The Very Idea!

Sometimes we will say, ”I have an idea,” and we know what we mean by that, but from another viewpoint, ideas have us! The idea of world dominion possessed Hitler, and look what happened! That was a negative, destructive idea and it led to drastic results. But as we know, there are wholesome, sound, and uplifting ideas too (Matthew 7:12).

What is the man in the above passage thinking about, you ask? Ideas, of course! You are encouraged by a thank you note (It was actually an idea of thankfulness expressed and you appreciated it). Someone complimented you on something you did, or said, and it inspired you. We’re just emphasizing what we all know — that we live in a world of ideas! And we are influenced by those ideas all the time. The advertisers spend billions of dollars planting ideas in our minds, figuring to profit by influencing our buying. Think of all the schools, colleges, and universities — think of all the libraries and all the books that are sold — think of all the newspapers distributed and read — think of the computer software displayed and sold — think of the Internet — all these deal in the communication of ideas.

No wonder then that Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is like "leaven" (Matthew 13:33). Jesus elsewhere talked about “the gospel (the message, the concepts, the ideas) of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 24:14; Mark 1:14). Somehow, we need to allow the true ideas of Jesus Christ (life, eternity and our soul-salvation) get into our hearts and life — the tremendous leavening which brings about powerful results! (1 Corinthians 5:6; Gal. 5:9). Webster defines leaven with such terms as “modifying, permeating, vivifying” (life-giving, renewing, etc.).

What can all of us do to see that the gospel of Jesus Christ, the powerful "seed" of the kingdom (Luke 8:11), is spread into the hearts and lives of ourselves and those we might reach? Every Bible class involves the planting of this great spiritual seed. In every worship service, when God’s word is cited or quoted or read, people are exposed to the powerful life-changing and soul-saving truths of God’s word. Vacation Bible School is another seed-planting exercise — another opportunity of infusing leavening into hearts and lives. It is also exiting to realize that when books and videos are checked out of church libraries and used, the powerful and rich ideas of Jesus and His word are being exposed to the hearts and lives of people.

So God be thanked for all efforts in the furtherance of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:12,25). With everyone working at this every day, we can successfully spread the gospel. And may we all constantly remind ourselves and each other not ever to grow weary in this matter, for in due season, we shall surely “reap if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9 KJV). —Joe Goodspeed, retired preacher

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets