A Pastoral Word. . .
Pastor Mark Adams
September 16, 2021
A couple weeks back I came across the following story:
“A young lady named Sally took a seminary class taught by Professor Smith, who was known for his elaborate object lessons. One day Sally walked into class to find a large target placed on the wall, with several darts resting on a nearby table. Professor Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or someone who had made them angry—and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture.
Sally’s friend (on her right), drew a picture of another woman who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend (on her left), drew a picture of his younger brother.
Sally drew a picture of Professor Smith, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on his face. She was quite pleased at the overall effect she’d achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts amidst much laughter. Some of the students threw with such force that they ripped apart their targets. But Sally, looking forward to her turn, was filled with disappointment when Professor Smith asked the students to return to their seats so he could begin his lecture.
As Sally fumed about missing her chance to throw the darts, the professor began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled image of their Savior—holes and jagged marks covered his face. His eyes were virtually pierced out.
Professor Smith said only these words, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Fellow social media participants, remember, whenever we “throw a dart,” whenever we post something negative about another person; Jesus is watching, and, as He says in this verse from Matthew, He takes our behavior personally.
Romans 6:1 comes to mind: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? BY NO MEANS!”
Let us also remember that the WORLD is watching. They are supposed to know we are Christians by our love. What do they “know” when we are unloving in our posts?
OUR CHURCH is watching as well. How do our negative “darts” affect this body of believers? Do our words strengthen our bonds of love, or do they weaken them?
Ephesians 4:29, “Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.” Or as I used to put it back in my youth ministry days, “Build up or shut up.”
Keep the SON in your eyes!
Mark
“A young lady named Sally took a seminary class taught by Professor Smith, who was known for his elaborate object lessons. One day Sally walked into class to find a large target placed on the wall, with several darts resting on a nearby table. Professor Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone they disliked or someone who had made them angry—and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture.
Sally’s friend (on her right), drew a picture of another woman who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend (on her left), drew a picture of his younger brother.
Sally drew a picture of Professor Smith, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on his face. She was quite pleased at the overall effect she’d achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts amidst much laughter. Some of the students threw with such force that they ripped apart their targets. But Sally, looking forward to her turn, was filled with disappointment when Professor Smith asked the students to return to their seats so he could begin his lecture.
As Sally fumed about missing her chance to throw the darts, the professor began removing the target from the wall. Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled image of their Savior—holes and jagged marks covered his face. His eyes were virtually pierced out.
Professor Smith said only these words, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40)
Fellow social media participants, remember, whenever we “throw a dart,” whenever we post something negative about another person; Jesus is watching, and, as He says in this verse from Matthew, He takes our behavior personally.
Romans 6:1 comes to mind: “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? BY NO MEANS!”
Let us also remember that the WORLD is watching. They are supposed to know we are Christians by our love. What do they “know” when we are unloving in our posts?
OUR CHURCH is watching as well. How do our negative “darts” affect this body of believers? Do our words strengthen our bonds of love, or do they weaken them?
Ephesians 4:29, “Say only what is good and helpful to those you are talking to, and what will give them a blessing.” Or as I used to put it back in my youth ministry days, “Build up or shut up.”
Keep the SON in your eyes!
Mark
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