Who Does the Gift Belong To?

Oh, it is so easy to want to retaliate when someone does something you know you’ve done nothing to deserve. When you have behaved civilly towards all manner of man (and unpleasant women), and they insist on besmirching your reputation, it’s only natural to want to grab your Holy Ghost megaphone and shout to the world how wicked they are and how righteous you’ve been.

Don’t. Do. It.

Go back and read your Word. Study the actions of Jesus. The only time He ever openly displayed anger was when people treated the temple as a flea market. He wanted them to acknowledge its holy purpose and honor it. His anger was not in defense of His title or position.

In fact, on the way to the Cross, as He was being cursed and ridiculed, He was teasingly “encouraged” to proclaim His righteousness and demonstrate His authority in order to save Himself. As He remained silent and took the abuse, the taunting grew louder and the torment grew worse. The Bible says He could have called 10,000 angels, but He chose silence instead.

It looked like the darkest day in His-story and many who had walked with Him felt hopeless and defeated, as if their trust had been misplaced. However, when He rose in victory three days later, the shame and defeat were no longer His or His followers. Those emotions belonged to the ones who had offered them up dancing and rejoicing only three days earlier.

There are many fish in the sea. Whether fisherman go out on a boat or cast their lines from a dock or the shore, much bait gets nibbled on; not every fish gets caught. Some fish see the bait and keep swimming past, knowing what game is being played. Others are wise enough to just taste. Some have to go for the whole thing, unable to resist the temptation.

Many fishermen talk about “the one that got away.” Let that one be you, and don’t be so quick to take the bait every time it’s placed in front of you. Selah.