We Tolerate Much – But Don’t Like Cheaters
“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you, but not in the one ahead.” – Bill McGlashen
Most of us don’t know McGlashen. He is part of an infamous group that used bribery to get a better college entrance score for his son. McGlashan admitted to taking part in a test-taking scheme to boost his son’s standardized test scores. This is called cheating. According to a news story I read, McGlashan was sentenced to three months in prison, two years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 and 250 hours of community service.
A Better Path
Tomorrow I will be preaching at Memorial Baptist Church in Verona, WI. The passage is Proverbs 3:5-8. This series of proverbs says we are to “Trust in the LORD” and we are to “Fear the Lord.” God does not tolerate ignoring either of these, and he has the final say.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Far too often we are “wise in your own eyes” and we do “lean on our own understanding.” As a result, we cheat, lie, become impatient, and seek to gain what we want in ways God will not tolerate.
What is Trust?
Some people think faith is just believing something. Sadly, the demons believe. That belief isn’t true faith, and it certainly isn’t trust. The scriptures tell us that this kind of faith is dead and useless. God doesn’t tolerate this type of “faith.” Trust is visible.
Faith is not an event; it is a way of life. It is a relationship. When I trust in someone, I can depend on them, and I have confidence and contentment. In reality, the things we desire like peace and joy are the result of trusting God.
How to Identify a Follower of Jesus
A follower of Jesus is really someone who not only believes he is who he said he was, but who recognizes evil and won’t tolerate it in their own life. We must never tolerate our own sin, but we must exercise patience regarding the sins of others.
“Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.” Proverbs 3:7
Five Minute Friday
This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.
All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.
Know Your Flocks & Herds 
I look forward to these posts, it gives me time to reflect upon how I can be better.
The first part of any relationship is trust. Consider any relationship you have had with anyone. If someone steals from you, will you ever trust them again? If they lie to you, do you believe what they say? When they purposely sell you something you don’t need and you thought you were in a win/win relationship…who won?
Over time, shared experiences, trust is built on what you know and feel the other person will do.
God speaks to us, it is a two way street, and if you do what you believe is in the best interest of all, it will be reflected through the invisible trust that binds us to him.
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Fool me once, shame on you,
fool me twice, shame on me,
and that maxim sure is true
for you need open eyes to see
that some folks do not possess
that centered vital seed
that gives them trustworthiness,
but they still do most surely need
the grace and kindness of our prayers,
for they are lost and far from home
like Jacob, and they put on airs
to impress, and not feel so alone,
so raise their souls to God on high,
but watch ’em with a gimlet eye.
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I’d not heard of Bill McGlashen and his antics, but I think that quote of his is very true!
“Patience is something you admire in the driver behind you, but not in the one ahead.” – Bill McGlashen
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