Does anyone remember the 1978 shootings of SF Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor
Harvey Milk? In a controversial verdict,
Dan White was convicted of manslaughter (not murder) due to what became known
as the “Twinkie” defense. His lawyer convinced a jury that he suffered
diminished capacity by depression that was worsened by eating too much sugar, including Twinkies.
Last month, a 16-year-old boy from Texas who killed a family of four in a drunken car crash, was convicted of manslaughter, but got no jail
time—probation only—due to the expert witness of a psychologist who persuaded a jury that the
boy, from a wealthy family, had a feeling of privilege, called “affluenza,” which diminished his capacity for
judgment, and was deserving of a lighter sentence.
Perhaps the precursor to this “I-can't-be-blamed; I-have-a-disorder” cop out was the 1970's expression made famous by Flip Wilson, “The devil made me do it.” As a psychologist, I know there are legitimate disorders, but
this “blame-it-on-someone-else” excuse is as old as Adam’s “she-gave-it-to-me”
defense in the Garden. Might this be one way the spirit of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:6-7) is manifesting itself today?
Worldwide, two hundred million people currently suffer persecution because they are followers of Christ. They are arrested, evicted and attacked because of their faith. They are intimidated, interrogated and imprisoned. They are beaten, burned, beheaded, starved, stoned, raped, knifed and killed.
These modern day Christian martyrs are nameless to the outside world. Their sacrificial dedication to follow Jesus has brought them no earthly fame or notoriety; they are unheralded sufferers for Christ. Having forsaken all, these anonymous individuals counted the cost and decide they would rather join the ranks of those who “suffered mocking and flogging, chains and imprisonment, with those who were stoned, sawn asunder, and slain with the sword—of whom this world is not worthy” (Heb. 11:36-39, ed.).
The reason I am writing this is that earlier this week, an Iranian Court convicted a 32-year old pastor of a 400-member church in Tehran of apostasy—sentencing him to death for renouncing his Muslim faith. The story was only given a few lines on page 5 in the SJ Mercury News. And I have seen nothing since. It seems he is about to become one more of the anonymous martyrs of this present day. What can you and I do? “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies” (Heb. 13:3).
Last week, something happened that made people say ‘she got away with murder.’ Of course, I am referring to the Casey Anthony verdict. In all “fairness,” the jury said there was not enough evidence to “prove” her guilt. Was it unfair? Then last week, another thing happened that strikes the same chord: President Obama said he wants to raise taxes on higher income earners to help reduce the debt. He says the rich are not paying their fair share! People are saying, “These CEOs are getting away with murder.”
Though I’m fascinated by the political side of both stories, I am more interested in their spiritual nature. “Unfairness” has troubled mankind ever since Cain accused God of unfairly judging his sacrifice. It seems the only way he could ‘get even’ with God was to murder his brother. Centuries later, Jesus told a story about a brother who accused his father of being unfair when his younger brother (AKA, the ‘Prodigal son’) went off to a foreign country and wasted his inheritance, but upon returning found his father’s unconditional love intact. When you read that story, can’t you understand the older son’s feelings?
The reality is life is unfair. Some 'underserving' people have far more than others. And let’s face it—watching people get away with murder is very discouraging. So how do we guard our hearts from this stronghold of bitterness and discouragement? Peter says Jesus left us an example to follow. “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” (1 Peter 2:22-23 NLT) When life seems unfair, there is only one thing to do—keep your eyes on Jesus, and “think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up” (Hebrews 12:3 NLT).
Today I’d like to reflect on “dogs” and “doors.”
After the Fall of Adam, Cain’s murder of Abel is the next recorded sin in the Bible. Cain was angry at God, but God, in His mercy, warns Cain “sin is crouching [or lying] at the door” and if he does not repent, it will master him.
“Sin is crouching at the door” is a great word picture. The phrase brings to mind the familiar image of a dog. Years ago, I had an old English sheep dog that would lie by the front door waiting for me to take him out. He wasn’t just passively lying, he was ‘crouching,’ ready to pounce the moment the door was opened. However, he was not the master; I was. And the door remained closed until I opened it. Once the door was opened, he was out the door and "in control" (or should I say "out of control").
Is the Holy Spirit telling us sin is like a DOG lying in wait, ready to master us? If so, the DOOR is the opening for sin and Satan. Paul says we should NOT give an “opening” or a “place” to the devil. (Eph. 4:27).
Even more to the point of today’s analogy, Paul says, “Beware of the dogs” (Phil. 3:2). In Paul’s day, packs of wild dogs roamed the streets scavenging for food—they would even attack a human. Paul is comparing “dogs” to “scavengers” roaming the Church to disturb the peace. This analogy is not too dissimilar from the “prowling lions…seeking someone to devour” that Peter warns of (1 Pet. 5:8). In both analogies, we are warned of their intentions to harm and/or master us.
When you are feeling irritated, frustrated, or angry, remember that “sin is crouching at the door.” So be careful. Don’t let it master you. Don’t let the dogs out!
