To quote Momma Gump, “stupid is as stupid does.” Since truth reveals what is right, one would have to be stupid to believe or do differently. When considering the number of stupid things I’ve done in my life, I’d be stupid to deny my stupidity. Therefore, I have to answer, yes, I am stupid and yes there is something wrong with me. It’s called sin.
There is a part of me that does what I know is not smart but does it anyway. I’m not completely dumb. I do know the difference between right and wrong and agree that doing what is right is smart. How then can I be so stupid when I know better? Because I’m a sinner and sinners are stupid. However, I’m not totally stupid. In fact, I become less stupid every day as the genius in me grows stronger in the knowledge and power of grace.
Grace makes me someone else, someone possessed and controlled by the source of all knowledge and wisdom. My ability to think is but a drop in the ocean of his intelligence. The more I grow in the knowledge of him, the dumber I realize I am and the less stupid I am compelled to be as he teaches me how to get out of the way. The more dumb I realize I am, the less qualified I feel to call someone else stupid. Dumb and stupid actions look the same after all.
Dumb people appreciate instruction. Smart people who do stupid things will appreciate the reminder of what is right and the grace sufficient enough to cover their stupidity. Sometimes, dumb people just think they are smart, which they would realize is stupid if they were able to hear and understand the truth. Since I’m still so dumb, who am I to say why someone else is being stupid? It would be stupid for me to try. Therefore, I’ll show grace and speak the truth to everyone, assuming everyone wants to be smart. Since I can’t tell the difference, I’ll let God deal with the stupid ones. He dealt with me.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Worthy of Remembrance
I can't imagine anyone who enlists expects to die as a result of their commitment to serve. To the contrary, I believe thoughts of proudly serving our country, protecting our families and freedom, possibilities of adventure, and the opportunity to use well the training and resources provided are the main motivating thoughts that fill the minds of trainees. Those were my thoughts. However, the reality of the possibility of paying the ultimate sacrifice never went away and I hoped I would be able to face it with courage and honor should it be required of me. I admire those on whom we reflect today who did.
Though I am no longer a soldier in the Army, I still maintain my military code of honor and duty through the Biblical calling I have accepted as a soldier engaged in spiritual warfare. While I never faced battle physically, I am a veteran in the spiritual realm. The battle is intense and there are many casualties I have mourned and continue to witness. Many in our army are discouraged, undisciplined, distracted from the fight or have deserted completely. Unlike serving in the American Army, I have no hope of survival as a Christian since I face certain death. However, despite present circumstances, the cause is guaranteed to be victorious as is my reward of a new body and eternal life. My mind is set on staying focused on my mission and the reality of the cost and importance of my service, that lives are in danger and depend on my performing well as I have been trained and empowered to do. I hope I will be remembered well by those who knew me as a hero of the faith, as an embodiment of the Savior, like those we remember today for what they did. I hope I will be honored before my Father when I meet him face to face to give account for the results of my mission. My greatest hope is to receive the highest Medal of Honor in heaven, the words spoken by my Father, "Well done!" Such honor is worth dying for. His glory is worth living for. So, for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I am one among the hosts of saints sent forth by God toward victory over the forces of darkness. May all I am, do and say be for his glory alone and worthy of remembrance among the other heroes of the faith.
Though I am no longer a soldier in the Army, I still maintain my military code of honor and duty through the Biblical calling I have accepted as a soldier engaged in spiritual warfare. While I never faced battle physically, I am a veteran in the spiritual realm. The battle is intense and there are many casualties I have mourned and continue to witness. Many in our army are discouraged, undisciplined, distracted from the fight or have deserted completely. Unlike serving in the American Army, I have no hope of survival as a Christian since I face certain death. However, despite present circumstances, the cause is guaranteed to be victorious as is my reward of a new body and eternal life. My mind is set on staying focused on my mission and the reality of the cost and importance of my service, that lives are in danger and depend on my performing well as I have been trained and empowered to do. I hope I will be remembered well by those who knew me as a hero of the faith, as an embodiment of the Savior, like those we remember today for what they did. I hope I will be honored before my Father when I meet him face to face to give account for the results of my mission. My greatest hope is to receive the highest Medal of Honor in heaven, the words spoken by my Father, "Well done!" Such honor is worth dying for. His glory is worth living for. So, for me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. I am one among the hosts of saints sent forth by God toward victory over the forces of darkness. May all I am, do and say be for his glory alone and worthy of remembrance among the other heroes of the faith.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)