Friday, July 20, 2007

Baa Baa Black Sheep

It seems like every group has its Judas. It's a fact of life, I know, but it's just so sickening, such a waste of time and energy. But alas, if Jesus, as the son of God, as The Good Shepherd, can't even avoid having a black sheep in his fold, what do we the sheep expect?

But still, who needs Baa Baa Black Sheep, especially in a Christian organization? What are we to do with them, especially if they are in positions of power and have been Christians for many years? Pray for them? Forgive them? I can almost feel the same lump in my throat as what Peter would have felt when Jesus answered him "Seventy times seven" in response to his question "How many times must I forgive a brother who has sinned against me? Seven times?"

Lump or no lump, that's what the Bible says, and if we truly love God, we will obey His commandments, no matter how onerous. After all, He didn't say "Slaughter the black sheep and cook mutton curry". Instead, He counselled us to "turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, give them the tunic and cloak, love one another even as I have loved you".

The Jesus way. Not easy, but worth living for, even amidst black sheep.

Thomas

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