Cornerstone

Romans 1:18-2:16

In the comic strip, “Wizard of Id,” everyone knows that the king is very sensitive about the fact that he is short. It is important for the subjects of the kingdom to carefully avoid the subject of his stature. If the king can interpret any remark about his shortness as an insult dire consequences are sure to follow. Sir Rodney, the cowardly knight with the huge nose is not known for his quick wit. On this occasion he greets the king by asking, “How’s the shrimp?” He immediately realizes the folly of his ways. He breaks out in a sweat as he stammers and stutters, “I mean, how are the crustaceans?” It is too late.

Rodney is next seen suspended in irons from the wall of the dungeon. There is one in the kingdom, however, who does not fear the short temper of the King of Id. The Lone Haranguer gallops through the nighttimes streets of Id to cry out, The king is a fink!” This infuriates the short tempered king even more than his “shortcomings.”

The Lone Haranguer makes the king angry on purpose.

An angry sovereign who cannot punish those who defy him cannot command the respect of his subjects. The citizens of Id, who despise their runty ruler, view the impudent Lone Haranguer as a knight in shining armor who has championed their cause.

The King of Id is a sham sovereign of a worthless realm. But God, the sovereign King of the universe, is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. To make Him angry accidentally would be dreadful. To make Him angry on purpose would be sheer folly. And yet people do it every day by sinning against His righteous, holy character and law.

How do you make God mad? It´s easy

1. Degrade God. To consider Him as one who is less than majestic, holy and terrible.

2. Disapprove of morality. God is infuriated when people call the good, evil and the evil, good. To God all things are NOT relative.

3. Denigrate His expectations. God is holy and expects His people to be holy. To make excuse or give vain justification for a lesser standard doesn’t alter the Divine expectation.

4. Disregard judgment. God´s standard of judgment is based on truth, our behavior and His own absolute impartiality. When we make light of current or coming judgment we sneer in the face of the Almighty.

When God gets mad the mountains shudder, the wind holds its breath and demons fall to their knees in terror. It is only sinful humanity that doesn´t seem to notice.

Dr. Gayle Woods

1 Tim 6:17-21 (18) … “…that they be rich in good works.”

I asked myself, “Has my life ever been enriched by the good works of another?” Yes, I must say that my life has been enriched. Just by knowing Floyd (Elmer) Lawrence, and watching his life I have been tremendously enriched.

Let me try to explain by giving you a thumbnail sketch… my perception of this remarkable man. Elmer has won his place in the heart of all who know him. He is a devout Christian. This is obvious. You cannot be around Elmer long without hearing him praise the Lord. He is apt to witness to his faith and his love for God. His attitude is that of Philippians 2. He is thankful, thoughtful, hard working, helpful, happy. He is a man who will go to the end of his strength to do what he believes is right. His good works are a billboard expressing his love for God.

Many people in need have been touched by his good works. He delights to reach out to those who are down and out. He is a continual word of encouragement to all that he meets. To know Elmer is to experience the blessing of God.

Dr. Gayle Woods