There is the fable about a village where the men decided they had no choice but to destroy a stealthy fox that was wreaking havoc on them, killing their children and maiming their hunters.
No one could face up to the animal directly so they decided to set a trap to make it self-destruct.
The next evening, the fox came out of its hiding place in search for blood. As it crept across the snowy street, looking for a prey, it picked up the scent of blood and soon found the exact spot. With its pulse racing with excitement, the fox frantically dug beneath the snow with its paws.
Without pausing to think that there could be any danger associated with its discovery of a shiny metal covered in fresh blood, the fox began to lick at the blood. The fox couldn’t get enough and soon the razor sharp knife left deep lacerations on its tongue. The ice numbed its tongue and numbed the pain. Even though Mr. Fox was by now swallowing its own blood, it was too late to stop. As the fox got weaker and weaker it lay down in seeming ecstasy, not realizing that it was submitting to death.
A gory story no doubt, but full of lessons.
There is a tendency for people to loose their common sense in the face of godless passions, especially when they think no one can see.
Godless passion – Something a person craves, loves and enjoys but which can destroy the person (according to nuggets of gold dictionary)
The truth is that godless passions are a weakness and a trap for a future fall. They should be treated in the same way that one treats the weakness that comes from sickness and disease. For example, the sense of sickness drives even the strongest person to God in prayer or scrambling to the doctor for an examination.
Why is spiritual sickness, - adultery, prostitution, drug use, uncontrolled anger, etc., treated differently?
Things could have turned out differently for The Governor of New York - Spitzer. He could have seen a counselor about his strange desires; he could have discussed his secret passions with his wife, it seems she does care for him, the way she has stood solidly beside him through the trauma of the last few days. He could have cried to God for help, but he didn’t, because he craved and enjoyed his peculiar godless passion.
But then a big question - How could a person condemn so publicly and with such vigor; but then also habour similar vices in the corner of his heart.
That is the question many are throwing at the New York Governor, but then I wonder how many of those throwing these stones are doing so with a free conscience.
I wonder what secret godless passions we also enjoy, that have a stronghold on our will, which could make us loose those things that are dear to us – family, respect, careers.
Maybe it’s time to deal with them now….
2nd Samuel
5: So David’s anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die. …
7: Then Nathan said to David, - “You are the man,…
Showing posts with label Righteous Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Righteous Living. Show all posts
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Naomi .. no not Campbell
Naomi was a country woman who found life in her rural hometown increasingly difficult. There was a famine and the economy was bad. Together with her husband and two sons she relocated to greener pastures, far away, in the land of Moab. At first life was beautiful; they settled in a lovely home, got good jobs and their handsome sons soon attracted two lovely women and got married.
Nevertheless Naomi was a Godly woman, and her heart grieved day by day as she witnessed the godlessness and pagan traditions of the Moabites – worship of pagan gods, sacrifice of their virgin daughters, institutionalization of temple prostitution. It was difficult but she managed to remain unstained by continuing to worship and live for the one true God.
But then, without any warning at all, life dealt her a deadly blow. Her husband died. Before she could recover from that; her sons also died one after the other. Her wealth and relative comfort, no longer brought her joy. The strange land she lived in, offered her no comfort and she decided to go back home. At least there she would be among friends and family who would understand her.
Strangely however, her daughters-in-law, Oprah and Ruth decided to go with her. Even though she was touched, she convinced them otherwise. They were at the risk of leaving their people and going to a strange land, the same mistake she made many years ago. Better they stay were they are and remarry. Oprah took counsel from her but Ruth insisted. Her decision was from her heart and nothing would make her change her mind. She sensed that her destiny was tied with that of Ruth. It took some poetry to help her express the depth of what she really felt in her heart. She looked deep into Naomi’s eyes and said
Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to return from following after you:
For where you go, I will go
and where you live I will live:
Your people will be my people,
and your God my God:
Ruth1:16
Wonderful story. But there is one Big Question – What could make a young widow with no children, take a decision to leave her homeland and all she holds dear to accompany an aging mother in law to re-settle in a strange land; to embrace the woman’s people whom she had never seen before and to embrace the woman’s God????
