Matthew 12: 25 - 29 NKJV
The Netflix series House of Cards is based on the inner dealings and power struggles of the United States politics. Now, we've all seen first hand the stories of graft and corruption in American politics. I'm told that politics back in the day were way more corrupt than they are today. That seems hard to imagine. Here in Oregon, a former governor was forced to resign recently in the face of a influence peddling scandal. The evidence seemed quite overwhelming from the outside looking in, but eventually the United States Department of Justice declined to proceed the case further. Then who could forget the dealings of Richard Nixon? It seems that misbehavior is around the corner of every turn of politics. I'm guessing that it is due to this where the originators of the series came up with the name for their show. Many of us are aware just how fragile a house made out of playing cards can be. I remember building these when I was younger and becoming frustrated when I couldn't build a house very tall. That is the nature of a house of cards, where the slightest movement can bring the entire thing crashing down. All too often, people will refer to a fragile home, marriage or childhood as a house of cards. Seeming strong and secure from the outside, but ready to collapse from within. I work with a man who by all accounts has a strong and secure marriage and home, yet you may catch a glimpse of his house of cards when you listen to how he talks to his wife. Strong in appearance, but ready to fall from within.
8“But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your cTeacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. 9“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10“And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. 11“But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 13“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.
Matthew 23: 8 -13 NKJV
Christ tells us in Matthew 12 that a house divided itself will not stand. Indeed, this came just after the Jewish authorities had accused Him of casting out demons by the power of the devil. What folly is it for satan to cast himself out? A house divided will not stand. By the same token , a house divided by hate, mistrust and pride will not stand. I have had the opportunity in my time to see plenty of homes and families brought to their knees from within. I am myself the product of a broken home, which is why this very issue is close to my heart. Can a home thrive where one is exalted above another? Not for very long. Will a home survive where both are humbled and in step with Christ Jesus? The odds here are definately better. This is exactly why I broached the example of my coworker. From the outside of his own house of cards it would seem like he has the perfect life. A good house, cars and a beautiful wife. However, each time I have heard this man talk of his wife and family it is always punctuated by his own pride...I...I...I. Granted, I know not of the inner workings of his family, but if history is to be my guide, then he is living in a house of cards. Jesus tells us in Matthew 23 that he who exalts himself will indeed be humbled. The funny thing about our misplaced pride is that eventually we are shown that we are not as important as we thought we were. When we place our own selves above the needs of others, we just may be living in our own house of cards.
~Scott~
No comments:
Post a Comment