Love Is EnoughNäide

TOUGH SKIN

Did you ever hear anyone say, ‘that person has tough skin?’ Having tough skin means the person lacks sensitivity and is not easily offended. Many times, a career becomes part of the reason for a person to become tough-skinned. My late husband was in the tax assessment business for several years, and it is true; no one likes the tax assessor.

“As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum? When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:9-13

My husband’s job wasn’t to collect taxes. It entailed assessing properties to establish its annual real estate tax. The Apostle Matthew (Levi) in the Bible had a career that was not popular. When Jesus called Matthew to follow him, he was a tax collector (or “publican”); one of the most reviled professions in ancient Judaism. When a career involves the pocket of mankind, all kinds of accusations are made.

If left go, the tough skin heart could become hardened.

In today’s exercise, has anything or anyone toughened your skin? Jot down things or situations or people that may have made your skin a little thicker.

“Yes, Jesus classified the tax collectors as sinners, but in other scripture, He classified all as sinners!” Read Romans 3:23

As you think about this, ask yourself if part of your heart has hardened?

Today in your chat with the Lord, talk to him about these situations. If this hasn’t happened to you, then go to God with a thankful heart and ask Him how you can continue to carry the light to those in your circle.