Gut Check

A boxer prepares for a fight and demands from himself a high level of commitment, effort and training. And like everything in life he prepares for what he believes will be the challenges he will face once inside the ring. Prepares to win the fight.

And for him when his opponent prevails, the truth that he is unprepared literally hits him.

He is shocked to discover that he hasn't prepared for the fight or the other fighter that he thought he was going to encounter. Only when stunned by the blow does he truly realize what he's up against.

So can be the realization that our own reality is far more difficult, challenging, and dangerous than we often recognize. The world, with all of its comforts and securities still remains fallen and headed toward destruction. Many of us, especially those here in the prosperous and free United States of America, travel through our lives in what sometimes amounts to a gilded cage, never really being exposed to the evil, wickedness, danger, and overwhelming sickness that befalls mankind around us. We believe we are preparing for the fight by locking our doors, paying our bills, driving safe, and cautiously managing our lives. Then something shocks us into the realization of how bad it really is, or how bad it can really get (see 9/11/2001.) Whether its the extreme of suddenly becoming the victim of a violent and unpredictable crime or as simple as sitting down to a shocking and unbelievable movie, we are blown out of our comfort zone and exposed to some facet of disgusting and dangerous reality of the state of the world and mankind that we too often fail to see.

As scary, unnerving and as much of a shock to the system as this is, as painful as it may be, it is often good for us.

To see the world and mankind for what they are, even if in the most extreme and and painful ways, is to understand more fully the true nature of what we men and women need to be saved out of. We see why a savior is necessary, and for those of us whom God has chosen by His grace to redeem, see more clearly what our responsibility is to share the Hard Truth with others.

A Hard Truth that the world is rough, you will be shocked, you will be hurt. And the glorious truth that there is a rescue. There is a rescuer.

The hope is that you won't be punched in the face to figure it out.

The Hard Truth is that you will.

When it happens, listen.