A Light In Darkness
I can no longer tell you how many times I have heard some Christian whining that they are truly trapped. Especially at work. You know the story, you've heard it too. About how hard it is to be a Christian when surrounded by such people at work. The people that always cuss, talk about their sexual exploits outside their marriage, about their drinking binges, etc.
Well, they don't come to me looking for pity twice.
I spent over 15 years in the Navy as a Christian, and is the reputation of sailors any higher than what I just described above? Do you really believe that 'construction workers' or 'newspaper workers' or 'warehouse workers' are any better? Or worse?
The reason people don't come back to me and whine a second time, is because I hit them between the eyes with a promise that they made, and have forgotten. (So have I. Actually, they do come back, mostly to get support because they know I know EXACTLY how they feel, for I visit this place too often myself! More on that later.)
In almost every case, the conversation has gone something like this, after they whine for a while.
"Gee, sounds like you are surrounded by darkness."
"I sure am."
"Well, did you ever pray that thing out of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus says, "Let your light so shine before others in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
"Sure, what's that got to do with this?"
"Well, no flashlight casts a lot of light in broad daylight. They work a lot better in the dark bowels of the ship, surrounded by darkness. I never could tell if the flashlight is even on in the middle of the day, but it's easy to tell if it's working when you use it in the dark. Maybe God granted you that request by surrounding you in darkness so that your light could shine?"
"Oh, no!" (or words to that effect)
Another way to say the same thing, is to take them to Psalm 23. Ah, such a favorite. Yet then I ask them if their table is prepared. They say yes. Then I ask why they are focusing on the enemies that surround them while the table is prepared. Shouldn't they be focusing on the table and who prepared it? Especially if hungry, I can focus on the food. But if I think I am okay, and don't need the food, I can focus on being surrounded, too!
They walk away, some upset that I didn't buy into their victimology, others grateful that I do understand. Of course, what I don't want to admit, is that I know EXACTLY how they feel. After all, at times I think that I am the only Christian who sees Gods' view in this! You see, I fall into the same trap and need them to remind me to ask God's help to avoid it next time! Hey, I didn't say I am perfect, I am under construction!
- The Apostle's Doctrine (March, 2003)
- The Battle Between Good and Evil (January, 2003)
- Heaven's Boot Camp (January, 2003)
- Cancer Cells of the Body (January, 2003)
- Born Again/Saved? (January, 2003)
- Harmony in the Orchestra (October, 2002)
- Carpenter's Tools (October 2002)
- Serve the Bride or Love the Groom (June 2002)
- David Seceded Saul (May 2002)
- Personal Relationship With Jesus? Hah! (April 2002)
- Literal reading of the Bible? (March, 2002)
- The Parable of the Sower (December, 2001)
- But Coach, you don't understand!
- A Light in Darkness is supposed to be surrounded!
- How are piles of manure and ships in harbor related?
- Should we educate using mass production techniques?
- Lenses stained by blood are red!
- Who is responsible for my salvation?
- What does the 3rd commandment really mean? (Updated Nov, 2010)
- If Satan is present in your life, what does that mean?
- Are you focusing on your spiritual growth? Oops!
- Daddy, why does an iron get out wrinkles?
- Why did John baptize people?
- True, but not helpful!