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The Citizen, 1987-04-01, Page 21From the Minister's Study THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987. PAGE 2L Christ is a message of life, not violence BYREV. DOUGZEHR BRUSSELS MENNO NITE FELLOWSHIP If you are like me, no doubt you’ve met individuals who are grouchy and at times you have been tempted to be grouchy right back. You get snapped at and you at least return a sarcastic jab. Why is it that we allow ourselves to be controlled and shaped by the attitudes of others? I read a parable recently that was very appropriately in tune with the present times. I’d like to share it with you. A holy man was engaged in his morning meditation under a tree whose roots stretched out over the riverbank. During his meditation he noticed that the river was rising, and a scorpion caught in the roots was abouttodrown. He crawled out on the roots and reached down to free the scorpion, but every time he did so, the scorpion struck back at him. An observer came along and said to the holy man, “Don’t you know that’sascorpion, andit’sinthe nature of a scorpion to want to sting?’’ To which the holy man replied, “That may well be, but it is my nature to save, and must I change my nature because the scorpion does not change its nature?” If you are with me so far, I hope that you will explore just a little bit further into this article. It think that murder is the most disastrous result of uncontrolled human violence. The rage that drives human beings to destroy life is illustrative of an urge toward violence that is a part of all of us. When faced with murder, my first inclination is to respond violently, that is, with outrage at the ending ofalife. Ifl could, I would curse the violence of murder and stifle it. The temptation is to try to strangle the violence within by supporting a legal system which would destroy the offender. I have within me this same urge to violence. At times I have responded to murder with a call for violence. In response to the news of an act of murder I have experienc­ ed outrage and anger, and I have wanted to play out the images in my mind of punishment and ven­ geance. I confess I haven’t arrived at some superior moral position. One of the things I have learned about the good news of Jesus Christ is that we do not have to become enslaved to our own urges for violence. We do not have to remain caught up on our fear and anger. Even indulging in the penalty of deathfor murder cannot free us from the violence rooted in us. I don’t believe that capital punish­ ment is an alternative to the violence within us and am convinc­ ed that it cannot lead us to any new life. Murder is too serious to be the excuse for further violence. In Jesus Christ our message is a message of life. We can be healed andsetfreefrom violence. That freedom cannot, however, come from expressing and acting out violence. Acting out leaves us trapped in our feelings because it merely expresses them, rather Advertising serves by informing. CANADIAN ADVERTISING FOUNDATION than dealing with their roots. As followers of Jesus, you and I can grow beyond the very fears and angers which lead us to give in to our urges for violence. We can be reconciled to our past, and go on to a new life. Even when I have failed to take the opportunity for a new life, I remain committed to a faith that offers such an alternative. This promise of a new life is the central promise of the Christian faith. It is the message of God’s reconciliation. Christ suffered vio­ lence, so that we no longer have to beenslavedtoviolence. We can Bly th Christian Reformed Church HIGHWAY 4, BLYTH Rev. Roger Gelwicks Worship Services 10:00a.m. and 2:30p.m. SundaySchool 11:00a.m. The Church of the ‘ ‘ Back to God Hour” and “Faith 20” Back to God Hour 10:30a.m. CKNX, Sunday Faith20 5:00a.m. weekdays, GlobalT.V. ALL VISITORS WELCOME change and grow past our urges for violence. Christ shows us how, and has urged that we show others that this way is available for everyone, even offenders. This is not an easy solution. But it grows out of a concern and a commitment to life. God calls us all to a more abundant life. We are committed to searching for that life, and want it to be available for everyone. We cannot force people to choose life, but we continue to hold it forth and to speak against the urges toward death and darkness within ourselves. I [Business Directory Advertising helps good things happen. CANADIAN ADVERTISING FOUNDATION This space is reserved for you! Only $8 per week Rammeloo Rest Home •Room available •24hourcare [nurse on staff] •Home cooked meals •$22.00 per day WHERECANYOU DO BETTER? Bus. 523-9478- Res. 523-4533 TURN YOUR SCRAP INTO CASH!! 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