08-31-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 31, 2023
A couple of days ago, I did some hospital visits, and as I stepped out of one hospital, I was immediately struck by the smell of cigaret smoke. Now let me be clear - this is not intended to be a judgment against those who struggle with an addiction to nicotine, but I notice cigaret smoke from quite a distance. As I looked to my right, there were three people smoking, and though they were a fair distance away from the entrance, what caught my attention was that the furthest one away was standing within three feet of the big sign that read: This Is A Smoke-Free Campus. For me, it was a metaphor of sorts that probably should speak to all of us and how we are often unaware of that one glaring concern that everyone else can see. I’m pretty sure I have at least a half dozen of those things in my life, and many of you have chosen to be very kind in how you pretend to ignore them. I appreciate Proverbs 5:12 where we read:

And you say, “How I hated instruction!
How my heart despised correction!”

We are never fans of those who point out what we should have already seen, but assuming it is done with love and kindness, our attitude in the long run will be one of deep appreciation.

When those I trust and who love me come and speak truth to me, I pray for the capacity to hear their words. This is my request, O Lord. Amen.