Can Anyone Whip Both of Us?

 

The following story is told by a young WWII Army recruit: “My brother and I arrived at boot camp together. On the first morning our unit was dragged out of bed by our drill sergeant and made to assemble outside the barracks. ‘My name is Sergeant Jackson,’ he snarled. ‘Is there anyone here who thinks he can whip me?’ My six-foot-three, 280-pound brother raised his hand and said, ‘Yes sir, I do.’ Our sergeant called my brother to the front of the assembly to stand next to him facing the group. ‘Men,’ he said, ‘this is my new assistant. Now, is there anyone here who thinks he can whip both of us?’” It’s nice to have someone who is big and strong to “have your back”! It’s the feeling you may have experienced as a youngster when the class bully picked on you every day at school, until the day your big brother walked to school with you. He didn’t even have to say a word. Everybody figured it out, to mess with you was to mess with him, and nobody wanted to mess with someone bigger and stronger than they are. There may be times in our life when we feel like we can take on the entire world and come out on top. But those times are rare. And we must be cautious with our attitude toward others when we feel like a world conqueror. If we arrogantly issue a challenge and want to know if there is anybody who thinks they can whip us, be assured that there are folks who would be quick to accept the challenge. More often we feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the world that seem much bigger and stronger than we are. Everyone, at some point, will have to deal with the temptation to worry. To worry is “to afflict with mental distress or agitation: make anxious” (Webster’s). Worry goes far beyond than reasonable concern. To worry is to be anxious and fretful. Many cares and concerns burden our mind. We tend to worry about our children, finances, health, marriage, and a thousand trivial things we face in daily life. But worrying wastes time and accomplishes nothing!

[Hebrews 13:5-6] In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave some powerful principles regarding worry. He asked, “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27). The “cubit” of Scripture is approximately 22 inches, from the elbow to the end of the middle finger. It is biologically impossible for one to become bigger or stronger by worrying about a situation in life. This is out of our control. In the same way, the vast majority of our worries are beyond our control. Worrying will never improve one’s finances, health, or marriage, nor the abundance of other things in life. Worry will never help one’s children or grandchildren make wise choices. In fact, worry will never accomplish anything positive – but it will waste a lot of time. Jesus teaches us “…do not worry about your life…” (Matthew 6:25) and “…do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6:34). Since God knows our needs, He will provide. He takes care of the birds and the lilies. Surely, He can and will take care of all who seek Him (Matthew 6:26, 28, 30). Rather than spending time worrying, we should spend time seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). If worry has become a problem in your life, break the cycle today. Realize that time is quickly passing. Begin looking to God. Seek Him through a study of His Word, the Bible. Put Him first in your life. Trust His promises, trust His Word, obey His will, and He will take care of you! As a Christian one need never forget we don’t face any challenge alone. God’s Spirit lives within us and God has promised to be with us. With the confidence that comes with that knowledge, we are able to ask, “Is there anyone who thinks he can whip the both of us?” “NO!” because “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Amen!