Major league baseball is on edge. It was reported to the league
that the Houston Astros have been cheating. They investigated and found it to be true. Now,
there is a long history of teams stealing signs, but the rule is – you may not
use electronics. Of course – many say – it does not apply to us, how do we get
around it? The Astros thought they found a way – and they were caught. Three
managers have lost their jobs and now the new manager, Dusty Baker, is pleading
with the league to protect his team. He is afraid they will be targeted at
games.
Why such anger – fair competition – follow rules – level playing
field.
Imagine life without rules?
No traffic laws – I would be frightened to leave our property – might not
get back.
We want freedom to drive where we want, but to be truly
free to drive – we need to have rules.
God gives us commandments – not to take away freedom, but
to give new freedom – and a sure path to holiness. But Jesus saw – how can we get around them? Instead
– he calls us to more – a deeper holiness:
1)
You have heard – thou shalt not kill – but do
not grow angry. There is such a thing as righteous anger. But what do we do with anger? – will it be
helpful if all the pitchers throw at the heads of the Houston players? – will that
solve it? Do not let anger become hate –
use it instead for good.
2)
You have heard – no adultery – but I tell you
turn no one into an object for your own pleasure. Do not misuse anyone. They
are sons and daughter of God, somebody’s daughter, somebody’s son.
3)
You have heard – Moses allowed divorce in some
cases – but you must remember that marriage is sacred – that you have made a
vow before God – do not take a false oath – either your word is true or it is
not. Let everyone depend on the truth of your word – that you are dependable
and honest – a person of integrity. This is the path of holiness – our marriages
depend on this – our children depend on this.
How can one live up to this? Commandments are hard! But
anything worth doing IS hard! It must be hard, if we are to become saints – but
also remember the mercy of God.
How to do it? Brother
had dog – Yogi – my favorite dog – yellow lab.
Beautiful.
Yogi loved to eat – eat anything. Tom taught him obedience.
Would put food in bowl and say NO
Yogi, of course, was dying to eat – but tried to obey. He
never looked at the food.
Like – if he did, the temptation would be too much.
He always looked at Tom’s face What a great lesson – keep our eyes on master’s
face!