There could be only one answer – Naomi must have been a picture of the one true God. Naomi must have lived a pure life that revealed the goodness, power and glory of God to all those who were close to her.
Remember that song?
God, Let my life be a picture of You
Let my life be a picture of You
Let it be a letter written by your hand
For the world to see and to know
That you are, living in me
And this is a great challenge for Christians of this generation. It is common knowledge that many times we have to introduce ourselves as born again Christians; and even then people wonder if we truly are. Actions speak louder than words. It is sometimes easier to blend with the practises in our environment, families and organisations rather than stand up for what we know is true.
May God help us to become a true light that men would see and give glory to God. May our lives make others desire to live for God alone.
Amen
P.s. I was fascinated with the picture above which i got from the net. I think it depicts the union first between God and Naomi and then also between Naomi and Ruth. I got it from the source below
http://www.heartlight.org/gallery/1285.html
Nevertheless Naomi was a Godly woman, and her heart grieved day by day as she witnessed the godlessness and pagan traditions of the Moabites – worship of pagan gods, sacrifice of their virgin daughters, institutionalization of temple prostitution. It was difficult but she managed to remain unstained by continuing to worship and live for the one true God.
But then, without any warning at all, life dealt her a deadly blow. Her husband died. Before she could recover from that; her sons also died one after the other. Her wealth and relative comfort, no longer brought her joy. The strange land she lived in, offered her no comfort and she decided to go back home. At least there she would be among friends and family who would understand her.
Strangely however, her daughters-in-law, Oprah and Ruth decided to go with her. Even though she was touched, she convinced them otherwise. They were at the risk of leaving their people and going to a strange land, the same mistake she made many years ago. Better they stay were they are and remarry. Oprah took counsel from her but Ruth insisted. Her decision was from her heart and nothing would make her change her mind. She sensed that her destiny was tied with that of Ruth. It took some poetry to help her express the depth of what she really felt in her heart. She looked deep into Naomi’s eyes and said
Entreat me not to leave you,
Or to return from following after you:
For where you go, I will go
and where you live I will live:
Your people will be my people,
and your God my God:
Ruth1:16
Wonderful story. But there is one Big Question – What could make a young widow with no children, take a decision to leave her homeland and all she holds dear to accompany an aging mother in law to re-settle in a strange land; to embrace the woman’s people whom she had never seen before and to embrace the woman’s God????
There could be only one answer – Naomi must have been a picture of the one true God. Naomi must have lived a pure life that revealed the goodness, power and glory of God to all those who were close to her.
Remember that song?
God, Let my life be a picture of You
Let my life be a picture of You
Let it be a letter written by your hand
For the world to see and to know
That you are, living in me
And this is a great challenge for Christians of this generation. It is common knowledge that many times we have to introduce ourselves as born again Christians; and even then people wonder if we truly are. Actions speak louder than words. It is sometimes easier to blend with the practises in our environment, families and organisations rather than stand up for what we know is true.
May God help us to become a true light that men would see and give glory to God. May our lives make others desire to live for God alone.
Amen
P.s. I was fascinated with the picture above which i got from the net. I think it depicts the union first between God and Naomi and then also between Naomi and Ruth. I got it from the source below
http://www.heartlight.org/gallery/1285.html
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
ONE GLANCE CAN BE DANGEROUS
Dele saw her smile at him across the room. He should have looked away but he didn’t. In a split second, he realised that she looked pretty in a homely way, had a beautiful figure and wore her braids elegantly.
He didn’t know her name but became pleasurably aware of her. However he wasn’t going to do anything about it because he was happily married, content and loved his wife dearly. He had been married for ten years and had never slept with another woman since then.
He left the restaurant and went back to work. As he lay beside his wife later that night, thoughts of her attacked and penetrated his peace. That smile, those braids, the pretty face, the slim figure! He indulged himself and let the thoughts roll. He slept off much later with a happy smile on his face.
