What character defect you would like to overcome?

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A large majority of people in America believe in God. Our Pledge of Allegiance tells us we are one nation under God. Whenever I speak to a group at a school, a drug rehab center, etc., I assume that all the people in attendance have some belief in God, regardless of their relationship with Him.

While speaking recently at a drug rehab center, I addressed the character defects that one may have. In any recovery program, these must be dealt with in search of serenity.

During the session, I asked a few clients what was one particular defect they would like to overcome. One young man said, “Hate.” “I never considered hate a character defect. What, or who, do you hate so much?” I asked. “I hate life,” he answered, convincingly. I then shared that one day I hope he realizes that God has a plan just for him.

“I don’t believe in God,” he said. The other men in the group didn’t seem to understand how someone could be an atheist. I then confused all the men in the group, especially the non-believer, by saying, “He is in a much better position with God then most of you. The Bible says that God wants us to be either hot or cold toward Him. If we are lukewarm, like most of you, He will spit you out of His mouth. This man is now cold toward God.”

Looking him in the eyes, I said, “I believe that one day you will serve God and know that He has a perfect plan for your life.”

During the week, I thought about this young man and wondered how he was doing. I couldn’t wait to meet with the group again.

The following week, I decided to bring him a “Get High on Life” T-shirt. On the back is a scripture from II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

As we were ending the meeting, I presented him with the shirt. “Are you going to wear it?” I asked. He smiled.

On the way home, Jeanne asked me if I thought he would wear it. I guarantee he will have in on next Saturday.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.