We left off last time with a discussion of integrity. I have another story for you:
He had finally gotten his chance to make the Really Big Sale. He was going into the final interview on the biggest contract he had ever written. As he was ushered into the office of the executive buyer, an assistant brought coffee and left. The atmosphere was cordial, and he knew he was giving his best presentation ever.
Then the assistant tapped on the door, re-entered the office and spoke briefly with the executive. She stood and said, "I apologize, but I have to tend to a matter. I'll just be a minute or two." She followed her assistant out of the room.
The sales representative looked around the beautifully appointed office. He saw family pictures on her desk. Then he noticed a contract on her desk. She had evidently been studying a bid from a competitor. Leaning forward, he could see the column of figures, but it was obscured by a diet soda can.
He was tempted to move the can and see the bottom line of his competitor's bid. What harm possibly could there be in reading her private information? After all, she had left it out in plain sight, almost. After wrestling with himself a while, he finally decided to take a peek.
As he lifted the soda can, he discovered the can wasn't filled with soda at all. Instead it was a bottomless can filled with 1,000 BBs which gushed out, and ran all over the desk and cascaded onto the carpet. His attempt to short-cut the competition was exposed.
(Mickey Anders, Six Flags Over Jesus)
As in last week's story, where the Asian children all substituted seeds of their own for the emperor's seed, we see a person here without integrity. As Christians, we are given a guidebook for our behavior, and although we do not follow it perfectly, we must do our best to follow the teachings of our Lord. We are often shocked when people without integrity do not "play by the rules," and we are surprised that there are people who will say anything or do anything to get ahead. Sometimes this is as simple as embellishing one's record, but may be as brutal as slandering someone's reputation or plotting another's downfall. Some of our suffering may be due to actions such as these. What are we to do?
First, we must take heed of what Christ warned us about. Christ knew the challenges that we would face in this world, and yes, there really are people like that out there. In Matthew 10:16-17 he advised us,"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves." We must be aware of those wolves around us, and many of them are disquised as sheep.
Secondly, when hurt or taken advantage of, we are not allowed to retaliate or seek revenge. The scripture is clear on this, for it says in many places (Deut 32:35, Ps 94:1, Romans 12:19), "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." A few years back, someone sought to tarnish my reputation, and with one phone call I could have ended his career by revealing information about a misdeed he had done. God forbids this.
Thirdly, we are not to use the methods of the world to combat evil when in spritual warfare. Many of these attacks must be understood in that context. Some people, through their own fallen sin nature and lack of integrity will seek to advance themselves at our expense. However, some of these people are only instruments by which Satan seeks to carry our spiritual attacks upon us. II Cor 10:3-4 tells us, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds."
Finally, the really hard part, the part that I find nearly impossible. Romans 12:21 instructs us, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," and the most difficult of all for me, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). It is extremely difficult for me to pray for those who have tried to harm me. I would truly like to remain in the Old Testament with imprecatory Psalms such as Psalm 69:23-24, "Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; and make their loins shake continually, pour out Your indignation upon them, and let your wrathful anger take hold of them."
However, the New Testament and Christ's teaching holds us to a higher standard, as the passages above show. Paul, when wronged, knew he had to leave retribution to the Lord, as in II Tim 14: "Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works." But I hope Paul was able to also pray for Alexander, as Jesus commands. Christ was genuinely able to pray for his executioners, for in Luke 23:24, as He was dying, said, "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do." And it is hard for us to pray for people who have harmed us who know exactly what they are doing.
It is difficult to pray for someone with clenched teeth and balled fists. We must pray for God to soften our hearts to do the will of the Father, praying for those who have spitefully used us.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
The Emperor's Seed
There are many passages in the Bible that I find difficult, and some commandments that I find nearly impossible to keep. I should like to discuss one of these commandments with you, but first a story, called "The Emperor's Seed. It is an old story and many variations can be found.
Once there was an emperor in Asia who was growing old and decided it was time to choose a successor. Having no children of his own, he decided to find a promising young one to inherit his throne. He called the youth of his country together, and announced, "It is time for me to choose a fitting person unto whom I shall bequeath my kingdom. I will give to each of you a seed, and only one seed. These seeds come from the emperor's own garden, and have delighted me by producing the finest flowers. Each of you must take your seed, return home with it, and water it and nurture it. You will return to me in one year with your flowers, and I shall inspect and judge your results. The one who brings me the finest flower shall take my place on the throne."
Amongst the youth was a young boy, Chou, and he received his seed just as the others. He returned to his home and gathered a pot and fertile soil, and planted his seed that very day. He diligently looked after it, watering it and fertilizing it and placing it in the sunshine. With great care he tended to it, but nothing grew. Nothing.
The other youth of his village began excitedly talking about their first growths, then the buds, and then their flowers. Word spread between the villages and provinces, with tales of horticultural masterpieces. Over the months, the many flowers were the topic of great discussion and comparison and praise. Many had tall plants and beautiful blooms. Yet Chou's pot remained empty. Several months later, Chou realized his seed was dead, and despite his finest efforts, felt convinced of his responsibility and failure.
At the end of the year, the emperor called all those in his kingdom who had recieved their seed to return and show him what they had accomplished. Chou had decided not to go, for he was ashamed of his empty, barren, dirt-filled receptacle. His parents insisted, however, that he obey the command of the emperor and return, to honestly show his work.
When Chou arrived, the young from all over had brought the fruits of their labor, and the emperor's courtyard was filled with the astonishing sights and smells of the plants and flourishing blossoms of all sizes and shapes, everywhere. Chou's cheeks reddened as he placed his pot down in the yard.
The crowd quieted quickly as the emperor arrived. "Today, I shall choose an emperor from among you. First, I must inspect the many beautiful flowers and plants you have brought me." Chou hung his head in shame, yet the emperor's gaze set upon him. The emperor quickly ordered his guards to bring Chou foward, along with his empty pot. Chou was sickened by this, and felt cold and fearful. He dreaded being held out to all the others as an example of failure. He was certain that his failure would lead to punishment, as well.
The emperor demanded his name. "My name is Chou," he replied. The crowd hurled insults at him as he held his dirty pot, and as he shook, the dirt spilled from it. The emperor yelled, "Silence!," and the crowd hushed. Then, he ordered everyone to kneel, and as Chou knelt, he expected a blow to his head. "Behold!" spoke the emperor, pulling Chou to his feet. I give you your new emperor!
"One year ago to this very day, each of you was given a seed. You were to plant it, tend to it, water and nurture it, and return to me with your flower. Yet all of you were given seeds that had been boiled, which cannot grow. All of you save this honest boy Chou have returned to me with trees and plants and flowers, which came not from the seeds which I gave you, but seeds of your own which you dishonestly placed in your pots when you saw that the given seed would not grow. The only seed of my own to be returned to me is Chou's, and only a man of integrity shall be emperor."
Many of you remember from your studies of math the term integer, which we use to describe a whole number, rather than a fraction. The word integer comes from the Latin, which means "whole" or "complete." This led to another Latin word, integritatem, meaning "soundness," "wholeness," or "blamelessness," and it is from this last word that we get our word "integrity." A person of integrity is a "whole" person, without deficiency of character, such as lack of honesty or fidelity.
Sometimes, we are hurt by others who lack integrity. We expect people to be honest, keep their word, and play by the rules. We are shocked when this does not happen. I will more fully explore this in my next post, but leave you with my my troubling Bible verse to ponder, Matthew 5:44.
TO BE CONTINUED
Once there was an emperor in Asia who was growing old and decided it was time to choose a successor. Having no children of his own, he decided to find a promising young one to inherit his throne. He called the youth of his country together, and announced, "It is time for me to choose a fitting person unto whom I shall bequeath my kingdom. I will give to each of you a seed, and only one seed. These seeds come from the emperor's own garden, and have delighted me by producing the finest flowers. Each of you must take your seed, return home with it, and water it and nurture it. You will return to me in one year with your flowers, and I shall inspect and judge your results. The one who brings me the finest flower shall take my place on the throne."
Amongst the youth was a young boy, Chou, and he received his seed just as the others. He returned to his home and gathered a pot and fertile soil, and planted his seed that very day. He diligently looked after it, watering it and fertilizing it and placing it in the sunshine. With great care he tended to it, but nothing grew. Nothing.
