Lesson 185: As He Thinks In His Heart
Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas
As He Thinks In His Heart
I receive several daily devotional from some dear friends and cherish each of them. One of my friends sends me the Purpose Driven Life (http://purposedrivenlife.org/), another friend of mine sends me a website called Mountain Wings (http://www.mountainwings.com/), and yet another sends Cry of the Spirit, which is located at (http://www.cryofthespirit.com/). an additional good site to use is located at the following address: http://www.biblegateway.com/ Other Chaplains send me their writings and we attempt to post as many as possible, as soon as possible. I think one of the greatest gifts we can give to each other is words of reflection and this week I thought I would break from the traditional lesson and offer you something that our dear friend and parson, Fred Ufford, sent out through his prayer line. I do not know how many people receive this particular daily devotional. Chaplain Binion estimates that his morning devotional will reach approximately 1000 people alone. I think that is an under estimation, as it does not count those who pass it forward. Other Chaplains of the Confederacy do the same, as well as those who follow the cross. There is a saying that goes, “A teacher touches eternity. He never knows where his influence will end.” It is the same with someone who cares enough to pass the Good News of Christ forward. After all, we are what we think.
There is a song take tells the story of two boys in a store. One boy tells the other to take some candy while the clerk isn’t watching. The boy thinks about it for a moment, digs into his pocket and places the money on the counter. He turns to his friend who tried to get him to steal and says, “The world would never know but I would.” That song reminded me of my younger years. I was living in a small community and attended a one room school which housed eight boys. I recall stopping at the only country store with my friend Danny Johns while waiting on his dad to pick us up and not having any money. Danny bought a candy bar and while he paid for it, I put a pack of gum in my pocket. His dad came we traveled that three miles to my log cabin home at Pine Haven Lodge. Well, I started chewing the gum as I walked down the path leading to the house and was quite content in chewing and attempting to blow bubbles. Mom came and greeted me in the yard with Frosty (our white dog), as was her tradition, and noted I had gum. She inquired as to where I got it and I said sheepishly that Danny gave it to me. After supper, Danny came by on his bike and asked Mom if I could go ride with him up and down the lane. She said it would be OK and then, to my horror, she thanked Danny for giving me some gum. Without a clue, he blurted out that he didn’t give me any gum.
To this day, I can remember the look on her face. She politely asked Danny if he could come back some other time and then asked me once again where I got the gum. Under extreme pressure of the conscience, I told her the truth. I recall that she had a look of being so hurt written all over her face and that of disappointment in her watery eyes. I was so ashamed. She told me to get my coat and she then instructed me to start walking behind her. We didn’t have a car and after we reached the highway, I knew our destination. My heart panicked as I knew what was in store for me. We walked the longest three miles of my life without one word being spoken. She marched me into the store and apologized for my actions and then had me apologize for my theft. I was so embarrassed and ashamed. I remember that an old man in a farm truck stopped and gave us a ride back home without a word being spoken by me.
As we got out of that old truck and started down the lane, I remember her looking at me and saying, “I forgive you son but you must always remember that as you think in your heart so shall you become.” I went to my room and cried myself to sleep. We never spoke of that incident again but it instilled in my being the need to let my conscience by my guide and to do what is right, as my heart dictates. I have made numerous mistakes, but am always forgiven by my Heavenly Parent. How thankful I am to have had a mother who taught me lessons on how to live life abundantly and seek forgiveness readily. Brother Fred, thank you for reminding me that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God but when we ask to be forgiven for our sins, those sins are cast as far as the east to the west. Mom, though you have been gone for such a long time I thank you for caring enough to discipline me. Your unworthy son, The Old General.
“This week I am looking at what the Christian should do about sin. It cannot be doubted that sin is detrimental to Christians and will eventually bring us down if not dealt with. What we say, what we do, what we will tolerate and, yes, who we run with, will affect us. It is possible that if we continue, sin will make us ineffective as a Christian. At best (you will become) a bad example. The Bible says, ‘Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.’ Matthew 12:34. Proverbs 23:7 exclaims that, ‘As he thinks in his heart so is he.’ The Christian should turn to God, repent and stop sin! Let God deal with it and work in your life. If we make excuses and listen to the world’s advice, (everything is OK, if that is what ‘you feel’ is right for you), the world’s advice will eventually bring us down. Again Proverbs 28:13, “He who covers his sin will not prosper but he who confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.’ Southern Guard’s Fighting Chaplain, Frederick Ufford, Captain 16th Georgia Irish