That’s Gonna Leave a Mark

Where’d you get those scars?  Life beats us up.  I know where mine came from- where’d you get yours?  Some scars come from necessary losses such as surgical procedures, but a lot come from hits we didn’t see coming.  I’ve got both, and the ones obtained under anesthesia were easier to take.  Sometimes they fade, but scars remain to the end of days. 

I’ve always been able to take a hit.  I don’t know if that’s a quality or not, maybe more of an ability.  Anyway, it’s been handy.  I take a lot of hits because I’ve got a lot of faults.  Add in the unjust blows common to all, and I’ve had my share.  Having been marked myself, I am more observant of and empathetic with other walking wounded. 

Occasionally, we are wounded by our own devices.  In other words, we receive “the due reward of our deeds.” For some, perhaps most, this may be the primary source of hurt.  Lessons learned.  The memories may fade, even be lost, but the fact of the failures and faults remains.  It is beyond the ability of the living to relive.

We cannot avoid all hurts.  There is no pain-free life, and some wounds are even received in honor.  Character sometimes keeps us from ducking an incoming blow.  We used to call that “taking a stand.” The ensuing grief may occasionally be soothed by the belief that an important principle has been preserved but not always.

Some have a greater tolerance for pain than others.  Because of this, they are more willing to bear burdens and hurts.  There is even the possibility that one may have an unhealthy bent toward grief, and there’s always plenty of that to go around.  In any event, there is great need for foot-soldiers in the battle of life.

For believers, following Jesus invites a certain amount of conflict, and we don’t win all the battles.  Understanding this is central to authentic Christianity.  Scripturally, this is “counting the cost.” Being a true believer means total identification with Christ and willingness to embrace a certain lifestyle.  This standard of judgment differs from many but is biblically correct. 

Paul said he bore the marks of Jesus.  Because of this, no one was to “trouble” him.  Paul had paid his dues.  We must do the same if we are to gain and retain the respect of other believers and the world.  It is evidence of true faith.  When we align ourselves with Christ, the deeds of our lives are empowered by His Spirit, and He speaks through our scars.

Sterl

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