My seven year old son, a young man way beyond his years, decided he
wanted to try my aftershave. After splashing it onto his neck, he cried out in
alarm as a painful stinging sensation stabbed into his skin. He had a slight
scratch on his neck and the aftershave applied to it caused pain. I explained to him that this was a good pain
to experience as it meant the alcohol in the aftershave was killing bacteria in
the wound and therefore the scratch would heal better.
Now I’m not sure if this is a medical fact or an accurate understanding
of the molecular nature of aftershave, but after the discussion with my son I
pondered the truth that a clean environment helps the healing process, and I realised
this was a general principal in life.
There are many things that corrupt and dirty our lives; however the Bible lists three main categories. The World, the Flesh and the Devil. Working together , they pose a huge threat to
our lives. They wound us. They kill us. They create an environment that stinks.
What is needed is good aftershave.
The Church knows the terrifying consequences of falling prey to the
lures and temptations of the World, the Flesh and the Devil which is why it has
so many “disciplines” to confront them. Practicing a discipline such as silence, fasting,
solitude, serving, study, community etc. helps create a clean environment for
our lives to heal. However the application of a discipline can sting and cause
pain, much like that aftershave.
Is this a self help exercise? Yes and No. We do need to be involved, however
the process makes us even more aware that God is the only one that can heal our
Soul,
There are many examples in scripture and throughout history that demonstrate a cold reality. Unrestrained passions and undisciplined living will destroy, even if we desire to love God. That is why we are called to be Disciples. A Disciple is a disciplined person. Indeed the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self control.
There are many examples in scripture and throughout history that demonstrate a cold reality. Unrestrained passions and undisciplined living will destroy, even if we desire to love God. That is why we are called to be Disciples. A Disciple is a disciplined person. Indeed the fruit of the Holy Spirit includes self control.
I personally believe that many people who are trying to “sort things
out” in their lives forget that wounds heal faster in a disease free
environment. What is polluting your
life? Find out about some of the church disciplines and begin to practice them
as this will clean your environment. If
Jesus did these things, surely we need to follow his example. As Ephesians 5
says, “Follow Gods example… and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved
us and gave himself as a fragrant offering to God”
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Brian Maunder is the author-illustrator of the
children's picture book Polly's Little Kite.
Website: brianmaunder.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PollysLittleKite
Review: www.goodbookreviews.org.uk
