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 Several
years ago a story “made the rounds” about a newly married
man who shot his horse because it stumbled several times. “That’s
one!” he said, at the first faltering step. And when he
counted the third fumble, he drew his gun and fired.
The
bride was appalled at such callosity and lack of restraint, and
began to nag the groom about his conduct. But she grew silent
when the man intoned. “That’s one!” — and I understand
they lived happily ever afterwards.
They
had peace — and enjoyed the fruits thereof — although I must
admit this involved a type of force and submission not
compatible with true peace and unity in Christ. Love for God and
a desire to know His will and serve Him, establishes a clime for
the peaceful co-existence of God’s children. God will no more
“whip” us into unity with one—another, than into the
original unity with Himself. Such is contrary to the very nature
of God and His oneness.
Remember
when our parents caught us fighting, and made us “kiss and
make up”? I can hear it now — “All right, tell him you are
sorry! Do you hear me? I said, tell him you are sorry!!” I was
sorry too, so very sorry I
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had been caught, and had to go through this
routine.
I
doubt that my parents thought genuine repentance and love could
be produced at the point of a switch. It seems to me now,
looking back that they wanted to teach me (even when I didn’t
want to learn) that once I got the “hang” of getting along
with the neighbor children, I would find it a most enjoyable
experience and worth continuing. And so it was.
God
tells us to love one another — even our enemies. It is
something we must learn, even if we have to work at it. God
doesn’t force us together, at the point of a rod; but
places before us a perfect example. (1 Jn. 4:10 -11; Matt. 5:43
-48) Such love is neither a “make-up kiss” nor sticky
sweetness that blots out God’s will. (See front page.) It is
mature, self-sacrificing, entwined with truth.
For
the time God explains, demonstrates, prompts, urges. We had
better practice carefully — learn our lesson well while “stumbles”
are forgiven. The time comes when “That’s one!” really
means, “That’s all!!”
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