On the sad side, we also count the number of robberies and violent crimes committed each day. We even count the number of people who die every day from starvation or disease. Counting fascinates us. Sometimes counting can interfere with what we are about, with who we are called to be as followers of Christ. We can keep our noses buried so deeply in our ledgers and account books that we forget to enjoy life and to care for one another.
Numbers can become more important than people.
We can be so busy counting and calculating that we miss the beauty of the world around us. There is value in keeping up with numbers, but sometimes it s just better to enjoy and let someone else worry about the accounting. Before you answer Lord, let me just say that I am prepared to go as high as seven times. That seems mathematically correct and merciful to me. Here s what I want you to do, Peter.