Today is a continuation of the post from yesterday in which my sophomores interpret an excerpt from Oswald Chambers which is reprinted below. I really appreciate the comment left last night by Carlin Brooks about the balance we should strive for. I tell the kids that Jesus also did not tell us to ignore a brother sinning against us but to confront the problem. Here, immediately following the excerpt, are more bits of tenth grade wisdom.
"The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on a mission for Jesus Christ, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, “Don’t worry about whether or not you are being treated justly.” Looking for justice is actually a sign that we have been diverted from our devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will only begin to complain and to indulge ourselves in the discontent of self-pity, as if to say, “Why should I be treated like this?” If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we have nothing to do with what we encounter, whether it is just or unjust. In essence, Jesus says, “Continue steadily on with what I have told you to do, and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance.” Even the most devout among us become atheistic in this regard- we do not believe Him. We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts."
"I think Oswald Chambers was right because we should learn this is how the world is. This is hard to live by knowing that we are not perfect. It is hard for me because I have fallen many times. But, I have also turned the other cheek many times. I am not trying to justify myself but I have succeeded as well as failed. Growing up in Nigeria, I learned much from the type of life I lived. I matured with the help of my parents and learned to think this way. We need to ignore some things and move on but if we see someone else being mistreated, we need to step with our experiences and help them."
Tobe
"I believe he (Chambers) is wrong. Jesus wants us to stand up from ourselves and do what is right but he also wants us to take care of ourselves. We should help others but also not just give up on ourselves and let stuff happen. I believe that if someone does something to you, they should get the same treatment in return. But, I also know this goes against the Bible because Jesus wants us to turn the other cheek. Sometimes, it is hard to do that. When someone mistreats us, it's hard to walk away and forgive them."
Brekendra
"Chambers was right in his assertion but it would be a very difficult principle to follow. If someone does wrongly unto me, I really want to do wrongly unto them. Self-control plays a huge role here. We all must learn to be good and wholesome to others."
Richard
"I think Oswald Chamber was right...and wrong. There is a right way and a wrong way to do things. Telling someone they did wrong in a very polite manner is the right way. If they argue, do not argue back but just say, "All right- that's your opinion." Then, walk away and let it go. That's the right thing but the right thing is not always easy. In fact, it never is. An incident happened which really hurt and angered me. It has been really hard to let it go but I can do anything through God."
Amberly
Applicable quote of the day:
"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”
Oswald Chambers
God bless,
Steve
Luke 18:1
www.hawleybooks.com
E-mail me at steve@hawleybooks.com
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1 comment:
It is so interesting you wrote about this because this topic relates to all of us whether we believe it or not. I think we all have problems relying on God 24/7. I believe we all think we handle situations better ang get them done quicker. We don't like to wait for God's timing and his perfect touch. But, we try no doubt, but sometimes we can be very impatient and demanding.
P.S. Can't wait for the love board!
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