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My Utmost for today talks about prayer as the greater works that Jesus referred to. It makes me think of another analogy. A man finds a woman who he is attracted to and who is rather famous. She shows great interest in him and they want to got married. The strange thing is, instead of spending quiet, lingering romantic hours together falling deeper in love, he only calls her occasionally to quiz her on information about facts from her life or ask for favors. He then uses this information to impress others that he has an inside track to her life. He visits talk shows and tends to brag about his connections to this famous lady. He name drops at strategic times to use her influence to get him into circles he could not otherwise enter. He uses her reputation and popularity to his own advantage in business deals and feels very proud of his ability to maneuver circumstances for his favor. He feels himself very blessed because of his connection with her and looks forward to a long and lucrative relationship.
However, he is so busy taking advantage of his good fortune that he only has very little time to actually spend with her. Oh, he knows it is very important and he is very careful to carve out well planned visits. However even during the visits he does most of the talking. Most of the little listening he does do is to compile answers to his queries about her history, her connections and her extensive estate. He can't wait till they get married so he will have much more access to her secret files and be able to help manipulate – rather, manage – her vast resources. He is very proud to be publicly viewed in her good graces and is very concerned that no one mars his reputation as her chosen fiance´. (see Matt. 7:23)
