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Taken
for granite
Off the
Wall
Dec. 6,
2007
It goes without saying that over the years most
things that people feel are "truths carved into stone,"
so to speak. To them they will always remain factual because
of the way their ancestors taught them, their grandfathers and
even their fathers.
Some of these statements will be false teachings
and others because of rumors.
Back a number of years ago, I recall, word had it
that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission accidentally stocked
one of the area lakes with tiger musky. When I found out the
truth of the matter that it wasn't by accident, I was at peace
about it. But everyone I tried to convince wanted to stick to
the original story. Why? Got me.
Back in high school, I recall a wonderful chemistry
teacher telling the class about a certain chemical and what it
would do under certain conditions. To look at the powder, one
wouldn't think its reaction to a certain substance would cause
such a reaction. But when she conducted an experiment, we all
were amazed to see the foretold outcome.
But here again, it goes to show you, people do seem
to remember events or activities if they are impressed or persuaded
by theory, as the case may be.
One thing that has gotten my gander up lately are
those folks who, when unsatisfied with something they read, turn
truths around to meet their own satisfaction. What follows is
a prefabrication of known facts that now are full of holes. It
may be simple to state to others, "I know it wasn't meant
to mean this." when in fact, what was stated did have validity.
If one wishes to believe something and surmises that one's conclusion
is correct, it is better to keep it to oneself rather than passing
on a fictitious assumption.
There are lots of statements in the Bible that are
unquestionably true. Some of them are even written in stone,
such as the Ten Commandments. They have been displayed over the
ages. Because these laws of the land were written for all to
see, they are definitely taken for granite not only on a substance
that remains permanent without the possibility of it crumbling.
To the Jew, Christian and even the unbeliever, these ways of
conduct have become our basis for sound moral thinking.
We must dismiss the idea that it doesn't matter
if we chose to follow them as instructed or not. If we do as
we are told, we will find ourselves with positive consequential
outcomes. If we take a negative approach, we may develop a problematic
future eroding to the extent that it will be harder to recuperate
from our wrongs in the long run. It is better to stay on a straight
and narrow path and do what is right.
Sound advice is often given to us by well meaning
people. Usually what is said are suggestions that may be helpful
to us not only in the present, but in the future as well.. These
constructive criticisms are purposely stated to help and not
hinder. They should never be over-looked or tossed to the wind.
Go with it. Make it a goal, and then let's all try to achieve
what we were told we must do.
Now that we are approaching Christmas, most everyone
is looking forward to the celebration of this stone-solid annual
tradition - the birth of Jesus Christ. There are some who will
be putting up lighting, give presents or go to parties, and others
who won't embrace the reason for the season. They may have taken
it for granted that this is what one does this time of year.
For we, who call ourselves true Christians, know without a shadow
of a doubt, that His birth is taken for granite and nothing can
convince us otherwise that it didn't take place.
Paul j. volkmann
11/2/07
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