The other youth of his village began excitedly talking about their first growths, then the buds, and then their flowers. Word spread between the villages and provinces, with tales of horticultural masterpieces. Over the months, the many flowers were the topic of great discussion and comparison and praise. Many had tall plants and beautiful blooms. Yet Chou's pot remained empty. Several months later, Chou realized his seed was dead, and despite his finest efforts, felt convinced of his responsibility and failure.
At the end of the year, the emperor called all those in his kingdom who had recieved their seed to return and show him what they had accomplished. Chou had decided not to go, for he was ashamed of his empty, barren, dirt-filled receptacle. His parents insisted, however, that he obey the command of the emperor and return, to honestly show his work.
When Chou arrived, the young from all over had brought the fruits of their labor, and the emperor's courtyard was filled with the astonishing sights and smells of the plants and flourishing blossoms of all sizes and shapes, everywhere. Chou's cheeks reddened as he placed his pot down in the yard.
The crowd quieted quickly as the emperor arrived. "Today, I shall choose an emperor from among you. First, I must inspect the many beautiful flowers and plants you have brought me." Chou hung his head in shame, yet the emperor's gaze set upon him. The emperor quickly ordered his guards to bring Chou foward, along with his empty pot. Chou was sickened by this, and felt cold and fearful. He dreaded being held out to all the others as an example of failure. He was certain that his failure would lead to punishment, as well.
The emperor demanded his name. "My name is Chou," he replied. The crowd hurled insults at him as he held his dirty pot, and as he shook, the dirt spilled from it. The emperor yelled, "Silence!," and the crowd hushed. Then, he ordered everyone to kneel, and as Chou knelt, he expected a blow to his head. "Behold!" spoke the emperor, pulling Chou to his feet. I give you your new emperor!
"One year ago to this very day, each of you was given a seed. You were to plant it, tend to it, water and nurture it, and return to me with your flower. Yet all of you were given seeds that had been boiled, which cannot grow. All of you save this honest boy Chou have returned to me with trees and plants and flowers, which came not from the seeds which I gave you, but seeds of your own which you dishonestly placed in your pots when you saw that the given seed would not grow. The only seed of my own to be returned to me is Chou's, and only a man of integrity shall be emperor."
Many of you remember from your studies of math the term integer, which we use to describe a whole number, rather than a fraction. The word integer comes from the Latin, which means "whole" or "complete." This led to another Latin word, integritatem, meaning "soundness," "wholeness," or "blamelessness," and it is from this last word that we get our word "integrity." A person of integrity is a "whole" person, without deficiency of character, such as lack of honesty or fidelity.
Sometimes, we are hurt by others who lack integrity. We expect people to be honest, keep their word, and play by the rules. We are shocked when this does not happen. I will more fully explore this in my next post, but leave you with my my troubling Bible verse to ponder, Matthew 5:44.
TO BE CONTINUED
Monday, March 5, 2012
Falling on a Grenade
I am from Wilson, a small town in eastern North Carolina. In days gone by, that part of the state was the tobacco capital of the United States. About seventy miles to the east lies another small town, Plymouth, which is located on the Roanoke River. It's most recent population is about four thousand souls. It was there that Jack Lucas was born in 1928, son of a tobacco farmer.
Jack was quite an athlete in junior high school, and was stout and muscular. By the time he was fourteen years old, he stood about five feet, eight inches tall and weighed around one hundred eighty. It was this impressive build that allowed him to fake his way into the Marines in 1942, claiming he was seventeen. He had a burning desire to see combat, and would allow nothing to stand in his way. By 1944 he had worked his way over to Honolulu, and it was there that his deception fell apart when he wrote a letter to his girlfriend and disclosed his age. Plans were made to ship him back to the States, but he stowed away on a ship headed to Iwo Jima. He turned seventeen while at sea.
He joined a four man rifle team and headed into battle the day after landing on Iwo. While in a ravine, the team came under fire, and two grenades were tossed into their midst. To save the lives of the others, Jack jumped on the first grenade and buried it under himself in the volcanic sand. He then reached out and grabbed the other grenade and pulled it under him as well. His body absorbed the explosion and saved the lives of his fellow Americans.
Falling on a grenade to save others in combat is almost always fatal. It has been said that this specific act has resulted in more Medal of Honor citations than any other act of bravery. And lest you think that this type of heroism is only something seen long ago, you should know that all four of the Medal of Honor recipients in the Iraq War received them posthumously, and two of these were for falling on grenades.
