Self-Devpt. Nuggets™

Some abusive people use their money and connections to try intimidating others. For me, accepting such treatment amounts to lacking REAL faith in God. I’m not talking religion here. God is OUR Creator. And ALL who have real faith in Him FEAR nobody! Remember the biblical trio who got thrown into the furnace for refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol statue? How different is THAT from standing up to a rich cheating/abusive client??

I DO NOT need to attend church to KNOW God (I Use the Bible & other Religious books Mainly for Moral Instruction & Guidance)

It is ironic, but true, that many who attend Church, Mosque etc STILL FEAR oppressors.

I have made this point repeatedly to all who care to listen. And I’ve told my kids the same countless times.

Some weeks ago, I discussed this subject with my 2 eldest sons (then 11 and 9): I referred them to the bible phrase in Psalm 21 “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I… will fear no evil“.

Being diligent Sunday school attendees (their mum sees to that!), they quickly completed that phrase for me. Then I asked them what it meant to them. Their answers were predictable – same you and I would give if asked.

Then I challenged them: How much you believe this bible verse will be proven when you eventually encounter a “little” of the evil that seems to abound in our society. What you do THEN will determine if you really KNOW God, and trust him.

My kids know that my favourite example for them on this theme is the story of David vs. Goliath.

I asked them: “When David challenged Goliath in the bible, was it recorded or reported that he FIRST went to ask his parent’s permission BEFORE stepping out to challenge the mighty Goliath?”

They chorused a loud NO!

Then I asked: “What did David say to Goliath?”

FIRST, let’s check out the description of Goliath: “The Philistine army came up to fight Israel led by a giant named Goliath. Over 9 feet tall, Goliath was covered with heavy metal armor (125#) including his helmet and leg armor. He carried a great spear in his hand (tip of spear 15#) and a man went before him with a huge shield. The very sight of Goliath struck fear in the hearts of Israel’s soldiers.”

And this was the person that a small boy like David chose to challenge.

See what small David said to King Saul – an adult who knew God EARLIER that David, and who should have been expected to demonstrate MORE faith:

“32 “Don’t worry about this Philistine” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”

33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”

MY comment: In other words, having FAITH and ACTING it, has little to do with age or experience and more to do with TRUST and BELIEF/CONVICTION.

Now check out David’s response:

34 But David persisted. “I have been taking care of my father’s sheep and goats,” he said. “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, 35 I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. 36 I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! 37 The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”

I need not say more, except this:

If MORE of us who attend Church for God, would begin to also LIVE for God, by acting with REAL faith, we would really become the LIGHT of the world that the bible calls Christians.

Think John the Baptist for example. He spoke without fear to Herod, accusing of killing his brother and taking the wife for himself. John had no material wealth, and lived existentially – feeding on honey, wearing sheep skin if I recall correctly. If we ALL do it, Nigeria will become an INSTANT world power – and a place better than America. FACT!

FINAL WORDS: My personal experiences have me convinced that there will always be different perspectives – all with their own justifications.

In all however, my point is that people who know God, whether or not they attend Church must begin to ACT in real life in a manner that demonstrates they KNOW he is on their side.

 PS: This article is based on an original piece first published online in 2011