There once was a political candidate
who was sincerely convinced of the merits of his positions. He was grateful for
the opportunity to persuade others and thrilled by the prospect of implementing
his ideas in the event he was elected.
One morning while in prayer, he read
in the bible that he was to “love his enemies”. He resolved that morning to say
nothing negative about his opponent during the upcoming campaign. As time
progressed, he worked tirelessly to convince the electorate of the positive
results that would likely ensue should his proposals be implemented. At the
same time, his opponent levied ceaseless attacks on his character and even reviled
beloved family members. In response, our candidate said nothing but continued
resolute in his effort to create understanding among the voters.
As time went by, people began to
notice – while one candidate exuded consistent optimism as he passionately
articulated the merits of his proposals, the other eschewed virulent contempt by
ceaselessly castigating the character of his rival.
As the election drew near, our
candidate was leading in the polls. His opponent challenged him to a public
debate and promised a “blood bath”. On the night of the debate, while approaching
the podium, our candidate detected a low, steady groan from behind the stage.
Motioning to the proctor, he rushed to the sound. There, propped against the
wall on the floor, lay his helpless opponent. Our candidate rushed to action,
speedily administering the proper treatment that would rescue him from certain
death.
The next morning, a humble apology
was published in the city newspaper. Our candidate’s opponent expressed deep
regret for his baseless public attacks and sincere gratitude for the timely and
expert administrations of our capable candidate. Although the election was two
weeks away, there were no further attacks. To the contrary, both candidates periodically
sited areas of agreement as they focused their efforts on clearly explaining
their positions to the voting public.
After the election, as our candidate stepped
down from the lectern following his victory speech, he was met by his smiling
opponent. “I promised you a ‘blood bath’ that night”, he said, “Little did I
know that I was the one who would be bathed.”
Jesus said, “You have heard that it
was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you,
love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons
of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun rise on the evil and the
good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who
love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”
Matthew 5:43-46
When we make the decision to obey God
and live our lives His way, we elevate those around us and can even change the course
of an entire culture or society. Conversely, when we insist on ignoring God, following
instead the dictates of our own selfish hearts, we submerge those around us in a
sea of back-biting, social instability, and moral chaos.
“If any man would come after Me, let
him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save
his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For
what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
Matthew 16:24-26
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