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There was a farmer who lived beside a big oak tree. One day he
saw a squirrel dashing into a hole at the bottom of the tree.
He watched and was furious when the squirrel emerged from
another hole that was at the top of the tree. The farmer was
furious! Should he not be surprised instead? He knew then that
the tree was hollow! He had to make some quick decisions.
Building another house would mean more money and that when the
strong wind comes there is no protection. He had to build a
stronger house which would be more expensive. On the other
hand, allowing the house to remain could mean trouble. When
the same strong wind comes, his house could be under a fallen
tree. His family would be in danger. He had another idea. He
shot the squirrel. What a strange decision! Do I hear you
murmur ‘strange’? Sure it was strange. Stranger yet is that
each time I tell the story, and then ask the listeners who
they think they are in the story, without much hesitation,
many quickly identify themselves with the squirrel. The
innocent one (squirrel) that got killed by simply pointing out
that the farmer picked a wrong place to build his house. So
far that I know, none has said that he is the farmer. Pride
has taught us that we cannot be the farmer. He made two wrong
decisions: first, he built the house next to a hollow tree and
second, he shot the poor squirrel. Who wants to be viewed like
him? Each one of us has pride which always prompts us to
declare that we are innocent or right.
We read time and again how that many were killed because they
pointed out the sins of the people. Those killed were God’s
messengers. They even crucified the Lord Jesus. “Who both
killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have
persecuted us…” (1 Thess 2:15). God gives each person a
free will but we soon develop this into our own pride. Pride,
again I write, prompts us to declare that we are innocent or
right. We either make our decision based on our own
understanding or we align ourselves with the one who has
influence. Advertisers play this out so successfully by using
some influential people. The thought is that if these people
in high standing use a certain product, surely they have made
the right choice. The consumer is also proud that he has made
the same decision as the one seen in the advertisement. Once
we have decided on what we intend to do, we are inclined to be
certain that we are correct (including those who killed the
messengers of God). “Every way of a man is right in his own
eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts” (Prov 21:2).
This attitude of wanting to be right, sometimes too adamantly
and arrogantly, has brought misery to mankind. Sadly, the
numerous wars were and still are the consequences of such an
attitude. We have stooped so low that many of us just cannot
live with those who do not agree with our views. We must have
our own way and we develop our relationship with another based
on the mutual agreement in chalking up the numbers of ideas we
have in common. “Can two walk together, except they be
agreed?” (Amos 3:3). Humanly, we say birds of the same
feather flock together. God also instructs us to live in
harmony with one another. “If it be possible, as much as
lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Rom 12:18). “As
we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith”
(Gal 6:10).
The Lord has given us many opportunities of service. As
Christians we ought to have a testimony that is glorifying to
the Almighty God whom we should serve with gratitude. He gave
us eternal life. Our prime duty is to tell others about this
good news of salvation. “Go ye therefore, and teach all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you
alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matt
28:19–20).
Let us each take stock of our lives and see what we have done
for the Lord. How many have we witnessed to and brought to the
fold? Can we live peaceably with others? I pray that we put
our pride aside and look to the Lord to grant us the talent
and time to do His work. In His wisdom He has been fair to
give every person one second each time. Have you wondered as
to why we cannot get our time in bigger blocks and in advance?
He wants us to count each second and to use it with profit
for the Lord. There are many tasks awaiting us. Let us dig in
and be engrossed to do a faithful job for the Lord. Be
profitable for the Master.
I am sorry to say that while we perceive that we are the
squirrel in the story above, we are not! Indeed, we are the
farmer! We are no better. We have made many wrong decisions
than the farmer. Pray that we be a good farmer for the Lord.
Pray that He will help us correct our past decisions based on
our own understanding, and that the Lord will guide us to make
right decisions through His wisdom from above. Amen!
Encouragement
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