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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: The Comedy of Errors (not about the play) (08/18/11)
    in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8 NAS)
A story was told of an honest man who was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. When the light suddenly turned yellow just in front of him, he did the honest thing, and stopped at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman hit the roof, and the horn, screaming in frustration on missing her chance to get through the intersection. As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. The woman was then escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

"I'm very sorry for this mistake,” said the arresting officer. “You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk of your vehicle. Naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."

That was a fictional story from an article ‘Mistaken Identity’ written by Henry W Farkas for NetFunny.com. Although intended for humor reading, the story illustrates true to life what can happen when we do not handle our behavior, stress or temper properly. Momentary lapse of composure during situations such as this can have adverse repercussion, especially if someone who is about to receive the Lord sees our not so nice behavior.

Like the tailgating woman in the story, do we sometimes flare up when things are not going smoothly or according to the way we want it? Does our behavior reflect our faith in Christ even when feeling stressed? Are we exemplary of what it means by bearing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in patience, kindness, goodness and self-control, or are we a stumbling block to others (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 8:9)? Is our lack of knowledge of the Scriptures or the power of God the reason we are doing the wrong things or in error at times (Matthew 22:29; Mark 12:24)?

If our answers are uncertain or indicating weakness in living out Christ in our lives, then we should be careful how we exercise our freedom that we may not become stumbling blocks to the weak (1 Corinthians 8:9). We should determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in another person's way (Romans 14:13). Since we belong to Christ Jesus, and our flesh with its passions have been crucified, we should live and walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25). Above all, we should in all things show ourselves to be examples of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech, and beyond reproach, having nothing bad others can say about us (Titus 2:7-8).

Let us who are weary or weak therefore come to God, and He will grant us strength, power, love, and self-discipline (Isaiah 40:29; 2 Timothy 1:7). Wait upon the LORD and He will renew us, that we may soar on wings like eagles, run and not get tired, walk and not become weary (Isaiah 40:31).

Dear Lord, forgive us for the times we fail to respond correctly when under stress, and for causing others to doubt the faith because of our not so nice behavior. Guide us therefore Lord by Your Spirit that we may be careful how we exercise our freedom. Help us not lay any obstacle or stumbling block in the way of another person, especially the ones who have yet to believe in You or have just received You. Remind us Lord to always consider what You would have done in a situation we may be facing now, that we may wisely choose the right path and glorify Your name.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Leola Ogle
08/26/11
Great reminder that we should always be a reflection of Him. Good job, good writing! God bless
Noel Mitaxa 
08/26/11
Good lesson in consistency, but it suffered slightly from a too-formal intro to an old story. (And do you know how to recognise a Christian fish? It has a picture of a car on its tail!)

Your intro may have been more "arresting" if you had invited readers to "Imagine your frustration. You're running late and the immovable object in front of you is a super-conscientious driver - and his major purpose in life seems to be to add to your delay!"
Just a suggestion, but thenn, I'm not a judge - though I'd like to be; to throw the book at that driver!!!
Patricia Protzman
08/31/11
Excellent example. Made me think about my behavior sometimes when things don't go well. Thanks for the Scripture and neat story.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
11/09/11
God works in mysterious ways. I stumbled upon this topic and realized I hadn't read many of the stories. I felt an urge to read and comment the ones that didn't have many comments. Then I read your entry and realized God was pushing me to read, not to encourage others, but because I needed this message. After 23 years of being sick and frequently hospitalized, I was granted a reprieve in July but the last 2 weeks, I've felt my illness creeping back. I've wanted to give up. Thanks to your words, I realize that the way I handle my illness is an example to others. I can't give up on myself and I know God won't either :)