For a number of years, I ran a very successful EMT program at a local technical college. When you walked into the building you noticed a strong sense of pride not only from the staff, but also from the students that studied there. They carried themselves in a manner that was almost reverential. This mentality carried over into their work, studies, and the rest of the culture surrounding their facility. Even though the building was several decades old, it was immaculately maintained.
The commons area was the hub of the facility. Students from all over the massive complex would pass through the open space to drop off their kids at the on site daycare, to enjoy a snack from the cantina, to study, and sometimes even to get a free bite to eat from the culinary department. The walls of the commons area were of particular interest. They were adorned with motivational quotes and sayings from throughout history. It was difficult to face any direction in the massive area without being enriched by an uplifting message. My favorite statement came from a rather unpretentious looking mirror hung on the east wall. Above it was written the phrase “Would you hire this person?”
What a powerful motivator! It actually made the passer by objectively evaluate their own appearance. In fact, EVERY day I was there I can remember seeing someone who happened across it take the time to make themselves look more presentable. Wouldn’t it be great if we took the same amount of time to make ourselves look more like Christ? What if the words above the mirror read “Would you say this person is a Christian”? Would you need to make yourself look more like Him while standing in front of it?
Believe it or not, there is actually a medical-legal component to EMT and Paramedic programs. It focuses on things like consent, tort, proximate cause, and a few other legal issues and ramifications prehospital professionals may encounter while working in the field. There are two Latin expressions we teach our students during this particular section. They are “Primum non nocere” which roughly translates to “First do no harm” (I will write on this subject at a later date) and “Res ipsa loquitur”. This translates to “The thing speaks for itself” and refers to the common law of negligence. It essentially means that the elements of duty of care and breach can be sometimes inferred from the very nature of the accident, even without direct evidence of how any defendant behaved. For example, if a Paramedic is transporting a patient with chest pain to the hospital who sustains a broken arm in transit due to being dropped by the ambulance crew while in their care and under normal circumstances, it is obvious that there was a breach of duty and therefor proves negligence.
Let’s take the idea behind “Res ipsa loquitur” to another level and apply it to the lifestyle a Christian is supposed to live. For example, lets play pretend you are a defendant on trial for being a Christian. A jury of your peers sits to your right focused on their mission of finding either innocence or guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A judge arbitrates the event while a prosecuting attorney brings forth evidence of the crime. She has recorded documentation of every conversation you have ever had and has a list of places you choose to frequent. The prosecutor speaks to the examining magistrate about your participation with your local church, what you expose yourself to, what and how much you eat, drink, where you sleep and with whom you sleep with. She tells the court how you handle the haters on your job and discusses the amount of time you share with your family. She compares your obedience to God with your willful disobedience and places a high emphasis on the number of times you have attempted to reach out to non-believers. She presents any false idols and vices you allow to remain active in your life to help fulfill the burden of proof. She tells the jury how you handle your innermost thoughts and desires and places them on display for the entire court to see.
If this were you on trial, would “the thing speak for itself”? If you were on trial for being a Christian, would you be found guilty? By definition, a Christian is a person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ. Lets go to the Bible to see how a Chirstian is supposed to “exemplify” these teachings.
16″So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16-17 NIV
So here Paul writes that a Christian is supposed to live life “by the Spirit” and not according to the desires of the “sinful nature”. So how can we tell the difference? He continues his decrees in the next several verses.
19″The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:19-25 NIV
I know what you may be thinking. It’s great to play pretend, but there is no spiritual mirror we can look into to gauge our walk with Christ. Well, My Friends, that’s not exactly true. Lets take a look at the book of Matthew for the answer.
33“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. 35The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. 37For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37 NIV
These words are spoken from Christ. He places a heavy emphasis on the words we speak. He brings them up again in Matthew 15.
17“Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man ‘unclean.’ 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man ‘unclean’; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him ‘unclean.’ “ Matthew 15:17-20 NIV
So in essence, we can use the words we speak to help clarify the changes that need to be made in our relationship with Christ. Are there any other scriptures in the Bible that help us find our way as believers? Of course there are! There are so many in fact, that I cannot list them all here. But, lets take one more look at the writings of Paul for an example.
1″Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. Romans 12:1,2 NIV
He continues…
9″Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord. 20On the contrary: ”If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. Romans 12:9-21 NIV
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”. Romans 12:9-21 NIV
Bro. Jason Z. Hunt
Memory Verse: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature”. Galatians 5:16 NIV
Memory Word: “Christian”: A person who exemplifies in his or her life the teachings of Christ.
Inspiring Music: “Agnus Dei” performed by Michael W. Smith
No comments:
Post a Comment