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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: FAMOUS (02/27/20)
Peace can be an elusive thing, desired by God but rarely achieved in the history of man.Throughout history, men and women, fighting to preserve their freedoms, have gained fame on the battlefield through selfless acts of bravery or wanton courage. Battles fought by men who became kings and conquerors are recorded in the Bible and elsewhere. And we in America have our own great heroes, such as Washington and Eisenhower, who fought great battles to preserve our freedom. They received the honor of occupying the oval office. But in times both ancient and modern, the motives of many men were not so pure. Heroes can come in different forms.
Perhaps the most famous conqueror in history was a man known as Alexander the Great. He was a man of great wisdom and courage, undefeated in battle. Armies crumbled before him as he marched through Greece and Persia and down into Egypt before he met an untimely death in the city of Babylon at the age of 33. Aside from Jesus himself, no man in history has ever been more admired or had more books dedicated to him. His remark most often quoted was “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” Three centuries later, the Angel Gabriel made a visit to a young virgin named Mary and declared “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you...for nothing is impossible with God.” * Men like Alexander may claim the victory but the real victory belongs to God. Humility took the place of arrogance!
One legend about the conqueror revolves around an episode that occurred while he was celebrating a victory with his generals. As they sat around drinking to their success, a young soldier was dragged before Alexander and charged with the crime of deserting his post. The usual penalty for this was death. Alexander looked down at the youth lying prostrate before him and asked a simple question: “Soldier, what is your name?”
“Alexander,” came a whispered reply.
“That’s my name,” roared Alexander. Filled with rage, he yanked the trembling man up by the collar until they were face to face. But seeing the terror in the soldier’s face, he softened his tone a little. “Soldier, you shall live” he promised. “But from this day on you must either change your conduct or you must change your name.”
Many people claim the name of Christian without changing the way they live. They don’t seem to realize the gift of eternal life is given from a heart so loving and forgiving there are hardly words to describe it. Christ has given his all for us and we should be willing to give our all for him as well. We must not hide our faith behind our hands and follow meekly in the way of the unsaved. How many Christians have made a public declaration of faith? Sadly, very few. How many forsake worldly fame or fortune for a selfless life of servitude? Fewer yet.
Looking back at my own salvation, which began with so much joy and promise for a life of Christian service, I see times when I failed to live up to my convictions and had to fall upon my face in repentance. One such time occurred when I had my first successful publication. The idea that I might someday become famous went right to my head, I admit with shame. But my family’s lukewarm response to my writing set me right back on my feet. God help me if I ever aspire to become rich and famous. Just let me earn the name of Christian -- that’s my name.
*(Luke 1:35-37 NIV)
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Barbara Culler 
03/07/20
God analogy. I'd rather be famous in God's eyes for sure! This entry would have been easier for my senior eyes to read had you double or triple-spaced the paragraphs. Seeing the white space makes it more pleasing to the eye. Keep up the good work!
Linda Lawrence 
03/09/20
We are both trying to become more readable writers. When reading this entry I see a mistake we make. Giving too much information than is relevent to the flow of the story. I believe your point (and it's a good point!) about living up to a name--especially if we bear the name of Christian--would be stronger if you stuck to Alexander and Christ and omitted the beginning and ending paragraphs and points. Less is more. If only I could remember that!