 |
Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace
|
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair...(2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV).
Former
British Prime Minister Tony Blair: “I always say this to people,
because in America, you see these pictures of people burning the flag
and out on the street and so on,” he said on “Fox & Friends.”
“You just got to understand that there is another side to all of
that, which is actually people who admire America, respect it and
need it to be strong. And I always say to people in America, don’t
worry so much about being loved. Just be strong”
(http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0912/81637.html?hp=r6)
Certainly
one of the most debilitating traits on earth is the practice of being
pretty much frozen when not constantly succored by the love, support,
and admiration of others. Without being arrogant or cruel, we must
understand as individuals and as a nation that God alone is our
primary source (our “go-to guy”) for spiritual strength. Only
then we will have the backbone to do what's right in the face of
those who would intimidate us through coldness and rejection. This
is the source from which all other strengths arise (personal and
national)—the will and determination to look to Providence no
matter whatever or whoever else would seek to dampen our spirit
and flag our determination.
I'm
sure that Prime Minister Blair would not discount a whole array of
other strengths—economic, political, institutional, educational,
creative, the steady practice of straight thinking, and a state of
generosity and happiness. But these, each and every one, have only
one firm foundation—adamant reliance in little things and big on
the direct succor of God Almighty. Like Evan Baxter in Evan
Almighty,
faithful servants of God must act despite cold
shoulders even from those we honor and whose support we long for and
would cherish.
Print Page
