A Little More Info

  I received an email from a well-known Bible software company recently.  Here is the message it contained: “There’s still time to get _________ for less, but the clock is ticking. Pick your ________ package before February 1 to take advantage of launch discounts.  Not sure which package is right for you? Click below for a personalized recommendation!”  A personalized recommendation?  The only “contact” I have ever had with this company is by downloading a couple of free books and being added to their email list -- all accomplished with a few keystrokes on a computer.  How could they possibly make a “personalized recommendation” based on that level of interaction?  But somewhat curious at this point, I thought, “Ok, I’ll bite.”  I clicked on the big, blue “Recommend for me” button to see what they would suggest.  Blazoned in bold letters at the top of the next page were the words:  “We Think _________ Would Be a Great Fit for You.”  Coincidentally, this great fitting package was discounted 15% and available for only $849.99!  Not sure how someone who knew me so well would recommend software at such a price, I scrolled to the bottom of the page and was relieved to read this: “Not sure we got it right?  Give us a little more info and we'll fine tune your recommendation.”

As I smiled and shook my head at this marketing strategy, I also began to reflect on the times when I have been quick to make “personal recommendations” in the life of someone else without really knowing them.  This can be especially dangerous when the recommendation hasn’t even been solicited.  But even when the advice has been requested, I’ve learned it’s always best to try to get to know the person before making too many pronouncements.  Most recommendations are not “one size fits all.”  If I rush to make a determination before I have all the facts in the matter, I will likely miss the mark with my counsel.  “A little more info” is rarely a bad thing.

God loves you!

Mike

"Stop! No More Of This!"

“And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.  Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword.  Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?  How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”  At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me.  But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.” (Matthew 26:51–56 NAS95)

            The scene in the Garden that night was chaotic.  A large crowd with swords, clubs, and torches came searching for the Rabbi who was threatening their way of life.  The suspect in question is betrayed by one of his own inner circle of confidants.  The mob seizes Jesus and, suddenly, the sword of a loyalist strikes the servant of the high priest.  In the midst of the frenzy, the Savior appears to be the only One with sense enough to cry out, “Stop!  No more of this” (Luke 22:51).

            The worldly way of handling disagreements has been amply illustrated over the past few months in our nation.  Is any believer really surprised to learn that resorting to mobs and violence is not our calling?  We are part of a kingdom that does things differently.  “Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm”” (John 18:36).

            Stop!  No more of this.

 

God loves you!

Mike