “We are available,” “You are welcome here,” etc.  They are visually inviting.

            The Bible has much to say about people being “open.”  In our text, the Lord is giving instruction about the poor: “...you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother...”  The open hand is based upon a heart which is not hardened but open to the plight of those in need.  In fact, “openness” is a necessary characteristic of a righteous person.

            First, a righteous person’s mind is open to the word of God.  What are its truths?  What kind of person does God want me to become?  What are the good works in which He wants me involved?  The ears of the righteous are open to the voice of the Good Shepherd.

            Second, the righteous person’s heart is open to accepting those truths and putting them into action in his/her life.  If a person’s heart opens to doing the will of God, then his heart opens to those around him.  His eyes open to see the circumstances of others.  His ears open to the heartaches and cries for comfort and help.

            Third, the arms of the righteous are open to welcome and support others.  The hands are open to give aid.  The mouth opens to speak encouragement and hope.  Prayer is offered.  The gospel is shared, and the lips are opened in praise to the Lord (Psalm 51:15).  He/she is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit to show the love of God to fellow travelers.

            On the other hand, the “closed” person does not open his/her heart to the word of God nor to the circumstances of those around him.  His heart remains focused upon himself - closed to the struggles and cries for help of the needy and the lost.

            Are you an open or a closed person?  When you become aware of the needs, struggles and lostness of another, what do you do?

                                                            ><>  Jeff