Another great timing, at least in my life. Enjoy!
Double Blow
Double Blow
So a couple coworkers told you about this nightclub they joined. They say it has improved their on-the-job performance and invited you to attend. You didn’t think you really needed one, but being open-minded, you decide to check it out.
As you draw closer to your destination you realize it's in this shady side of town. You eventually pull up to the building and look for a street light to park under anticipating the illuminated spot will deter any temptations to vandalize your car. Driving by two, you notice their bulbs are out and hope it isn't an act of mischief, a deliberate attempt by others to conceal foul play. After circling around the block a few times you come across a functioning light. Feeling more at ease, you park your car in the lit spot.
Peering down at your wristwatch, you realize that you are running a bit late. You have some second-thoughts about attending, but you're already there and decide to see it through. You then proceed to the building with renewed interest.
As you approach the door and knock a large bouncer-looking dude opens to you. After introducing yourself, you tell him why you are there. He looks you over and, with what appears to be a good deal of effort on his part, lets you in. You get the impression he didn’t take to you, but you try not to jump to conclusions as you consider he may just be having a bad day. You then enter in.
Conversations come to a sudden halt as all eyes focus on you. Scanning the room you notice a good deal of the attendees are wearing shades and wonder why in such an already darkened environment. They eventually return to their respective conversations and you are left with that uneasy feeling of disapproval once again. You wonder if it may be your attire as it appears you came overdressed for the occasion. Generally an outgoing personality, you don’t mind introducing yourself and jumping right in, but you are feeling a bit depleted so you decide to find an empty seat and put it in park.
As you make like a fly on the wall, you take in the ongoing conversations in an attempt to get a feel for the place. You
The room starts to grow silent as they cross the line and deliver several blows to their opponents’ heads. You watch the scene in dismay and now witness the opposing side attempting to defend themselves by taking a swipe of their own. The initiators of the personal attacks are now hitting below the belt as they start to accuse their opponents of being troublemakers, even crazy and in need of counseling. Astonished that they seem oblivious to the role their aggressive actions played in the reaction they received, you wonder, 'Are they for real or are they trying to pull the wool over our eyes?'
The assaults continue and you sense the tide rising in the room as others get all worked up, appearing blind to the foul play. You want to scream, “Take off your shades so you can see!” But instead you find yourself standing up and yelling, “Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!”
All eyes are once again fixed on you. Some appear to have heard you as you watch them remove their shades and toss them aside with a new sense of clarity written on their faces. Some appear to be trying to make out what you are saying. Yet others appear to grow the more hostile and look to turn on you. All sorts of accusations start being thrown your way, from religious nut to trying to rob others of their personal rights. In spite of it all, your eyes focus on this fellow that appears to be taking an unfair, brutal beating. You make your way towards him and take a few blows for him while offering him your hand. From his bloodied brow he also shoots you a disapproving look and you start to feel like Moses trying to save Israel from bondage in Egypt before God's time.
Sensing that your help is not appreciated or welcomed, you look for the exit doors to slip on out before you get caught up in the scene. You then get in your car and head on home, reminding yourself to have a chat with them coworkers about your view of the night.
Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”
Further Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:8-13