Whatever is ... (3)

“Two boys were walking along a road through a field, when they came upon an old coat and a badly worn pair of shoes. Off in the distance a farmer was working his field. The younger boy thought it would be fun to hide the coat and shoes, and then wait in the bushes to see the farmer's expression upon finding his things missing. The older boy thought about that, but then told his friend that the farmer must be awfully poor to have clothing so worn. Instead he suggested that he would put a silver dollar in a shoe, then they could hide and watch the expression on the farmer's face,. Silver dollars were worth a lot to a boy in those days, but the boys agreed that this was a good idea so they each did it. By and by the farmer came out of the field and put his foot in one shoe. He pulled his foot back out, reached into the shoe, and withdrew the coin with considerable surprise., The farmer looked around and couldn't see anyone, so proceeded to put on the shoe again, and then to try the other one. Finding the second silver dollar, the farmer knelt on the ground and prayed aloud to the Lord, rejoicing because he would now be able to help his wife, who was sick, and his children, who had no bread.

That lesson was worth far more to the boys than $2.00.” (borrowed from http://user.xmission.com/~wake/honor.html)

Whatever is honorable.

Do you see honor in the story? Do you get a lump in your throat when you read stories about people doing the right thing, the honorable thing?

What if you inspired reverence and admiration? The aged should be respected and admired. It is better to be younger and still command respect and admiration because of personal dignity and the sharing of dignity.

Spend some time considering:

• What happens when we are consistently treating others with dignity and honor?
• What results from refusing association with unsavory individuals and questionable activities?
• How will we be treated if we promote reputable places instead of unwholesome bars, above-board business practices instead of questionable accounting, fair play as opposed to cheating, clean talk as a replacement for obscene language and dirty jokes, and preferring kindness over meanness?
• Do you see Jesus paying taxes?
• Why did Jesus honor the centurion?
• Why did parents want their children near Jesus?
• What happens to us when we think about honorable events? If we keep thinking about honor, will we do what is honorable?
• Do we revere dignified individuals? How about those who dignify others?
• Who do you admire, and why? Is it because of acts of kindness or generosity? Or because of their character?

Look long and hard for people to do honorable things. You will find them. Then study what they did to

receive your honor.

Did Jesus do the honorable things as a child? Was his life honorable? Was his death honorable in spite of a dying with thieves?

Study honor. You will become what you study.

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”

Paul is training us. Let's study honor and truth.

"Mrs. Stevie"

Mrs. "Stevie": "Where were you at this morning? I looked around the church building and I didn't see you? You should be here, you know?"

Me: "I was here, Mrs. Stevie. I sat back by Ken and Diana. You didn't see me?"

Mrs. "Stevie": Are you 'back-sliding'? (eyes twinkling) "Well, I was looking for you to be sitting in front of me, like  you always do."

Me: "Mrs. Stevie, thanks for caring." (hugging her)

Mrs. "Stevie": "You know I do, and all your kids and your wife, too!"

Me: "I know!"

Conversations like these were a staple of Mrs. Gladys Stevens. A wiry little grin from a caring spit-fire of a woman made her everyone's delight. Everyone appreciated Mrs. "Stevie's" motherly guidance, courage, caring ways, and her twinkling eyes.

I met her at about 77 years old. I saw her at every service of the church. Her  broken hip when she was in her 90s did not stop her. She loved Jesus.

Not many see 100 birthdays, and even fewer stay faithful to God's writings.

• Christians should encourage each other to faithful attendance, "and so much the more as you see the day approaching." She did.
• Moral excellence is a tall order. But she did it.
• Knowing Christ's ways and being able to use it to separate good and evil is a goal for Christians. She achieved it.
• In control under diverse situations is achievable when we concentrate on the ultimate goal. Jesus did. So can we. Look at Mrs. Stevie.
• Everyone wants to 'give-up' and quit at some point. This is not the way Jesus lived, and neither should we. We must persevere if we want heaven. She did.
• Godliness (God-like-ness) is a noble goal for any Christian. Good works are evidence. She was godly.
• And a godly woman is to be valued, trusted, admired for her dedication to work and family. She was.
• Godly women are investors, hard-workers, skilled, generous givers, well dressed and supportive of her husband. She worked hard.
• Godly women make good business people. She was successful.
• Christian women are to be strong and dignified. Stevie epitomized these.
• Christians women take great pleasure at looking into the future. She did.
• Children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren can see the Christian woman's wisdom, kind teaching, ambition, and praise her. Stevie's family did.

It has been well said by Solomon, "A woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised."

God wanted this kind woman near him, and took her home. 

Mrs. Gladys Stevens, dead at 102. 

To God: "Thanks for loaning her to us for a little while."

To "Stevie": "Thanks!

Missing

There was no warning. He just wasn't there. My scheduled replacement, "J.W.", should be on time.

It was 11:10 p.m. I was tired. Ten minutes before my shift ended. I was sleepy and ready to go to bed. But security guards are not off duty, no matter what the reason, without being replaced.

I called the other guardhouse to inform the other guards about his absence. “Call the Lieutenant,” was the barbed reply. I knew they were right.

“Lieutenant, he is not here, again. This makes four times.”

“Big surprise, huh?” came the sleepy, sarcastic voice. “Stay put, and I'll call you back shortly,” the Lieutenant grumped.

At 11:14 a guard notifying me of the Lieutenant's actions. He had ask another guard to go to JW's house and wake him up. At 11:27 I learned J.W. was on his way. The 6-minute drive took him 18 minutes. At 11:45 he arrived. He gave no apology. His excuse was suspicious.

I relayed important information, completed the required paper work and phone call, turned the equipment over to him, and hit the door. I failed to give him a quick examination for drugs or alcohol.

This true story has been fictionalized and exaggerated. Why? So I can practice Philippians 4:8. Phil 4:8 has eight areas needing evaluation, meditation, and decisions. Phil 4:8 lead to a greater dependence of God, seeing reality through God's eyes, and making decisions to enhance life here and now.

Here is what I found. You will see areas where your help is needed.

• Whatever is True.
  • Expect the unexpected. I need to be ready for anything.
    • 

      Being a bit like Gumby is a good thing. Be flexible.
    • Be ready for the Lord to return. No one knows His time. Be prepared.
  • Be Patient. With planning, there is little reason for hurrying. James 1:3-4 says, "knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing."
• Whatever is Noble
  • What Noble thing could I done? Suggestions? Put your ideas in the comment section, please.
• 

  Whatever is Just 
  • Writing him up would have been just. Justice might serve the repeat offender. It might begin disciplinary measures in hopes of correcting JW's behavior.
• Whatever is Pure.
  • I fail to see anything Pure. If you do, please put your idea in the comment box at the bottom.
• Whatever is Lovely / Acceptable / Dignified.
  • Could I have approached him to check for alcohol or drug use with dignity? I would like to think I could. A highly professional approach should be acceptable, even expected, from a fellow guard.
• Whatever is of Good Report / Endorsable.
  • The third guard sent to his home is something I support. I am glad the guard did for JW's good. Would it have been better if I had went instead?
• Any Virtue.
  • Morally, I demand punctuality in myself, noting the effects of tardiness on others.,
• Anything Praiseworthy.
  • My Lieutenant was responsive to the situation. I should develop the ability to respond carefully and appropriately to all situations,too.