During the turbulent days of the Reformation some of Luther’s followers went on a rampage invading churches and smashing statues. Returning to him with pride they presented him with some of the shards. How surprised they were when instead of being pleased he said to them, “How dare you destroy that which would help a man with his devotions.”
God has not called us to denigrate and debase. Quite to the contrary. He calls us to a life uplifting others and the proclaiming the Good News. Truth does not need to ridicule that which is false or wrong. Truth will shine on its own virtue. Jesus said, “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32. In Ephesians Paul spoke of the breastplate of righteousness, the sword which is the Word, your feet shod with peace, the shield of faith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked. Please note there is nothing destructive here.
Before we pass along emails or rumors we should ask ourselves, “Is this uplifting? Is this true or is this something that just happens to negatively reinforce my prejudice against someone, something or someone’s faith?” How important it is to spend one’s limited life, limited resources, limited intelligence and limited energy promoting “whatsoever is true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8.
This is a time of year to rejoice with all mankind the wonder of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. This is a time to forget our narrowly drawn groupings and praise God for His family that lives in many mansions.
Written by Roger Bothwell on April 3, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org