LLLV19 4-4-2019 Mark Twain on Annoyance of a Good Example
Having spent the bulk of my allotted time on earth wearing the moniker of one wearing the sacred cloth, I often find rich sermon material from the Bible, as is to be expected. However, I also find gems in strange, even rough places.
Such is today’s offering, see if you pick the treasure trove of truth from today’s unlikely positive sermon source.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.”
Mark Twain.
The Bible is replete with good examples having a tremendous effect on a watching world. Lydia, the astute “Seller of Purple,” was deeply moved by the spiritual depth of the evangelistic team of Paul. The fortune teller, slave girl of the same city was so driven by the same example her demonic power was exchanged for a new life.
Also when the roughhewn jailor witnessed to the staunch faith of Paul and Silas in the inner sanctum of the Philippian Jail, he cried out for salvation.
The kind of “good” example offered thus far is useful, powerful and much needed.
The “other” kind of “good” example offered by too many is the kind mentioned by Mr. Twain. You know the kind I mean; the ridged type who do some good things, but live as though on a single food diet of green persimmon juice. They project kind of a good example, yet exude a much holier than you attitude, thus canceling the possible powerful effect of the positive example. Despite their deeply held conviction that they are, without a doubt, the measure of all things, that attitude “trumps” their outward actions.
Jesus gave instructions on the value of good works. Here’s His take on them according to Matthew:
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV).
Charles Weigel wrote of this in his song I Sing of Thee:
“I’ll sing of Thee, and smile thro’ tears, when sorrow comes to make me sad;
For I remember thro’ the years Thy grace, and sing because I’m glad.”
Larry Lilly share with friends for Twitter use http://www.larrylilly.net/blog
IT work by Oral Deckard
Having spent the bulk of my allotted time on earth wearing the moniker of one wearing the sacred cloth, I often find rich sermon material from the Bible, as is to be expected. However, I also find gems in strange, even rough places.
Such is today’s offering, see if you pick the treasure trove of truth from today’s unlikely positive sermon source.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.”
Mark Twain.
The Bible is replete with good examples having a tremendous effect on a watching world. Lydia, the astute “Seller of Purple,” was deeply moved by the spiritual depth of the evangelistic team of Paul. The fortune teller, slave girl of the same city was so driven by the same example her demonic power was exchanged for a new life.
Also when the roughhewn jailor witnessed to the staunch faith of Paul and Silas in the inner sanctum of the Philippian Jail, he cried out for salvation.
The kind of “good” example offered thus far is useful, powerful and much needed.
The “other” kind of “good” example offered by too many is the kind mentioned by Mr. Twain. You know the kind I mean; the ridged type who do some good things, but live as though on a single food diet of green persimmon juice. They project kind of a good example, yet exude a much holier than you attitude, thus canceling the possible powerful effect of the positive example. Despite their deeply held conviction that they are, without a doubt, the measure of all things, that attitude “trumps” their outward actions.
Jesus gave instructions on the value of good works. Here’s His take on them according to Matthew:
Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV).
Charles Weigel wrote of this in his song I Sing of Thee:
“I’ll sing of Thee, and smile thro’ tears, when sorrow comes to make me sad;
For I remember thro’ the years Thy grace, and sing because I’m glad.”
Larry Lilly share with friends for Twitter use http://www.larrylilly.net/blog
IT work by Oral Deckard
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