MONTHLY WORD
Kenny's Monthly Sound Word
Dressing In Layers
August 2006
It’s time to face another bone chilling Ohio Valley winter. As winter creeps toward us we begin adding layers of clothing. One of the things you learn quickly by living in this part of the country is the necessary art of dressing in layers. Layered dressing keeps you warm and safe from the harsh environment. It provides protection from everything from chapped skin to frostbite.

In considering this, I’m mindful of how important dressing in layers spiritually is as well. The Bible warns us in (Matt 24:12) that in the last days the love of most will “ wax cold.” What does it mean to “wax” cold? I can remember as a kid dripping hot candle wax on my finger. It sounds a bit sadistic now thinking back, but I was raised in a place where there wasn’t much to do, so you relish small adventures. Anyway, the first drop always carried a sting. The second lessened pain wise significantly, and the third fourth and fifth diminished so rapidly that there was no longer any sensation at all. There were only the layers of wax.

A friend of mine, Dennis Peacocke, made a statement that impacted my life years ago. He said, “the natural state of the garden is weeds.” This is true of the heart. If you aren’t proactive, the human heart will grow cold with layers of indifference and self preservation. Operating in self preservation mode can cause us to confuse insulation with isolation. The two couldn’t be further apart. An isolated heart always ends up cold while an insulated heart stays warm.

In another passage we learn that we’re to keep our hearts sincere through maintaining fervency in love. The Greek word for “fervent” carries an implication of heat. The word sincere is also interesting. I read somewhere that the word comes from the Latin “sin” meaning without, or no; and “cera” meaning wax. The article related the origin of the word to the art of sculpting. Obviously there were no Olan Mills or Glamour Shots in those days. If you wanted a likeness, you had to commission a painter or a sculptor. The article related that some of the sculptors would keep a mixture of ground marble and wax to repair mistakes and blemishes. This worked great until the hot summer sun began to melt Uncle Flavious’ nose off. It was said that patrons would tell the artist they wanted their piece to be “sin cera” no wax. The only way to keep your heart “sin cera” is to work at it. Being fervent in your love for each other will keep hour heart free from wax build up.

Work hard at keeping from isolating yourself by layers of privacy and self interest. Instead, insulate yourself by dressing your life in layers of openness, and interaction through developing relationships with a spiritual coach. The best way to protect your heart and keep it warm, safe and “sin cera” is to open it to God and to the other people surrounding you.

So as you add your external layers for winter, be sure you keep your internal layers intact and well maintained.
 
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