Encouragement

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All Because Of Pride
© 2010

by

Stephen A. Peterson

On Friday afternoon in April, 2010, Captain Allen Blackwell decided to conduct an inspection of his Company area. Captain Blackwell was known as an intelligent, smart and one who saw to detail by both subordinate and superior commands. Additionally, Captain Blackwell was considered one of the up and coming junior officers by every commander the Captain served under in his short military career.

As Captain Blackwell approached the Fort Leonard Wood, B Company 2nd Battalion 1st Brigade arms room area, he noticed a sign posted near an M60 machinegun. On the sign was written: “Do not touch the machinegun—First Sergeant Keith”. For whatever reason, Captain Blackwell decided to disregard the sign’s message. “Sir,” a guard stated. “Do not touch the machinegun! Sir.”

“Step back soldier! I’ll decide how to handle this situation. That’s an order, soldier!” responded Captain Blackwell.

“Very, well, sir,” as the guard stepped aside.

Moving forward, the Captain put a hand on the barrel only to jump back while simultaneously letting out a number of inappropriate words. Meanwhile, First Sergeant Keith came out of his office to see what the commotion was about. Judging from the Captain’s response, the First Sergeant deduced what had occurred. “Sorta of hot, wasn’t it, Captain?” asked the First Sergeant.

Heck, no! No, it wasn’t First Sergeant. Everything’s okay,” responded the Captain now with his hands behind his back. “I was just visually inspecting this machinegun’s barrel trying to determine its serviceability. As you know, First Sergeant, it really doesn’t take that much time to do a visual or manual inspection of a weapon. Would you say, First Sergeant?”

“If you say so, Captain,” the First Sergeant stated with a smile on his face. “If you say so.”

Yes, it is safe to say that most everyone has made what may be referred to as a really dumb mistake and then further the mistake by being too proud to admit to having done so. We thus lie to ourselves as well as to others to save face. Or do we? Christ has said that we all fall short and sin. We all burn ourselves in some for before God, humankind and ourselves. The problem becomes a much great problem when we permit pride to keep us from owning up to the wrongs we do. Whether it is done to protect our “ego”, authority or a perception, it still supports pride.

How much better it is to go before God, each other and ourselves and simply say, “I messed up; I didn’t do what I was supposed to do; I was wrong and I admit it” It has been said that reconciliation begins by confessing our transgressions. That confessing is the best spiritual medicine for the person and her or his soul. Without it, we can really never know or experience the peace our persons long for nor are we able to right many of the wrongs we secretly harbor in our hearts. Then and only then do we cure our burned, stinging fingers!

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