Two weeks later, he sat at an empty table at the same restaurant enjoying his lunch. A shadow fell across his meal. “Do you mind if I join you?” she asked in a most sonorous voice. He couldn’t say no. He enjoyed their chat and wished he could prolong the lunch hour.
A month later, they had dinner together. If she had been a hunter, clingy, or demanding in any way he would have found it easy to resist the attraction. But she was nice, selfless and pleasant and he often wondered if she was innocent.
During the next 3 months he spent all of his free time with her. It was just like a dream. He loved his wife but he enjoyed her company. An expensive indulgence; but he allowed himself to enjoy it.
Then one day she confronted him. He was responsible for her pregnancy. It was a mistake. She wanted an abortion. Could he please give her some money so she could do it at a professional hospital? He remembered he had always preached that - abortion is a sin against God. What was he going to do??
At that moment, his thoughts were with his wife. He loved her and didn’t want anything to come between them ever. How would she feel? The joyful memories of the past 3 months instantly faded away. He held his head in his hands.
How he wished that three months ago, he had looked away.
Matt 5:28-29 – “But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you…”
He didn’t know her name but became pleasurably aware of her. However he wasn’t going to do anything about it because he was happily married, content and loved his wife dearly. He had been married for ten years and had never slept with another woman since then.
He left the restaurant and went back to work. As he lay beside his wife later that night, thoughts of her attacked and penetrated his peace. That smile, those braids, the pretty face, the slim figure! He indulged himself and let the thoughts roll. He slept off much later with a happy smile on his face.
Two weeks later, he sat at an empty table at the same restaurant enjoying his lunch. A shadow fell across his meal. “Do you mind if I join you?” she asked in a most sonorous voice. He couldn’t say no. He enjoyed their chat and wished he could prolong the lunch hour.
A month later, they had dinner together. If she had been a hunter, clingy, or demanding in any way he would have found it easy to resist the attraction. But she was nice, selfless and pleasant and he often wondered if she was innocent.
During the next 3 months he spent all of his free time with her. It was just like a dream. He loved his wife but he enjoyed her company. An expensive indulgence; but he allowed himself to enjoy it.
Then one day she confronted him. He was responsible for her pregnancy. It was a mistake. She wanted an abortion. Could he please give her some money so she could do it at a professional hospital? He remembered he had always preached that - abortion is a sin against God. What was he going to do??
At that moment, his thoughts were with his wife. He loved her and didn’t want anything to come between them ever. How would she feel? The joyful memories of the past 3 months instantly faded away. He held his head in his hands.
How he wished that three months ago, he had looked away.
Matt 5:28-29 – “But I say to you, whoever looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you…”
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Called to be like Him
It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26) Why? They were so much like Christ that it was unbelievable. In character, in words and in power, they lived just like Jesus. They did not call themselves Christians, the non-believers did!
How different this is from our generation. Today, we call ourselves Christians but the unbelievers do not believe. They hardly see the character of Jesus in us; they hardly see the power, they hardly see any difference.
I am not saying that we are not different: we are! But they do not see it and if they don’t, then how will they come to embrace the salvation of God. It is so sad, that some of us are comfortable with being worldly. Today, unfortunately, some Christians give and take bribes; steal from their employers; flout the laws of the land; get angry without restraint; fornicate; look down with pride on those that God has by His grace lifted them above; all without a second thought.
The world looks and sneers. How sad! Some Christians even join the world to make fun of others!
Many times I wonder how God feels. No one is perfect, but He has given us the power to live holy lives. Most often the decision on how we live day by day is ours.
Let us remember that Jesus called us the light of the world. If we don’t shine, the world cannot see Him. God forbid that our character or way of life should be a stumbling block to those who would otherwise have found Christ. Amen!
How different this is from our generation. Today, we call ourselves Christians but the unbelievers do not believe. They hardly see the character of Jesus in us; they hardly see the power, they hardly see any difference.
I am not saying that we are not different: we are! But they do not see it and if they don’t, then how will they come to embrace the salvation of God. It is so sad, that some of us are comfortable with being worldly. Today, unfortunately, some Christians give and take bribes; steal from their employers; flout the laws of the land; get angry without restraint; fornicate; look down with pride on those that God has by His grace lifted them above; all without a second thought.