Jesus tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one other than this, that to lay down one's life for his friends." The act of heroism of these men reminds us of Christ willingly sacrificing Himself to save us. In the battle of God against Satan, Jesus knew of the lives that would be eternally saved by his death, but it somehow seems different. Those courageous soldiers died trying to save their comrades; Jesus died for God's enemies. "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10)
I who sit here writing this and you who sit there reading this are doing so because many brave men before us died to make it safe for us to do so. Even now, as your eyes track these words, men and women are putting themselves into great peril for us, and yes, some of them are dying. Because of the clandestine nature of the work of some of them, you will never know of their sacrifice. They die violently but quietly, and their passage will be unknown to you. Few but the grieved widows and fatherless children will know the cost of our freedom to live as we please here in America.
Although Christ must receive our highest praise and honor, by His death giving us life everlasting, let us also give honor to those whose ultimate gift gives us liberty. I implore you to go to your local movie theater to see "Act of Valor," currently playing. It has active dury military members demonstrating to you what they are presently doing to keep you safe and comfortable. Yes, it is rated "R" for violence and language, and that may dissuade some of you. War is not fought peacefully and on polite terms.
Jack Lucas was one of the few people to survive falling on a grenade. Only one of the grenades burst, the other being a dud. Near death, he underwent twenty-six operations and still had over two hundred pieces of shrapnel remain in his body. He was the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Civil War. He passed away in June, 2008, at the age of eighty.
Jack was quite an athlete in junior high school, and was stout and muscular. By the time he was fourteen years old, he stood about five feet, eight inches tall and weighed around one hundred eighty. It was this impressive build that allowed him to fake his way into the Marines in 1942, claiming he was seventeen. He had a burning desire to see combat, and would allow nothing to stand in his way. By 1944 he had worked his way over to Honolulu, and it was there that his deception fell apart when he wrote a letter to his girlfriend and disclosed his age. Plans were made to ship him back to the States, but he stowed away on a ship headed to Iwo Jima. He turned seventeen while at sea.
He joined a four man rifle team and headed into battle the day after landing on Iwo. While in a ravine, the team came under fire, and two grenades were tossed into their midst. To save the lives of the others, Jack jumped on the first grenade and buried it under himself in the volcanic sand. He then reached out and grabbed the other grenade and pulled it under him as well. His body absorbed the explosion and saved the lives of his fellow Americans.
Falling on a grenade to save others in combat is almost always fatal. It has been said that this specific act has resulted in more Medal of Honor citations than any other act of bravery. And lest you think that this type of heroism is only something seen long ago, you should know that all four of the Medal of Honor recipients in the Iraq War received them posthumously, and two of these were for falling on grenades.
Jesus tells us in John 15:13, "Greater love has no one other than this, that to lay down one's life for his friends." The act of heroism of these men reminds us of Christ willingly sacrificing Himself to save us. In the battle of God against Satan, Jesus knew of the lives that would be eternally saved by his death, but it somehow seems different. Those courageous soldiers died trying to save their comrades; Jesus died for God's enemies. "For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10)
I who sit here writing this and you who sit there reading this are doing so because many brave men before us died to make it safe for us to do so. Even now, as your eyes track these words, men and women are putting themselves into great peril for us, and yes, some of them are dying. Because of the clandestine nature of the work of some of them, you will never know of their sacrifice. They die violently but quietly, and their passage will be unknown to you. Few but the grieved widows and fatherless children will know the cost of our freedom to live as we please here in America.
Although Christ must receive our highest praise and honor, by His death giving us life everlasting, let us also give honor to those whose ultimate gift gives us liberty. I implore you to go to your local movie theater to see "Act of Valor," currently playing. It has active dury military members demonstrating to you what they are presently doing to keep you safe and comfortable. Yes, it is rated "R" for violence and language, and that may dissuade some of you. War is not fought peacefully and on polite terms.
Jack Lucas was one of the few people to survive falling on a grenade. Only one of the grenades burst, the other being a dud. Near death, he underwent twenty-six operations and still had over two hundred pieces of shrapnel remain in his body. He was the youngest recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Civil War. He passed away in June, 2008, at the age of eighty.
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