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A Mary T. Hoffman Commentary from All-Creatures.org

 

"Joyful Curmudgeon" An oxymoron?
No! I see all the beauty of God's creation and I'm joyful.  At the same time, I see all the suffering and corruption going on in the world, and feel called to help expose and end it so that we may have true peace and compassion.

 


The Search to Justify – 30 June 2007
By Mary T. Hoffman

Are you wondering what “The Search to Justify” means in today’s title? Well, let me explain.

Sometimes a person who resists making a change that they know “deep down inside” is the “right thing to do” seeks “advice” from someone they know will encourage the status quo and sabotage any change.

Here’s an example: Let’s say that a hunter is having second thoughts about killing for fun, but doesn’t really feel like giving it up. After all, it takes guts to say “no” to his/her hunting friends and family members – you know – social pressure. So, who does he/she ask for advice concerning this dilemma? His/her pastor who also happens to be an enthusiastic hunter. What do you suppose the pastor’s advice will be?

Another example that may sound familiar: Someone hears about the health benefits of changing their eating habits and “going veg.” They come back with something like: I knew someone who ate anything and smoked. They lived to a ripe old age.

These people are resisting the changes that they know that they should make. One of the ways they do this is by searching out those who will help to justify their accustomed habits. Sometimes a person who knows that it’s time to change becomes hostile and fights the positive change that their conscience tells them is inevitable. “They protest too much” as the saying goes.

This brings to mind the Bible passage in Revelation 3:14-16:

14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:

15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot.

16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.' ~ New American Standard Bible

Those who are “lukewarm” (complacent) aren’t likely to take a step up the ladder of positive change; but those who are “hot” or “cold” are more likely to take that step.

Go on to: Arrogance – 1 July 2007
Return to: Fish Farms – 29 June 2007
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