Whose Nature . . . ?

Have you noticed that crisis brings out the best or the worst in folks? It all hinges on their response. We count those who respond well as heroes and emulate their good example. We write songs and poems about them and recount their stories to our children.

But what do you do when there’s a crisis? Are you like an ostrich, burying its head in the sand and exposing the bulk of its body to dangers it refuses to face? Are you like a bull or a she bear, bellowing and pawing the ground and charging perceived threats without caution or regard for consequences? Are you like a skunk, spraying out an obnoxious cloud whenever it feels threatened? Are you like a wounded dog, snarling and snapping at those who would try to help? Are you like a snake in the grass, a hidden menace to unsuspecting souls who cross your path? Or like a hungry tiger, prowling about in the shadows seeking the oblivious, the unaware, the straggler? Are you like a hyena or a vulture, hanging about on the outer fringes, rejoicing in defeat and drooling over the left-overs?

An animal-like response has no place in a Christ-like mindset. Yet all too often crisis reveals our flesh at its worst. Out of the depths come blood-thirstiness, rashness, inflamed emotions and inflammatory words, vengeful thoughts and actions, envy, and the harboring of hard feelings. These are a breeding ground for the slaughter of the innocent.

When crisis hits, do you hide in the hopes of avoiding unpleasantness? Do you flare up in retaliation? Do you rejoice in the downfall of others? Do you spray out clouds of defensiveness? Do you bide your time, waiting for a chance to get even?

James said, "My brethren, these things ought not so to be." The Christ response is diametrically opposed to any "normal" human/flesh response. Forgive, turn the other cheek, go the second mile, allow yourself to be wronged, answer not again, don’t revile, don’t seek your own, speak the truth in love, bless, encourage, entreat elders, don’t be an accuser, control your tongue, be loyal, be faithful and steadfast, support the work of God.

To be Kingdom minded is death to being self-minded. "My rights" take a back seat to what will benefit the family of God. When offenses come, (and Jesus said they will,) they must be released into the hands of the Judge of all the earth. We have the promise that He will do right.

Life’s daily little decisions serve as practice for the big ones. It’s like they lay the ground work, because the patterns we set when making little decisions spring unbidden to the fore in crisis. In our humanity, we tend to follow precedents already in place. That’s why Daniel’s pre-set "purpose of heart" made such a difference between him and the other Jewish captives. It reveals the chasm between what’s self-serving and what’s Christ honoring.

Know also that our choices rarely affect only us. They also affect those who cannot choose for themselves, those on the peripheral and those who are still outside the walls. Daniel had three young friends who were encouraged in their choices by his purpose of heart. He was also a witness to those on the periphery and those who were unsaved.

Crisis comes to all. David’s responses (to Goliath, to Saul and to Absalom,) were exemplary. Daniel’s was heroic. Jesus was perfect. When crisis brings "crunch time," the power of life and death is present. It’s in your hands. You choose. The question is – whose nature rules?