The Sting

Nothing gets a parent's attention faster than a painful scream from one of their children. Instinct kicks in and the parent charges into whatever it is that's hurting their child. Last Thursday night it was a nest of ground bees.

There was no deliberation on the part of the parent. There was no thinking, "Maybe this would be a good life lesson" or "Let me pray about it before I pull Johnny out of the nest." Nope. Only action, And without regard for self on the parent's part either.

We react. That can be either good or bad. For example, when my little brother was still in diapers, he came walking out of the kitchen carrying a knife. By the sharp end. My sister reacted swiftly and yanked the knife out of his hand. Medic!

Reaction is something that is instinctive. We can't help it. So, how do we react when someone attacks us because of our beliefs? Do we react? Or do we think or pray about it before we speak?

Life lessons are important for all of us to learn. Sometimes those lessons sting. Would you run into a nest of bees to save your beliefs from being attacked? Are we ready to act quickly and in love when someone challenges our faith?

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16

My young friend who got stung by bees this week was grateful that his father reacted quickly, the father sacrificing his own safety to rescue his son. May we react just as quickly when someone attacks our faith. Not for OUR sake, but for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord.