What's in the glass?

Most of us, I suspect, are familiar with the comparison between the optimist and the pessimist that involves referring to a glass tumbler as being either half-full (in the case of the optimist), or half-empty (in the case of the pessimist).  Same glass; same amount of liquid; totally different perception.

However, a glass full of liquid may be used to make an additional point.  As we remembered, yesterday, the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings, I was reminded of the story (which I believe to be true) of a nurse in a service-men's hospital who complained to a doctor that she had been treated rudely by some of the patients.  "Thank God for that!", he exclaimed.  "What do you mean?" Chaplain inquired the nurse, in astonishment.   "Well," explained the Chaplain, "if you are holding a glass, and someone knocks against you, all that can spill out is what is already inside.  When people misjudge us, and persecute us, we soon reveal what is in our hearts.  If we are Christ-filled, and governed by God the Holy Spirit, we will manifest the gentleness and meekness of our Saviour.  In fact, father God may even allow us to be pushed around, and mistreated, in order that unsaved people may be astonished at His grace, as we overflow with love and forbearance."

Sometimes. we too meet various trials and difficulties, but James, writing under the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, tell us to count them "... all joy ..." (1:2).  Knowing that God perfectly directs our lives, we should praise Him, rather than complain.  Seeming difficulties then become opportunities; the testing of our faith produces Godly patience; and, as Godly patience has its full effect, we will "... be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:3-4).  Paul writes that "... we have blessed those who cursed us.  We have been patient with those who injured us.  We have replied quietly when evil things have been said about us." (I Cor.4:12-13).

It is said of John Bunyan - who knew his share of suffering for the Gospel of Jesus the Christ - that he actually revelled in cruel mockings, and severe trials, because they gave him opportunity to show his love for Jesus, and to display God's grace.

In the church that is persecuted in some fifty countries today - persecuted in ways that we who are privileged to live in places that know a relative freedom of belief, cannot even begin to comprehend - the request that comes to us is not that we pray for release from persecution, but that we pray that these dear brothers and sisters in Christ will bear a good witness to their persecutors!

Are you irritated, grumpy, and full of complaints when the going gets rough?  Or do you welcome these experiences as a challenge, and count them "... all joy ..."?   Of course, if we have Jesus on the inside, we can stand any kind of trouble on the outside, because He has promised, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." (Heb 13:5).

So, what's in your glass, as you read this post?

Consequences

It is a simple fact of life that all actions have consequences - often unintended.  This is something that two young Radio Presenters in Australia have recently learned, and done so in a very hard way!

I find myself more than a little confused about the account of the prank telephone call that is claimed to have led to the suicide of a senior nurse who, by all accounts, was a true professional.  Like most people, I heard the edited recording - and had to agree that the accents were terrible.  No acting career for those two!  I can understand why the nurse was embarrassed at having been "taken in".  However, we are assured by the hospital authorities, she was not being disciplined, or even reprimanded.  Indeed, the spokesman informed us that the hospital was being very supportive of her.

This makes me wonder if there was anything else playing on Jacintha Saldanha's mind.  Would embarrassment, however real, be sufficient for her to leave behind a husband and two teenage children?  Was the spoof telephone call not the reason for her tragic death, at her own hand, but merely the straw that finally broke the proverbial camel's back?

Today, it has been reported that a suicide note was left for her family.  I would hope that it might be possible for the contents of that note to be revealed or, at least, the gist thereof.  For the sake of Michael Christian and Mel Greig, who are also victims (albeit of their own making), as well as the family, the truth must be allowed to come out.

Of course, other actions, and inactions, have their own consequences - sometimes even more tragic than the untimely death of a dedicated nurse.   As we approach the Christmas season, many seem to be unaware that the first syllable in that word is "Christ"!  He truly is the centre, the focus, and the reason for the season.  However, if we stop at Christmas, and the Babe in the manger, we do ourselves a great dis-service.  For that same Babe became the Christ of the cross, hanging there to pay the penalty for my sin, and for yours. 

Pilate asked the chief priests and the elders of the Jews, "... what shall I do with Jesus Who is called Christ?" They all said, "Let Him be crucified." (Matt 27:22).  What is your answer to that question?  The consequences of your answer are of eternal significance!