Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Like a Red Rag to a Bull (11/28/13)
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TITLE: On Guard | Previous Challenge Entry
By Dan Wilson
12/04/13 -
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The first incident of a person striking out in an offensive way is recorded for us in Genesis 4:1-10. Cain was the first child born to Adam and Eve. Their second child was also a boy, named Abel. Cain’s interest was in farming. Abel, on the other hand, was a herdsman. Cain became angry when God did not accept his offering of fruit but accepted Abel’s offering of the firstborn of his flock. God’s rejection of Cain’s offering dealt a serious blow to Cain’s ego.
Cain, being the first born son, was bestowed with special honor and privileges. We find a similar situation with two more brothers, Jacob and Esau, in Genesis chapter 27. Cain, in his mind, transferred God’s rejection of his offering to also being rejected by his father, Adam. He thought if his father rejected him then his brother would be the recipient of the family honor, privileges and birthright. Jealousy and anger swelled up within him. These became his two hot buttons that would trigger a devastating reaction. As time passed, the fear, resentment and fury intensified. Finally he lashed out with premeditated murder.
David wrote in Psalm 37:8 “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret – it only causes harm.” (NKJV) King Saul sought to kill David because of jealousy. David had opportunities to kill Saul but would not touch the Lord’s anointed. All too soon Cain learned the harm his anger and resentment would cause.
People oblivious to or who neglect Godly principles once an outcome doesn’t go their way believe their only recourse is to take matters into their own hands instead of letting God have His way. The Wisdom of Solomon says it this way, “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32 NKJV)
All of us have our sensitive, touchy switches which will ignite a flame of response. The problem is these triggers are like static electricity. Static electricity is created by friction in various amounts of power. It behaves abnormally and can cause significant damage. Disconnecting from the power source will diffuse static electricity. However, in our case, we need to renew our connection with God to control our igniters.
We constantly need to remind ourselves what Paul wrote to the Romans, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to the spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:5 and 6 NKJV)
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Nicely done.
God bless~
People oblivious to or who neglect Godly principles once an outcome doesn’t go their way believe their only recourse is to take matters into their own hands instead of letting God have His way.
Might flow better like this:
People oblivious to God's laws or those who neglect Godly principles and get angry may resort to taking matters into their own hands.
Though my example isn't perfect, I hope it helps show what I mean. A good way to spot awkward lines is to have someone read it aloud. If they stumble at all, you may want to rework it.
You did an excellent job of writing on topic. Your examples were a perfect fit for your timely message. Your ending brought the piece full circle and left me thinking about your words. Good job on this powerful piece.