CONTINUING, 'LOVING YOUR ENEMIES', 'LEARNING TO HEAR THE GOOD SHEPHERD'S VOICE' FOR OURSELVES, POST 6B, March 23, 2018

PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY, AND WITH THE HELP OF THE LORD, WE CAN - EVEN 'LOVE ONE'S ENEMIES'.
IS IT EASY? NO.  IS IT POSSIBLE, YES.  LET'S LEARN. www.audio-bible.com/bible/bible.html

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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES: Proverbs 16:7, 25:21; Micah 7:6; Matthew 5:43-48, 6:9-15; Matthew 10:34-39; Luke 6:27-36; Romans 5:6-11, 12:1-21; Colossians 1:21-23.  Knowing the 'real enemy' - Genesis 3;  the Book of Job, Chapters 1-2; Matthew 4:1-11, 13:25, 39, 25:41; Luke 4:1-13, 8:12; John 6:70, 8:44, 13:2; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 15:26; Ephesians 4:17, 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 5:14; 2 Timothy 2:26; Hebrews 2:14; James 4:4,7; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 3:8;  Jude 9; Revelation 2:10-11, 12:7-9, 20:1-4,2,10 - From Genesis to Revelation - Satan, the Accuser, and so much more.    ​

When you are all in the same 'belief' system, 'in Jesus Christ',  then all the adults are on the 'same page'.  They all know 'the fallen state of human nature'. [Genesis 3; Ephesians 2:2; 6:10-18]  But, they all know that all 'elders' or 'adults in the faith' are to be 'aiding' the parents to 'train up the children' in accordance with 'the faith of Jesus Christ'.  It is known as 'passing the torch' to the next generation.  It is 'THIS VILLAGE' that I am so very glad, I belonged to in my life. Perfect, no.  But, in comparison to - 'the world system'; 'the flesh, our own way'; or 'the devil', Satan - hands down, a 'community of the faith of Jesus Christ' is the best.  At least, Jesus through the Holy Spirit is guiding, leading, controlling, for 'good', [for the Glory of God, for the Praise of Jesus, and, for our eternal good - eternal life].  You cannot go wrong.  And, when one does, and they are 'minors', then there are adults to correct.  When one comes to faith and are older, well, there is the 'chastening from the Lord.' [Hebrews 12, I can 'speak of this', personally.] 

So, there was an issue to be dealt with  - bullying of the young by older children.  Not only were all parents present, but, the Principal had notified the 'ministers' and one of them were present, as well.  He was looked upon as the 'sub-shepherd' and responsible for 'the flock'. [No, not just in church services.  He was 'pastor', caring for all the 'sheep' in all situations.] There were three different churches, but our families were all related.  I do not remember why there were three, for we would all get together at certain times of the year, and worship together, and we had joint bible studies.  I think it had something to do with 'how one liked to sing' versus 'how another liked to sing' - gospel or hymnal, or whether 'baptism' was with total submersion or sprinkling.  These were those 'peripheral' 'non-salvation issues'.  [Like I said, we were not perfect.]  
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But, on discipline. [Teaching the principles of God's Word for use in life.] Well, that was of concern, and consistent -  for all.  All the adults were on the 'same page', in unity.  Without the proper training, without 'Christian morality and ethics', there could be no 'community'.  There would be no 'integrity', 'no trust'. There would be - no 'fellowship' on-going with the Living God.  THAT WOULD BE CATASTROPIC!  And, the child would not be prepared to hold themselves up in 'society' as a responsible individual, not to mention, marriage and family and employment. Oh, discipline was crucial. And, we all had to take responsibility for our individual actions.   

​So, each of us had to 'explain' why we were fighting.  Now, of course the 'three older boys' were stuttering, saying that Clauz had been parking his bike in a bike rack that he was not supposed to be using, for it was not the one assigned for his grade. They had warned him.  My brother responded that the rack for his grade was full on the days when he would ride his bike to school.  And, it was not their business.  Then, it was my turn.  All I said was that I saw three bigger boys taking my brother's pumpkin and knocking him down, beating on him, and I knew I had to help him. Period.

And, everyone was 'quiet'. [Although a couple of the dads put their hands over their mouths, to conceal their smiles of admiration for the little sister's 'spunk', Mother would explain to me, later.]

Then, the infamous question came from our Pastor.  'What does the Word of the Lord have to say about these matters'?  And we all just sort of looked 'dazed'?  'What does this have to do with God?' And, 'you are the Pastor, tell us, please." [Or, so I was thinking, but, not saying.]  These are bullies, and they were trying to hurt my brother, I was thinking further in my little mind.  But then, what did I know, I was but a wee child of 6 years, going on 30??!!  I sat perfectly 'quiet', 'showing my manners', evidenced with my legs crossed and my ankles touching, with my hands in hand on my lap,  while holding my peace - not saying a word.  Oh, I had learned under the kitchen table at 'homework' time, when to be quiet!
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The Pastor, with the concurrence of all the other adults 'wisely' decided that since none of us knew the answer, it was 'Bible Study Time'.  Therefore, each of us had to 'search the Scriptures' [Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-17; 2 Peter 1:20] to find the answer to his questions, and, with our parents help, report to our Pastors in the afternoon after service in two weeks. [There went playtime!]  Then, the issue of what do do with us, would be decided.  Fighting and violence was 'strictly forbidden', and none of us were to cause any of the others to be involved in quarrels of any nature again.  Did we understand??  [I 'heard through the grapevine of gossip' about stubborn boys being taken to the 'wood-shed', but, I wasn't sure if 'equality of punishment' went for 'fighting girls' as the standard of the day].  So, I purposed right then and there, that Clauz would be on his own, in this matter in the future.  I told him so, when no one else could hear me.  Further, we studied the Scriptures with our Mother [some noted at the top of this post], and by the end of the time for us to report, we were ready to ask the others forgiveness, that we were sorry.  They in turn had learned their lessons, as well.  They were asking Clauz to forgive them, and telling him that it was none of their business where he would park his bike in the future.  As for the pumpkin, well, they gave Clauz money for the busted pumpkins.  As for L'il Miss Tidy, well, they wanted to know who taught me to fight so viciously.  Of course, I proudly told them my big brother.  They thought I was referring to Clauz, not Hubert.  But, then, maybe that helped them to realize that were they to tackle him again, he would be an awesome force.  But, anyway....

Over the course of time, we all became very good friends, and would be helping each other out with chores and homework, and attending Bible Summer School together. [I think this was orchestrated by our Pastor. behind out backs.  After all, you can't hate and love at the same time. Humpf.]  But, we were not - perfect.  On the next post - I will tell you about -'the watermelon patch'.  Yes, all of us were involved.  Groups can do good, but, then, there is also 'temptation' in groups. [Humpf.]  

However, had the Pastor not acted 'wisely', we would not have been 'checked' in our conduct, as we were by the Word influencing us.  And, we would certainly not have so much 'scripture planted in our hearts'.  It is only the Word of God which can 'speak' to the 'nature of man'.  Sure, it can come through the mouth of a parent, teacher, pastor or other guardian.  But, by us having to 'search the scriptures' for our own selves, we were developing a 'discipline' that would carry us forth for the rest of our lives.  We were personally coming into direct contact with the very Holy God, ourselves. We were learning to 'hear the Good Shepherd's Voice'.  Now, you tell me, who is going to be foolish enough to 'contend with the Almighty'??!! [John 10:11] Until, the next post.  Do continue to reflect on your life.  Really, it has not been that bad. Amen.