January 27, 2012
Today's Photograph . . . . Coyote (NPS) |
Matthew 7:1-2
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (NIV)
Thoughts
He was driving down the highway when he saw three coyotes crossing the road ahead of him. The first two made it across the highway unscathed; the third was hit and killed by a car.
As he watched, the first two coyotes that had made it across the road turned in their tracks and headed back to their downed comrade. However, when they reached the third coyote, they proceeded to drag him from the roadway and devour him.
As he watched, the first two coyotes that had made it across the road turned in their tracks and headed back to their downed comrade. However, when they reached the third coyote, they proceeded to drag him from the roadway and devour him.
(Brett M)
Action Point
How do we act when others are knocked down in life and struggling? Whether it is a divorce, addiction, poor life choices, or a myriad of other problems, do we encourage, uplift, pray, and support? Or, do we gossip, speculate, and judge?
In the fire service, we call the latter, "eating our own"--taking the opportunity to devour another while they are down and struggling. It is no different than what those coyotes did to their own.
Christ makes it clear, "Stop judging." Whether it is our best friend, our worst enemy, a television celebrity, or a newsmaker, "Stop judging!"
Make it a point to pray for someone today whom you know is struggling in life. Better yet, pray for two people--a friend or co-worker and a newsmaker you have never met.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Hunting season always seems way too short. But in many areas, varmint hunting is open year round with just a valid hunting license. Check your local game laws and see if you can keep up on your stalking and shooting skills during the off-season by hunting varmints.
