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Many things happen to us that cause us to expend a lot of energy and kick
out sheets during sleepless nights. We even get ulcers and possibly serious
diseases worrying about the issues of life.
I remember in a marriage counseling situation where a wife was threatening
a divorce over the fact that she could not purchase a $45,000 vehicle.
Her husband was the “stumbling block” to her happiness. Interesting!
We have things happen to us that seem at the time monumental, but later
we look back and realize that they paled in importance to other issues.
In my last overseas assignment in Alaska, I was the post chaplain and
was beginning a counseling session. This beautiful couple came into my
office, and they had two beautiful children with them. I offered them
the normal amenities like a cup of coffee and a comfortable place to sit.
They both took the cups of coffee and sat down to begin their counseling
session while their children wandered around and systematically began
to disassemble my office. I normally would have someone take the children
outside my office so we could have some privacy, but my chaplain’s
assistant was off doing training.
We all sat down and I said, “How can I help you?” The wife spoke
up and said, “I’m not happy in this marriage.” Before I
could stop myself I said, “So what?” She seemed a bit irritated
and she said “Well, my happiness is important.”
I again said, “So what?” She paused for a moment and said “I
guess that does sound a little selfish doesn’t it?” I responded
with “It does to me.” She then said “I guess there are
other people in this situation aren’t there?” I said “Yes
there are.”
She then broke down and started talking about what was good about their
marriage and after a prayer, they left my office holding hands.
The things that really matter often allude us. We often “major”
on the “minors” and “minor” on the “major”
issues of life. This even happens, of all places, in our churches. I know
of situations where the church got rid of the pastor over the minutest
issues, like whether his wife wore makeup.
My wonderful father, who is now with the Lord in heaven, was speaking
at a church when a lady cornered him in the hallway and said, “Pastor,
do you believe a pastor’s wife should wear makeup?” He smiled
and responded, “Well if you have ever seen my wife without it, you’ll
be glad she wears it!”
In fact, the Greek word from which we get the word “cosmetics”
is “cosmos,” which means “to make order out of chaos.”
Hang in there, ladies, we love you. Keep as much chaos down as possible!
As I read God’s Holy Word, I understand that there are three things
that will last when the world we now live in is over. First of all, is
the Word of God; secondly, the souls of mankind, and thirdly, the works
of righteousness.
My wonderful wife has a phrase she uses when we get into some heavy discussions
about the issues of life. It goes like this: “Will it keep you out
of heaven?” In other words, no matter how strongly you or I feel
about a certain issue, the true bottom line really is: “Will it keep
you out of Heaven?” If you can answer this question truthfully and
accurately you have the right answer.
I suggest we all count to ten in the Lord before we make a knee-jerk reaction
to situations and send up a quick prayer like: “Heavenly Father help
us to realize the things that really matter and not to major on the minors
and minor on the majors, in Jesus’ name amen.”
The Rev. Dr. Knox Herndon is the pastor of His House Community Church
(SBC) and a substitute school teacher in the Fayette County School System,
and a former Army chaplain. The church is currently meeting in the American
Legion Log Cabin across from the fountain on the Square in Fayetteville,
(but not for long.) It will be moving to a new location near Senoia in
August. Prayer line 770-719-2365; e-mail Khern2365@aol.com.
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