Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Carmel MTC, Boston, MA
27 "When the jailer woke up and saw the prison doors
wide open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, since he supposed
that the prisoners had escaped. "
To the audience looking in,
doesn't it seem odd that in this particular scenario, the jailer's first
inclination was to attempt to kill himself? When we try to dissect the true
indication behind the jailer's actions, we stumble across a concept that is widely
prevalent in today's society; conformity.
As
with everything extreme in human nature, we seek to identify a logical
justification that would make it acceptable in our own selfish minds to carry
out these actions. We may find two possible reasons how the jailer could
justify his morbidity; fear of punishment and the fear of persecution. Focusing
primarily on the latter, the fear of persecution and public humiliation from
the surrounding community for his supposedly 'perceived ineptitude' and
'inadequacy' echoes loudly as a common sentiment in today's generation
seldom choosing an IDENTITY of their own, but rather conforming to an already
established one.
Why
is it, we humans, allow the perception of human judgment and ridicule
to hinder us from attaining personal happiness and success? We live in a world
where we conform to the ideals and already paved path that is laid out before
us. We feel that if we seek to choose a path for ourselves or 'go against the
norm,' we would be labeled as having gone 'astray.' We become part of the
proverbial 'lost sheep' when we begin to have doubts about our own voices and
opinions. We would rather
conform to the ideologies and beliefs of those around us than begin to pursue our own
hopes and dreams.
As
we are molded in the image of our creator, each one of us is unique in a way
that allows us to be wrong and yet forgiven, tainted yet accepted and
persecuted yet loved. As Christians, there will be times when we are challenged
off the 'well worn path,' and rather than suffering the fear of persecution, we
should have the inner belief that whatever path we make for ourselves, it will
be deemed a worthy one if we travel it with our heavenly Father.
PRAYER
Oh Lord, we ask You
for the courage and guidance to help us comprehend our potential as Christians
and lead a life that is blameless in Your eyes. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Sirs, what must I do
to be saved?” They answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you
will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:31-32.