By Doug Strickel
I was recently reading the story of Matthew in the New Testament. Now, whether you are a Bible reader or not, this story is one that many of us can relate to in some manner.
Matthew was a tax collector for the Roman Empire. He was Jewish but employed by the Romans to collect taxes on their behalf. In such a position, Matthew was despised by most Jews. The tax system at that time was extremely burdensome to say the least. It was not uncommon for tax collectors to levy additional burdens on people to enrich their personal collection as well.
While the life of a tax collector limited potential friend groups to fellow tax collectors, they were financially well off. Matthew likely possessed strong organizational, financial, and administrative skills, but was probably very isolated in many ways. He presumably had Roman guards that escorted him to and from his place of work and remained present with him during his workday.
Matthew was financially secure and comfortable, but socially and emotionally isolated from anyone beyond his immediate family and fellow tax collectors. He was on the outside looking in on many life events that did not welcome him. His relationship with the Romans and the Jewish community was purely transactional.
Jesus came by one day and called Matthew to leave his comfortable, financially secure position and follow him. He had evidently been intrigued by Jesus’s teaching and speaking prior to that calling and immediately resigned his position (no two-week notice) and left with Jesus.
To fully grasp this decision, let’s consider the following. Matthew likely got this position through a family connection or inherited the family profession. It was likely all he had ever known. He was financially secure and protected by the Romans. He lived a comfortable life in many respects.
He was, however, also likely troubled, empty, insecure, and searching.
I wonder how many of us are like Matthew in some respect. We are in a comfortable job but are convinced that we were meant for more. We aren’t fulfilled, aren’t using our gifts, or we long for something else but are afraid of the risk of change.
Maybe we are in a bad relationship but aren’t willing to leave for fear of being alone. Maybe we are accepted by a friend group that brings out the worst, and we know we deserve better but fear rejection by others.
So many accept a predictable bad over a possible good because of the uncertainty of change. That possible good could also be worse. So, we choose the comfort of unhappiness, emptiness, or despair, over trying something new.
If you are reading this article and that’s you, I encourage you to consider the following:
- Value yourself. While there are seasons of life where we encounter obstacles and just need to press on, we don’t need to dwell in unfulfillment just because it removes uncertainty. You are worthy of better.
- Value the right voices. You don’t need to listen to everyone and sure don’t need to listen to yourself at times. Seek out wise counsel from people who are interested in your best and not their benefit.
- Value fulfillment over financial security and comfort. Those who seek security and comfort from what the world offers will be chasing it for a lifetime. If you choose fulfillment, peace, and solid relationships, you will likely find yourself secure in your life.
- Value long-term peace over short-term security. Sure, you may go through a period of uncertainty to find your “better” place, but it will be worth it in the long-term!
Matthew chose to walk away and chose an uncertain path. That uncertain path is still impacting people’s lives today. He made a wise choice!
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