Morning Devotional
December  19, 2005
"Shooting the Saints"          
    by Don Emmitte

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. If you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard. Finally, all of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, “If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil." (1 Peter 3:7-12 NLT).

 

If you have been following the last three days of Morning Devotionals you will know that I have been concentrating on developing stronger families. I finished that little mini-series and thought that it sounded awfully judgmental and uncaring as if I thought it was an easy thing to develop and maintain a strong family. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am very aware of the daunting task that goal presents. It does not diminish the need; neither does it ignore the level of challenge.

 

I remember reading about the time when the English and French were at war in colonial Canada. Admiral Phipps, in charge of the British Fleet, was ordered to anchor outside Quebec, a city on the St. Lawrence River. He was to await the coming of the British infantry and then join the land forces in attack. Arriving early, Admiral Phipps, an ardent nonconformist, was annoyed by the statues of the saints that adorned the roof and towers of the Catholic cathedral. So he spent his time shooting at them with the ship's guns. How many he hit we don't know, but history recorded that when the infantry arrived and the signal was given to attack, the admiral found himself out of ammunition. He had used it for shooting out the saints. I sometimes wonder how much of our efforts are poured into fighting among ourselves over insignificant trivialities, and "shooting our wounded," instead of uniting our efforts to attack the real enemy.

 

So, today I want to acknowledge your struggle. Even though I may not be aware of each detail, I am familiar enough with the way of the world to know that our common enemy has developed many strategies to keep us from living joyful, positive lives. Even when you do not have the cooperation from others toward your goals, do not be discouraged. Listen again to Peter: The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. Do not listen to those who would pour guilt on you for past failures or oversights. Do not fear the future with all of its challenge and unknown. Do your best to simply do right. God will hear your prayers.