There are people in this world with hearts stained black as twilight and colder than the winter chill. Their actions disgust anyone with some form of conscience intact. Destroying lives everywhere they step, misery and agony are their footprints. With hands dyed deeper than scarlet, they extinguish life all around them, each act with less meaning than the last. It is not just these I would love to tear to pieces. Those who prey on the weak. Those who drain the life out of children like parasites then discarded once they no longer find them useful. I do not use the word "hate" lightly. But I use the word without hesitation when I say, "I hate them." When I "hate" someone, I will have no trouble applying a slow and painful death. And I know much about torture.
I say all this, however... I am put to shame and regret for thinking this way whenever I witness God's hands at work. When I see one of such darkness painfully step out of their former image, on their knees, in tears, as blood flows through a once dead heart, it grips me deeply. It is these people who later lead the battles against their former kind all the while doing their best to fill the emptiness of the very smiles they ripped out. The hand that once knew only destruction, builds and rebuilds in its own imperfect way, wishing all the while that it was more qualified to do this work.
Whenever I witness this kind of change, it reminds me of what true power is. The greatest power in this world is not in the form of strong arms or military might. It is not even missiles or nuclear firepower. True power is the kind that can change people. Change their hearts, and you change their world.
Great entry. I am reminded of the apostle Paul in his former life. He too ripped at the very foundation of humanity and justice, yet Christ came to him and completely changed his life. I cannot imagine the long nights of regret and sorrow lived by Paul as images of his life as a murderer flashed through his mind. It was knowing the grace of Christ that overshadowed those demons of the past; the grace demonstrated by Christ. Even as his blood spilled upon those who murdered him, he forgave them in his heart and asked the Father to forgive them, thus he was not found guilty even of unforgiveness towards the wicked....this takes true power. Man cannot change himself, for he is a slave to his desires. Only God can change the wicked hearts of men.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. It is rather unfortunate that in our finite minds, we have to be reminded of such things. Even the simplest of thoughts and comprehensions that is of higher value is so difficult to keep in our grasp. I see this is one reason why it is advised that we surround ourselves with people who treasure such understandings. Mr. Tim, I really appreciate your friendship and am thankful that you are in my life. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. I do not receive notifications of comments, so I will try to check blogspot more often. By the way, does Miriam have a blog?
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