Counter Intelligence

Scheduled Reading: 
Jeremiah 10:17-12:17; Psalm 119:29-34; Proverbs 25:21-22; Philippians 3:1-21

 Selected Passage: Proverbs 25:21-22

Counter Intelligence

When I was a kid, I can remember getting so angry at one of my brothers that all I could think about was getting even. Finally, my oldest brother must have tired of hearing about my diabolical plots against the sibling. Whether he realized he would suffer some sort of blame for what I had in mind or he just knew my scheme would only back fire, or whether he was really trying to teach me a spiritual principle, I'll probably never know. But, I have never forgotten what he said.

My brother brought his Bible to me and showed me Romans 12:17-21 . He helped me understand that it wasn't my place to take revenge on my brother, whom God loved too. He also pointed out that God will do a much better job of defending me or getting even than I could ever hope to do. In fact, if I let GOD do it, I couldn't get in trouble for it! 

Good advice. Now, 30 or so years later, I have no idea what started the quarrel. I am sure it was just good clean fun between siblings that was starting to get out of hand. I honestly have no idea if God avenged me or not. It really doesn't matter. The point is that my oldest brother taught me a very valuable lesson that day. It was a lesson that had nothing to do with revenge. He taught me that Scripture has the answer to every problem or concern I could ever face. He taught me to seek God's counsel before I act. He taught me that if I have God's Word hidden in my heart, I will be able to avoid sinning against Him, and save myself from regret.

But the Scripture he used in that teachable moment was counter-intuitive. My heart, my mind, my sinful nature were all screaming "GET EVEN!" If I had asked my friends, they would have helped my plot my next move. (I doubt they would have come to comfort me in the punishment from my parents that would have surely followed!) The Bible was the only source of counter-intelligence to be found. And my brother showed it to me. I listened. I learned. The choice was mine to make.

Thanks, John, for taking the time to teach your pesky little brother to seek the answers he needs from the Word of Life. You always were and still are a good brother and friend. I am a blessed man to have two great older brothers and parents who love each other and the Lord with all their hearts.