Calvin Synod Herald, 2016 (117. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2016-03-01 / 3-4. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD 7 Don't flaunt your superiority Scripture reading: Luke 16:19-26. Text, Romans 7:8/a: “But sin, seizing opportunity in the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. ” New Revised Standard Version. “But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. ” New International Bible. Each year we begin the same season of Lent but this year let us look at it from a different viewpoint. Whenever we start fasting these words are emphasized: self-examination and self-control. In this mediation I wish you would concentrate on these two words simultaneously: self-awareness and self-discipline. THE STORY OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS This lucky and prosperous man - as described in our Scripture reading - enjoyed life as much as possible: “There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.” 19th verse. In contrast to him, poor Lazarus “desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table . . .” 21st verse. After they died, the situation reversed; Lazarus was happy but the rich man was in anguish. 25th verse. This is one of the most appropriate passages in the Bible to illustrate why we should control our desire for pleasures. IN A MORE SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY THE TEMPTATIONS TO INDULGE IN SUPERIORITY ARE MORE COMPLICATED ALSO Let the key word be that one which occurs in our text: OPPORTUNITY. In the original Greek language this word has various meanings and Spiros Zodhiates’ The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament offers this translation: “An occasion, an opportunity or casual circumstance producing a tendency toward something else.” (Page 302). Also please see Romans 7:8 and 11,2 Corinthians 5:12, Galatians 5:13, 1 Timothy 5:14. To make this definition more practical we can say: do not take advantage of a situation which is favorable for you but not necessarily so for others. Talent, gift, education. No doubt we were not bom with equal gifts; one can be a genius and the other one just an average fellow. Just because it is not hard for the smart one to outwit the less intelligent person does not mean it should happen. Size, power, health. Little children cannot understand why adults are so tall and enormous. Why should a child be afraid of grown-ups? Why if a youngster spills milk, does he/she deserve a spanking but when mommy or daddy does the same thing, it is only an accident? The Bible warns us: “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” Romans 15:1. Beauty and attractiveness. Especially in senior high school and college there are girls who get all the dates and boys who can take any girl to a dance. We know not only one brother or sister who has suffered because his or her sibling is more popular among the classmates. Why does a talented beauty earn millions when her picture appears on the cover of magazines while the other one - who is just normal looking - can hardly make ends meet? Social status and wealth. When the father is a wellknown leader in the community often it is an advantage for the children scholastically. It is a good feeling when parents can afford more extras for their children than their neighbors can afford for their children. Faith and redemption. It is great that there are many who know that they are redeemed through faith and the saving mercy of our Lord, but to mention it in a judgmental way giving hint to others that they will not be accepted into heaven is not exactly polite (saying the least). It is good if we keep in mind our Lord’s admonition: “and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.” Matthew 3:9, also Luke 23:39-43. Yes, the temptations of physical pleasures (eating, drinking, and partying) are as real today as they were centuries ago, however, we should be equally aware of the intellectual and spiritual pitfalls that can be best controlled by self-awareness and self-discipline. May God bless and help us in this endeavor of ours as we begin this Lenten season. Alexander Ja Iso d In RESULTS AND ROSES The man who wants a garden fair, Or small or very big, With flowers growing here and there, Must bend his back and dig. The things are mighty few on earth That wishes can attain. What e'er we want of any worth We've got to work to gain. It matters not what goal you seek, Its secret here reposes: You've got to dig from week to week To get Results or Roses. Edgar A. Guest ^______________________________________________p
