“Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.”
Proverbs 14:4 NLT
To me, stolen valor would have to be one of the worst offenses, in terms of fraud, anybody could commit. Stolen valor: the act of claiming battle experiences, heroism, and/or injuries, that never happened, is a slap in the face to all those men and women who did do, or have experienced, what these fraudsters are claiming concerning themselves.
Stolen valor, although among the most egregious examples of wanting to garner the benefits of having done something you never did, or would never do, it certainly isn’t the only example of such behavior.
Now, with stolen valor, the motives for such behavior may range from getting attention, or position, or money, but whatever the goal is, it is desired to be had without paying the price for it.
Think of the people who want a great physique, but want to eat whatever they want and won’t exercise. Or consider those who would love to be able to play a musical instrument, but can’t stomach having to practice anything. These are also examples of wanting something, but are not willing to pay the price for it.
Many years ago the Lord spoke to me, saying, “You want to be a warrior, but you don’t want to fight.” As He always is, the Lord was right. I didn’t want to ruffle any feathers or set myself up as a target for the disapprovers. Remaining as such, I would never have been able to do what the Lord sent me to do.
Among the first human beings on earth were Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve. Cain became very distraught when he did not get the results he wanted: God‘s approval of his offering. On the other hand, his younger brother, Abel, presented an offering that was accepted by the Lord.
“Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the Lord’s help, I have produced a man!” Later she gave birth to his brother and named him Abel. When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the Lord. Abel also brought a gift—the best portions of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The Lord accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.””
Genesis 4:1-7 NLT
Tragically, instead of doing what the Lord required of him (Cain would have known what the Lord was referencing, or the Lord would not have mentioned his doing what is right), Cain allowed his anger to cause him to murder his brother.
Now, we could question why Cain was not willing to just do what was right, choosing rather to kill the one who was willing to do what was right. But the fact is, Cain wasn’t willing, and it ended tragically.
In our opening scripture we see the proverbial writer making the observation that if you want to bring in a bumper crop, you’ve got to have the help of oxen. But if you’re not willing to deal with the oxen’s mess, choosing rather to keep clean stalls, you won’t have oxen, and you won’t be able to produce and gather the bountiful harvest you desire.
Child of God, whereas having a big harvest, enjoying prosperity, acquiring a certain physique, etc., require doing some things you don’t necessarily want to do, following in our Lord‘s footsteps, doing what the Lord has sent us to do, certainly requires no less.
Indeed, we are told that demanding our life be just as we want it to be, requiring no sacrifice, enduring no hardship, actually leads to losing our eternal reward.
“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:3-6, 11-12, 15 NLT
Ultimately, if we want to hear “Well done, good and faithful servant,” we need to be able to shovel through whatever we must to endure to the end and receive the promise!
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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