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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 216 August 01, 2001
Saffron
Saffron. Defined by Webster as “ n. Crocus sativus a crocus cultivated for its flowers, whose stigmas yield an orange substance used for coloring and flavoring food // this substance // the color of this substance.”
I started thinking about saffron the other day when I was trying to describe the color of a Buddhist robe.
Saffron is something that amazes me. It is delicately flavored and brightly colored. It can be purchased in the spice aisle of your neighbourhood grocer.
It wasn’t always so easily available. For centuries, saffron was a commodity worth far more than gold. Fortunes were made and lives lost in the saffron trade.
Before the crocus was commonly cultivated, people had to find the crocus and then collect its stamens. It takes an incredible amount of crocus stamens to yield a pound of saffron.
Even when the crocus was cultivated, and the gathering became easier, there were still the risks associated with any cultivated crop. It still took a lot of stamens to make a pound of saffron.
The time, money and effort invested (and often lost) in producing a spice/dye boggles my mind. It’s tasty enough and pretty enough, but what has it added to the world that is of lasting value?
As people we have strange priorities. We will invest our entire lives in something of transient value.
We chase down illusive dreams. We go to great lengths for things that in the long run have little or no value.
How much extra time did you invest in your last promotion? I’m not talking about the need to always do a good job, but the extra overtime and heartbreak, the stress to move up the ladder. Are you truly any happier, or are you already looking at the next rung on the ladder?
How much money did you spend to buy the new big screen television? How many hours did you have to work? Does it still satisfy?
Imagine if you can, and I’m not sure I can, what this world would be like if believers spent the kind of effort and time they invest in transient things into being right with God and doing what they are called to do.
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV
Where are you investing?
Until next time, may your focus and efforts be on things of eternal value.
God bless.
Kevin
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved