Tasha is the best cat in the house; in my pantry there is an open area about 18 inches wide by 30 inches in height. I was going to utilize that space, but I noticed that the best cat likes to go in there and sit...for about 20 seconds, and then she comes out, usually complaining about the food rations.
No toys in there, not using it as a litterbox...she just goes in and then comes out.
Been thinking about Texas floods, Florida hurricanes...and the fact that we all enjoy what the Christian theologians call "Common Grace".
Tasha enjoys common grace, as she is fed and taken care of without 'earning' her keep. She doesn't even catch mice, which is good-seven years here in October and I have never yet seen a mice.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
so that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
For He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Common Grace means that you are not struck by lightning the first, third or three millionth of times that you sin.
With Common Grace you live, work and have your existence even IF you totally reject God.
Sun still shines, rain still waters your crops, you have birthdays and work and loved ones and all the usual stuff that comes with living.
You get to see beautiful scenery, tell awful puns, sing along to your music...all of it is yours to enjoy.
And it is the same, it is common to us Christians, too.
But here's a difference.
When a Christian is caught in flood, riding in a doomed airplane or is sitting on a beach where a tsunami hits...we die here, just like everyone else.
But we go right to Heaven, which is much, much better. That is Saving Grace.
The words of Jesus in red that you see above-we are called to love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us. Christ set the example when He went to the cross in our place, us being His enemy due to our sinful nature.
When Florida is hit by a storm, just as Texas was flooded, the good nature of Humanity is given opportunity to shine. Wonderful and good. Love your neighbors as well as your enemies.
If a Christian comes at you with Scripture, and you just want him or her to shut up and go away...love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you by talking about Sin. Our heart is in the right place.
