“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?” (Albert Einstein)
Ridicule is one of the chief ways that a society prevents its members from deviating from the approved path. But truth doesn’t always stick to society’s prescribed rule. Often, those who know the truth are required to endure the “slings and arrows” of unjust treatment for the sake of the right way. Wise preparers need to develop thick skins. Our Lord told us that “wisdom is justified by her children” (Luke 7:35). It is necessary now to endure a little ridicule in order to wisely prepare for the future. When the disaster strikes those ridiculing you now will cease to laugh. Your hard work of preparing will be vindicated.
This Day in Church History
Some days later, while walking in a Garden in a state of great anxiety about his soul, he heard a young child cry out “take up and read”. Taking this as a divine directive, Augustine opened to Paul’s words in Romans, “. . .not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Faith filled his soul and he immediately renounced his lustful habits. Shortly thereafter, upon being baptized, Augustine declared, “…and all anxiety for our past life vanished away.”