Romans 3: 19 “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.”
We were working a mission project in a mountainous area. Work included the building and rebuilding of people’s homes.
The purpose was to improve the lives of the people using our construction skills. As all missionaries know, in order to teach people about the saving power of Christ Jesus, we must go where they are.
On one particular project I well remember being told it would be best not to rebuild a porch and a few other parts of a house in July, the month we were there. Rattle snakes and copperheads were abundant in that area and would without doubt be under the porch that needed rebuilding.
We were easily talked out of that project! The following December, a group of seven men volunteered to go and do the needed work. The snakes would be dormant or at least lethargic if we happened to be there on a day warmer than usual in December.
We went on a Friday night, and you guessed it; Saturday was cold and raining. Boots and rain jackets protected us from the elements but the misery of working in the cold rain and mud would be a lasting memory. The snakes felt compelled to sleep in that day and we certainly approved their decision.
The couple we worked for were very receptive to the Gospel and committed to attend the local church. A few months later, I called the pastor and they had joined the church and were active in several church activities.
Another experience that lingers in my mind was a day when the pastor’s wife and I went to look at a job and invite a family to church. She was talking to the husband /father of the family while I and their son, Lee, talked.
We were standing by a mountain side on the edge of a gravel road. An old rusted-out car body was suspended on the mountain side about fifty feet up. An oak tree about the size of my leg was growing through the windshield indicating it had been there a while.
As Lee and I talked, I noticed down a hill on their property were several chicken houses. Mostly made from barrels, the chickens were individually kept.
I asked Lee, “Are those fighting chickens?” He replied “Yes sir, they are.” Then the question that had to be asked, “Don’t you know chicken fighting is against the law?” His answer was without hesitation and with a certain determination in his voice “Yes sir, I know.”
Lee was a young man I liked on first impulse. He was forthwith and had no intention of trying to blindside me with what would have been an obvious lie.
Not being sure if it was a compliment or and insinuation, he invited me to go to a chicken fight with him Saturday night. With my insatiable craving for new experiences, I would have gone but we were leaving Saturday morning.
I’ve thought about Lee and that family many times. Wondering if they ever were caught in their misgivings for the law, I found myself hoping for the best. I won’t go any further with that at this point.
We fully realize animal fighting is a worldwide “sport” but in most places, including the U.S., it is a crime. It is a source of animal cruelty, illegal gambling and the obvious defiance of the laws of the land.
I in no way intend to glamorize, rationalize or condone the activity. Prize fighting for humans is big business but physical damage is done, at times permanent injuries have happened. This is such a case in which there is a very thin line between legal and illegal.
In Lee’s statement “Yes sir, I know,” told me he either didn’t care or thought the law did not apply to him and his friends.
Before our first work trip to that area we were told we might experience a few cultural differences. Not being sure what that meant, we found them to be a polite, loving, caring and courteous people. I loved them and loved being there with them.
I can’t help but wonder how many Christians, active in churches and in attendance every Sunday morning have the same (or similar) attitude about their Christian life as Lee did about the “chicken fightin.”
We encounter people most every day that have the attitude that “the rules don’t apply to me.” It may be on a highway, in a public place or in a church. But the fact is, the rules apply to everyone.
“Those rules and laws of God apply to everyone else, but not to me!” Many of us have rationalized that our sin is okay because of one reason or another (Proverbs 12: 15). God doesn’t accept excuses and what we may see as a legitimate reason, God does not. 1 John 1: 9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Not to imply this verse is more important than others, but it makes a powerful statement.
God forgives sin! Jesus’ sacrificial death and shedding of blood accomplished exactly that. To confess our sin as directed in 1 John 1: 9 is not something we should regard as something for others but “not me.” “It doesn’t apply to me” is a weak excuse and just simply will not work for any of us.
John 3: 17 “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” And yes, this does apply to every one of us.
Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and commissioned missionary. His email is: vmy3452@gmail.com