The world looks and sneers. How sad! Some Christians even join the world to make fun of others!
Many times I wonder how God feels. No one is perfect, but He has given us the power to live holy lives. Most often the decision on how we live day by day is ours.
Let us remember that Jesus called us the light of the world. If we don’t shine, the world cannot see Him. God forbid that our character or way of life should be a stumbling block to those who would otherwise have found Christ. Amen!
Friday, June 15, 2007
But Jesus did get angry...
True.
I also had to reconcile this in my mind as i studied the times that Jesus exhibited anger and this is what i discovered.
Jesus' anger was never to defend self. He was insulted, doubted, persecuted, spit upon, crucified but he was never angry for these personal reasons.
But He really got upset when anyone offended God. Like the traders who decided to set up shop in God's holy temple, or the pharisees who gave the people impossible laws to follow, or when the mother of James and John lobbied for a heavenly seat for their son. He spoke harshly to the pharisees when they blasphemed against the Holy Spirit.
Most of the reasons we get angry are selfish. Sometimes it can't be avoided but then it must be put aside immediately and it must be resolved before the sun goes down.
It will do us good to follow Jesus' example.
I also had to reconcile this in my mind as i studied the times that Jesus exhibited anger and this is what i discovered.
Jesus' anger was never to defend self. He was insulted, doubted, persecuted, spit upon, crucified but he was never angry for these personal reasons.
But He really got upset when anyone offended God. Like the traders who decided to set up shop in God's holy temple, or the pharisees who gave the people impossible laws to follow, or when the mother of James and John lobbied for a heavenly seat for their son. He spoke harshly to the pharisees when they blasphemed against the Holy Spirit.
Most of the reasons we get angry are selfish. Sometimes it can't be avoided but then it must be put aside immediately and it must be resolved before the sun goes down.
It will do us good to follow Jesus' example.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Ousting Anger
I have often heard an angry man (or woman) justify their anger by quoting the scripture in Ephesians 4:26 that says, “Be angry, but sin not…. .
But did God really give us this scripture to promote regular bouts of anger. I think not. Anger is an emotion by which we show how much we are displeased with a person or a situation. It easily gives birth to raised voices in heated rebukes and abuse; physical attack; hate, malice, and even murder. With this kind of offspring I believe that God would want us to do away with anger completely. Hear His word….
Eph 4:31 –Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice
- Clearly, God does not support anger
Col 3:8 – But now, you yourself are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice…
- This is a commandment
James 1: 20 – For the wrath of man does not promote God’s Righteousness
It never does
Prov 29: 22 – An angry man stirs up strife and a furious man abounds in transgression.
Anger translates to sin. Simple!
And lastly the full rendition of our text…Eph 4:26 Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger.
How easy is it to be angry and not sin?
How easy is it to put away your anger before the sun goes down? Especially if you become angry by say 5p.m. in the evening.
So let’s put away anger completely especially if you want to stay away from sin and if you want to promote God’s righteousness alone.
But did God really give us this scripture to promote regular bouts of anger. I think not. Anger is an emotion by which we show how much we are displeased with a person or a situation. It easily gives birth to raised voices in heated rebukes and abuse; physical attack; hate, malice, and even murder. With this kind of offspring I believe that God would want us to do away with anger completely. Hear His word….
Eph 4:31 –Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice
- Clearly, God does not support anger
Col 3:8 – But now, you yourself are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice…
- This is a commandment
James 1: 20 – For the wrath of man does not promote God’s Righteousness
It never does
Prov 29: 22 – An angry man stirs up strife and a furious man abounds in transgression.
Anger translates to sin. Simple!
And lastly the full rendition of our text…Eph 4:26 Be angry and do not sin, do not let the sun go down on your anger.
How easy is it to be angry and not sin?
How easy is it to put away your anger before the sun goes down? Especially if you become angry by say 5p.m. in the evening.
So let’s put away anger completely especially if you want to stay away from sin and if you want to promote God’s righteousness alone.
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