FIERY RESCUE

I Was Just Thinking About – FIERY RESCUE.

Some recent news stories reports include two Policemen risking their lives and limbs to successfully rescue a man trapped in his burning vehicle. Firemen have entered a blazing home and rescued the occupants they could find only to be told there were children somewhere inside. While the blaze was raging near to being an inferno, they risked their own safety and lives to search for those additional occupants. These news stories can be repeated many times over as first responders willingly involve themselves in situations of danger and personal risks. They do so to save lives and to rescue people who are more helpless than not.

In Matthew 13, Jesus had addressed the people gathered about The Parable of the Weeds. After the crowd had dispersed, the disciples asked Jesus what the parable meant. In Matthew 13:41-42, Jesus relates the weeds to the final judgment and stated: “The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” How are we to discern the application of this parable? Are we to relate it to people who have rejected Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Is there – are there – situations where one should back away from the unrepentant wicked and evil person? How should the Biblical Christian apply and implement I Corinthians 5:9-11? Paul stated: "I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people… you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. with such a man/person do not even eat."

There is one word of challenge that counsels a Biblical Christian may have to do spiritually that which first-responders do physically. Jude shares an interesting and challenging perspective for one’s approach in an ungodly culture: (Verses 3-5), "I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe…"

(Verses 21-23), "Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.”

The ultimate judgment is always God’s. We do need to be discerning how we approach (and who we approach) someone "to snatch them out of the fire." Jesus wants His people to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). No one should allow himself or herself to become detached or indifferent to being all of what Jesus Christ wants His followers to be for Him.

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

ADHD

I Was Just Thinking About – ADHD.

The definition of ADHD is: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is estimated that nearly 17 million Americans are impacted by ADHD.A general description indicates there are three main types of ADHD: (1) predominantly inattentive; (2) predominantly hyperactive/impulsive; and (3) a combined type of inattention and impulsive actions. While usually focused on children, it is obviously a condition that affects adults as well. The defined symptoms can and will have an behavioral impact at home; at school/work; and in social situations. There are various prescription medicines used for treatment of ADHD, such as Ritalin and Prozac. Ritalin seems to be more effective for general treatment of ADHD whereas Prozac is added to control or modify depression. There are specialists who can best describe and prescribed what is best. One size doesn’t necessarily fit all in these treatment programs.

This caused me to relate ADHD with behavioral patterns with professing Christian people. A fraction of them exhibit erratic behavior whereas inattention seems to dominate a greater number. It seems that a Biblical Christian could identify with ADHD with a particular Biblical Definition. What if, “A” – represented Affection; “D” – represented Discipline; “H” – represented Hope; and “D” – represented Direction.

“A” – Affection: The KJV translated Colossians 3:2 with the direction for followers of Jesus Christ – “Set your AFFECTION on things above, not on things on the earth.” Newer translations substitute “mind” for affection.

“D” – Discipline: The NASB translated First Timothy 4:7 for the personal responsibility and duty to – “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Other translations substitute “train” for discipline.

“H” – Hope. The NIV translates Ephesians 4:4-5, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to ONE HOPE when you were called…one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

“D” – Deliverance and Direction. In terms of the providence and provision of God, the Psalmist declares, Psalm 32:7-8, “You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of DELIVERANCE. I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go (DIRECTION); I will give you counsel and watch over you.”

The original premise of this post pertains to a serious physical and mental condition experienced by many children. There has been a major shift in family psychology during the past two generations. If there was an application of the Biblical possibilities of ADHD, there could and would be a dramatic behavioral change that was not dependent on prescribed medications. It has been often-noted that reasonable affection for a child that omits the Biblical prescription for discipline that is accompanied by a loving instruction that gives one hope will render confusion and frustration rather than direction and deliverance. Parents should ask themselves: “Am I following God’s instructions for how to train up my child in the way he/she should go?” For an increasing number of parents – both secular and spiritual – the honest answer is – “No!”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

RESPECT

I Was Just Thinking About – RESPECT.

Our culture, society and body politic seems to have lost its way when it comes to RESPECT. Some want to be shown RESPECT because they are a minority group; or a person of color; or an immigrant; or a veteran; or a homeless person; etc. There used to be a climate for learning that if a person wanted to gain respect, he should be a person who is respectful. That’s how we were reared. After receiving my graduate degrees, it seemed strange when some of my former professors allowed that I did not need to address them by their earned degree – but – by their first name. I may be a plastic-type person. I could never get myself to feel comfortable in shifting from the formal to the informal.

I have always felt uncomfortable when church-type people would speak of God as “the man upstairs”. I have always felt uncomfortable when people have taken the liberty of referring to the servant of the Lord in their midst – the Pastor – is called or referred to as “Preacher” or some other expression. Why the discomfort? Pastor refers to the one who is shepherding and caring for the needs and best interests of the members and those within the sphere of his ministry. Obviously – “preacher” – limits their impression to the one primary task he faithfully performs. The man is more than one who merely gives a sermon. He is a person who diligently watches over the flock and earnestly cares for them.

Yesterday, Peggy Noonan posted a column: “America Needs To Rediscover Tact.” Her long article includes this interesting paragraph, “Members of Congress often go to detention centers and make it worse. They summon complaints, say people drink from the toilet, call it a concentration camp. All the border police are just good Germans following orders. The illegal aliens are victims, the guards Nazis. That goes over badly in America, which has a heart but doesn’t like being manipulated and is weary of being bullied.” It seems that we need more than tact. We desperately need integrity. More importantly, we need the return of RESPECT.

How then are the people of God to function in a deteriorating culture that is marked by its increasing disrespect?  In a difficult political day, Paul wrote (Romans 13:1-2), “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, the one who resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” In a day of persecution, Peter wrote (First Peter 2:16-17), despite the oppression you may be experiencing, “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the king.”

IF ONLY, our country and the culture of our day would implement these words of Paul and Peter. 

IF ONLY, we had churches where the Spirit of God had infiltrated the lives of the people so they would (Ephesians 4:31-32), ”Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

IF ONLY, you would model what Biblical RESPECT is and means. 

Prayerfully – Consider these things with me.