When You Talk Tough
When You Talk Tough
Dr. Vincent D. Hefner, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Cherryville, N.C.
A man who boarded an airplane was directed to his seat which was next to a talking parrot. After the plane had taxied down the runway and was on its way to its destination, the hostess began to ask the passengers if they wanted something to drink. The parrot spoke in a harsh manner to the hostess and told her in no uncertain terms that he wanted a coke with a slice of lemon, while the man said he just wanted a glass of water. The hostess rushed back with the coke and lemon for the bird but did not bring the man his glass of water. After about 10 minutes the bird started to yell for some peanuts and a mint. Immediately the stewardess came running with two bags of peanuts and a handful of mints for the parrot. The man politely asked if she would bring him his glass of water, but she paid him no attention and walked to the front of the plane. The more the man thought about the way he was being treated he became upset. He turned to the talking parrot and asked him why he had received such prompt service while being so disagreeable while he (the man) had been courteous and had not even received a glass of water. The parrot told the man, “You must talk tough and act rough to get what you want in this world!” The man thought about what the parrot had advised him concerning getting people’s attention. All the sudden he jumped up from his seat and yelled to the stewardess, “Lady, you better bring me my ice water and bring it right now!” However, instead of getting his glass of ice water, the stewardess came over to the man and parrot, carried them over to the door, and tossed them out at 25,000 feet. As the man was falling to the ground, the parrot flew to him and said, “Mister, you sure talk awful tough for someone who can’t fly!” The man thought that if he acted confident he would have control over time and space. He was wrong. What can we learn from this story?
First, don’t listen to anybody and everybody who gives advice. It is a temptation for most of us to look for shortcuts in finding answers to life’s tough questions. Even in matters of faith, I have heard stories about people wanting someone else to tell them what God wants them do, or where to work, or just about any question that comes up in their lives. I believe it is up to us to pray and seek God’s will for our lives, this is what allows our faith to grow and mature. Don’t misunderstand me, I believe in seeking counsel from others believers as long as what they are suggesting is God honoring.
Ultimately, I must think for myself because I am accountable for my own actions. If I just follow orders I will never grow into the person God wants me to become. This type of attitude brings a spiritual laziness to the believer and a dependency upon others to do things that the believer should do for himself.
Secondly, some things in life are not meant for our comfort. It is through the uncomfortable events in life we can grow spiritually. When I am experiencing trials in my life, I ask myself, “What is God teaching me through this situation?” The Apostle Paul had a “thorn in the flesh” that he wanted God to remove from his life. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 says, “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’” Paul didn’t ask someone else to explain his situation to him or to give him a quick answer to his problem. Paul took his question to God, and at the right time God gave him the right answer.
What problems are you facing today? Be sure that you are trusting in Christ for your answer and for the direction He wants for you life. Trust me, people will tell you what to do in any situation, but it may not be from God. Remember, don’t give in to sin! Think about it!