Which Strong Man Do You Fear?

Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge. -Proverbs 19:25 KJV

Why do guys like hitting each other?

It seems silly, but a lot of guys do it.

However, we see those who can knock someone out cold with one punch or kick through a brick wall, and everyone else agrees, “Don’t mess with him!”

But is that all?

Look at the recently rebranded debate over the death penalty. Pope Francis called it “inadmissable” for governments to kill using the death penalty.

But, as a friend said to me about locks on doors, it may serve to “keep the honest people honest.” Or at the very least it warns those who may want to commit a crime that there are severe consequences, and they will simply beware the dangers and avoid the crime.

Things should be different.

Why aren’t they different? We fail to live out the two greatest commandments: Love God and love others.

We get too focused on our own wants and needs, and it leads to mistreating others.

A wise person, though, will see the law or hear the admonition against things and think, “I can see how that might hurt others.” At the very least, he or she would want to learn more about why we should or should not do something. This keeps them out of trouble in the first place!

But you better believe there’s a deeper meaning to this!

A simple person will look at the cross of Christ and think “Don’t make waves” or “Religion causes problems.”

But the point of the Cross is that God has a Law that no one can meet, but Jesus did and made a way for us by sacrificing Himself on that cross. The wise person understands our sinful nature and seeks to avoid the condemnation our lawlessness brings. This person seeks out the truth of Christ to believe and be saved.

In this world, big, strong guys impress and intimidate us.

At the end of this world, The Big Guy will finally reveal His strength as His wrath is poured out on those who refuse to believe.

Who do you fear more?