Earlier this week I received an email with a touching story. I am usually not into chain letters however, this message came from a trusted source and I felt compelled to share it with you… It’s titled “the dart test”.
A young lady named Sally, relates an experience she had in a seminary class, given by her teacher, Dr. Smith. She says that Dr. Smith was known for his elaborate object lessons.
One particular day, Sally walked into the seminary and knew they were in for a fun day.
On the wall was a big target and on a nearby table were many darts. Dr. Smith told the students to draw a picture of someone that they disliked or someone who had made them angry, and he would allow them to throw darts at the person’s picture.
Sally’s friend drew a picture of who had stolen her boyfriend. Another friend drew a picture of his little brother. Sally drew a picture of a former friend, putting a great deal of detail into her drawing, even drawing pimples on the face. Sally was pleased with the overall effect she had
achieved.
The class lined up and began throwing darts. Some of the students threw their darts with such force that their targets were ripping apart. Sally looked forward to her turn, and was filled with disappointment when Dr. Smith, because of time limits, asked the students to return to their seats. As Sally sat thinking about how angry she was because she didn’t have a chance to throw any darts at her target. Dr. Smith began removing the target from the wall.
Underneath the target was a picture of Jesus. A hush fell over the room as each student viewed the mangled picture of Jesus; holes and jagged marks covered His face and His eyes were pierced.
Dr. Smith said only these words… “As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
No other words were necessary; the tears filled eyes of the students focused only on the picture of Christ.
Then Mr. Smith added a few words about forgiveness and hatred. “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 25:14-16)
Jesus himself said, “For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)
Isn’t it funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell?
Isn’t it funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says?
Isn’t it funny how someone can say “I believe in God” but still follow Satan, who, by the way, also “believes” in God?
Isn’t it funny how someone can be so fired up for Christ on Sunday, but be an invisible Christian the rest of the week?
Are you laughing?
There is nothing funny about revenge, hatred or forgiveness. Just as we are loved unconditionally by our father in heaven, we are called to love others no matter what they have done remembering we are all God’s children
I hope the next time you find yourself ready to throw a dart at someone’s picture hung up in your mind, that you will remember it’s really Jesus you are aiming at… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives
For forgiving our sins and for loving us unconditionally,
For strengthening us when tempted by evil
And for inspiring us to be more like you each day.
Lord we pray you will continue to guide our footsteps
To live as you did when among us as Jesus the Christ,
And through your word the bible
Allow us to see all that is good in forgiving others.
Father we ask you to help us remember
That all we do unto others we do unto you,
And that if we are ashamed of you and your word
You will be ashamed of us.
God we love you and thank you for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
