"There is no one righteous, not
even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned
away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not
even one. Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The
poison of vipers is on their lips. Their mouths are full of cursing and
bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways,
and the way of peace they do not know. There is no fear of God before their
eyes." (Rom 3:10-18 NIV)
Nestled along the shores of Lake Thun with
vineyard-draped hills as a backdrop, you will find the lovely little town of
Spiez. This beautiful Swiss village is especially renowned for a quaint castle
overlooking the lake.
As we wanted to visit the castle, we pulled into the
parking lot. Once there however, we couldn't park. A car, illegally parked,
blocked the entrance, and the car's owners, a man and his wife, were arguing
loudly about the parking spot. From behind our windshield, we could hear every
word of their argument. How we wished we were someplace else!
I couldn't help but ask: "Why would they fight in
public?"
Then it hit me then that I was no better. As a
newly-wed, I argued with my beloved wife, and it wasn't over a parking place
either! It was over who would answer the phone! There were other times, too,
times when I insisted on my own way, and it is with shame that I remember how my
head would fume with indignation as my mouth spewed forth angry words!
It's true that we sometimes think of ourselves as
better than other people. Especially when we compare ourselves to Nero and
Hitler. But in reality, when it comes to treating others with gallantry, we have
all stooped way too low. The problem, you see, is that too often we put
ourselves first! As if we are more important than other people!
Jesus turned the tables: "Do nothing out of selfish
ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than
yourselves." (Phil 2:3 NIV)
If we would only follow these wonderful words of
wisdom, it would put a stop to the haunting embarrassing moments, and it would
lead us to a meaningful life where love from above can germinate and create
colourful, attractive flowers in our lives.
Remember, we are ALWAYS surrounded by involuntary
spies. May we show them what true living truly is, for when we are left to our
own devices, we are far from desirable!
Are you looking for a parking place? Let me help you!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.