Kerosene Cucumbers
How many of you instantly know what those are?
Or the scene from whence the term came? Probably one of the best lines ever spoken from this person. In fact, this episode it’s from was voted the cast’s favorite. Yep, ‘tis true. It’s also among the fan’s favorites as well.
Exodus 20:16 tells us something along the lines of “thou shalt not lie.” Well, how often, ironically, in the name of Godliness have you broken that Commandment. If you’ve broken it in the name of saving you own skin (I understand there can be a fine line…), well, then, you’re on your own.
The classic case study for this verse came to me in this manner: We were in one of the several classes I took at then Mid-America Bible College and had to be on this subject for some reason when the example was shared of having someone enter a building to do someone harm (you probably see where this is going) and you know where said person is. Do you tell the ner’do well where the person is within the building? Not. A. Chance. Was my immediate, and current, answer. “Nope, hadn’t seen ‘em” would roll off of my tongue before you could say, “run, dude!”
I would be remiss to also not mention the ever-popular (not!) marriage dilemma involving how a dress fits. There are just some questions best left unasked. Or unanswered if at all possible!
In a case like this-and you know of what I speak-all of you :) you have a decision to make. Risk real and immediate harm (physically or emotionally) or do the kind and loving thing, figuring you and the Lord could sort out the details later. I have already tipped my hand. In a split second, and given it’s the tiger or it’s the tiger, for my tablets of stone one takes the high road of lying.
Ok, stay with me here folks. Yes, I’m against lying. Mostly.
So, back to Andy, Barney, and Aunt Bee. And Opie. He had to suffer through the adult’s mischief too. Andy, Barney, and Opie went to great lengths to do the right thing with Aunt Bee & Clara Johnson’s pickles just before the state fair judging. In fairness, the situation involved their mess. It’s how they corrected their mess. If you’ve not seen the episode, it’s worth your time. And there’ll be no doubt what I’m on about.
Let’s also revisit that day in our college classroom. The professor’s idea was something along the lines of telling the baddie that yes, you knew, but you weren’t going to say. This does satisfy the Commandment, but you’re about to get hurt. And your friend may or may not wind up in a pickle (pun intended). The kind and loving thing to do is what’s best for the good of another. Sure, you told the truth and now your buddy’s on his or her own. You told the truth and your wife’s crushed.
One situation is greatly hypothetical, and one is very much not. Maybe there’s a call for a quick prayer for forgiveness, and life may later involve that same conversation with your wife. Doing the kind and loving thing for the benefit of someone else will often cost you time, money, dreams, goals, preferences, and maybe a certain Commandment along the way. Maybe.
Hopefully Exodus 20:16 won’t have to come into question, but if there’s ever been a time that those around need folks to do the kind and loving thing, it’s now. So keep calm and with Jesus’ help, do on….
