Weed Whack It!

After almost 2 years of cancer treatment it might seem fair to ask how much more is needed. My standard answer is time will tell what the PET scans show. The last one showed 3 errant nodes have popped up. I liken the nodes to weeds in need of whacking or maybe some kind of “Round –up” to stamp them out once and for all. In much the same way I referred to the radiation machine as the cooker and the pause between simulation and treatment as “basting,” analogies to everyday parts of life help lighten things up a bit; at least bring a smile to the lips.

Why not? As we subject ourselves to poking, prodding and much picture taking at the hands of many strangers we may as well detach for a moment from the situation and look for the humor in it. I don’t aim to be the funniest person ever to sit in a chemo chair, mainly because wit isn’t my natural born gift. There is truth to the scripture though “a merry heart does like good medicine.” (Proverbs 17:22) As a believer, I’m a firm believer that not just any kind of joke or comedy will do. We have to “walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15, 16)” Some people are under the false assumption that when the Lord said he has given us “all things to enjoy” freely partake of the things the world esteems highly, but the context of that scripture is addressing the warning not to trust in uncertain riches. (1 Timothy 6:17)

While we seek to make our hearts merry, let’s first ask the Lord if the thing we are about to do or in the habit of doing will fulfill two simple requirements: 1. Will the thing bring Glory to God?  2. Will it cause others to stumble in their walk with God? An example: Some stretch Paul’s advice to Timothy about taking a little wine for the stomach way too far and use it almost as an excuse to make drinking a daily habit. A litmus test – (except for taking communion) what does the drink in hand do to further the Gospel of God? What if that glass of wine (or let’s say an occasional cigarette) presents an obstacle to the person hearing the good news of Jesus Christ? Of course, it might be a good idea to re-state the Holy Spirit inspired obligations of true, born again Christians for this point to have value.

A few examples - we who have claimed Christ as Savior and Lord should “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22), “adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like…” (Galatians 5). In my estimation this would also include abstaining from giving hearty approval to those who do such things. This might even include withholding  the dollars we would spend on certain movies, music, and other amusement media.  Because Satan’s devices to keep us from Christ are often subtle, it’s important to check me out from the Word of God; don’t just take my word for it. When Jesus commands us to pick up our cross daily and follow Him, he doesn’t say ‘oh by the way, it’s okay to drag along whatever you like from the world with you too.’ No-He teaches us to surrender all that we are to Him.

If we think the Christian life will be boring without raunchy games, kid’s movies with witchcraft, or an occasional drink or two; have we really died to self? Is He really our Lord, our God and King? May we all be willing to take out the Word of God, the spiritual weed whacker and ask the Lord to show you how to get rid of ungodly habits at their root.

I’ll close with a joke that begs the question ‘does it glorify God?’

The other day a fellow asked the pastor, "Can I smoke and still get to heaven?" Pastor replied "Sure, and if you smoke, you might get there a lot sooner."

For more posts from Comfort in Christ Cancer Support go to http://comfortinchristcancersupport.blogspot.com/

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