“Those who are incapable of committing great crimes do not readily suspect them in others.”
-Francois De La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)

Interesting words to read this morning. On one hand, it seems silly to say to myself “I could never have done that” and then turn around and say “but I see how so-and-so could have.” Is it really that far fetched some of the things that people have done in order to survive? Like the hiker a while back who cut off his own arm so he wouldn’t die a slow death trapped in the rocks. Would I have done that? First thought… NO. But when death seems the only alternative. How many news stories have we read or watched where a parent or child stole this or that for mere survival. Not for drug money or for the thrill, but so they could merely survive.

Now I want to turn that all around a bit. If I look at a non-believer, at who I am as Christ child and while seeing the disconnect there say “I could never do that”, then who am I to think that someone else will? Why should I hold someone as able to do something that I don’t think I can? Even with the Spirit’s help. It is surely a matter of someone’s spiritual and eternal survival. How much more important is that?

There are so many things I could do for God, but I need to listen to His voice telling me I can. Countless are the things that I have done, and then said that old cliché, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Really. If someone else could, then why can’t I? And, if it is God’s will, what is to stop me? Oh, to pray without ceasing.

“Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”
— John 12:26 (NIV)