CLASSIC ILLUSTRATOR

“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and ‘sinners’ came and ate with him and his disciples.” (Matthew 9:10 NIV)

“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV)

Soon after I started dating my wife-to-be, her roommate asked me if I could keep a kitten for her, as her landlord wouldn’t allow her to have one. Already having one cat, my little Princess, I had no objections. I should have asked Princess’ opinion, however, because she had PLENTY of objections! I will never forget the World War III that broke out the day I introduced Muphy to Princess. That apartment was PRINCESS’ territory and NO newcomers were welcome!

They eventually declared a truce, however, and soon they became inseparable. They slept with their legs wrapped around each other and kept each other constant company. The day Muphy died, Princess was devastated. It took her months to get over her irreparable loss.

However, friendship cannot be forced. We learned this the hard way. We thought maybe we should locate a mate for poor Princess. We searched the area and found what we thought would be the perfect kitten. When we brought him home, however, he was NOT given a warm welcome. During his first day on HER territory, Princess deliberately shredded our shower curtain. Front claws are great for that! We thought she would get over it as she had with Muffy, but she never did. Weeks went by and the war raged on. Hissing and growling would arise every time she smelled him nearby.

We, on the other hand, thought Pesty was a pretty neat cat. Whenever we went for a walk, he would want to go with us. No leash was needed. He would heel at our side more obediently than any dog we ever met. When we turned, he would turn. When we stopped, he would stop. No one had seen a cat like that!

Pesty DID have one little problem: he would “leak” out his back end wherever he went. Needless to say he stank, and so did our carpet! He couldn’t help it, and the veterinarian didn’t know how to help him. Eventually we had to give him back to the breeder, and the day he left, Princess purred and rolled around on her back with glee. She had gotten her own way!

How often don’t we treat others like Princess treated Pesty? We are fast to pass judgments and to put distance between ourselves and those we encounter.

“Look at his nose! I have never seen a nose like that!”

“Did you know she’s a thief? I am sure of it. Just look at the way she looks around behind her wherever she is!”

“This guy means trouble. Look at how he dresses!”

However, if we were to take the time to get to know these people personally, we would find out that most of the them are outstanding people who would make great friends! We cannot force friendship, but we sure can try to reach out non judgmentally to others. What a great way to share our Forever Friend! Our friendliness could become an open door to their salvation.

Let’s stop stressing the negative: “You stink!” Instead, why not stress the positive? “Wow! You can follow us without a leash! Outstanding!” You might not want to use that last line on those of the human species . . . They might not appreciate it!

Rob Chaffart
Director, Answers2Prayer Ministries