Think About It—God’s Word is the truth that sets you free!
Read About It—John 8:31-58
A surgeon, an architect and a lawyer are having a heated debate concerning which of their professions is actually the oldest profession.
The surgeon says: “Surgery is the oldest profession. God took a rib from Adam to create Eve. Now that’s old!”
The architect says: “Hold on, Doc! You’re forgetting that God was an architect even before that, creating the world out of chaos in six days!”
The lawyer yawns and says: “Gentlemen, Gentlemen…who do you think created the chaos??!!”
Well, lawyers may not have “created the chaos,” but it ain’t no secret that they know how to “muddy the waters” in the courtrooms. The truth is that we all have “lawyer” tendencies inside. We will argue and wrangle over words until we are blue in the face. And what about the justice system? We’ve become so inundated with laws, and loopholes, and laws to cover the loopholes (and so on, forever) that it is nothing short of a miracle each time justice is really served! For example, John Carter, a New Jersey man, sued McDonald’s for injuries he sustained in an auto accident with a Mickey-D’s customer. He claimed that the customer who hit him did so after spilling the contents of his chocolate shake (which he purchased from McDonald’s) onto his lap while reaching for his fries. He alleged that McDonald’s sold their customer food knowing he would consume it while driving and without announcing or affixing a warning to the effect “don’t eat and drive.” Thankfully, the court agreed that McDonald’s had no duty to warn customers of obvious things which people with a brain should already know. But, get this, the judge refused McDonald’s request for attorney’s fees stating that the plaintiff’s attorney was “creative, imaginative and he shouldn’t be penalized for that.” This case was in the court system for three years, underwent appellate court review and cost McDonald’s over $10,000. (Source: ATRA and SAALA) Creative and imaginative…so much for justice, huh? No wonder Paul warns Timothy so strongly to stay away from “foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels” (2 Timothy 2:23). That is exactly what the Pharisees loved to spend their time doing—arguing over the words of the law. Too bad they weren’t as passionate about the truth behind the words! They might have actually found freedom from the legal webs they had created!
Okay, go back and read John 8:31-58 one more time.
Now for the REAL stretch—Disciples of Christ…
Know God—In what way did God reveal Himself to you as you read His Word?
Live for God—What one lifestyle change is God calling you to make?
Love Others—In what way is God calling you to minister to someone in need?
Bear Fruit—In what ways will you set the example and the standard for others to follow?