Of The Mind Of Mules And Men
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesThe reason a mule balks at pulling a load, is not because he doesn’t hear the command “giddy up,” but simply because he would rather not hear it. His strength and ability to pull the load is more than sufficient, but his hearing the command to pull is hindered because he would rather graze in the green grass of the pasture or bask in the noonday sun.
Although several levels above that of a mule [?], the human mind sometimes manifests the same characteristics as that of a mule. It seeks to evade a clear command of God because it does not coincide with its own individual prejudices and desires.
For example, a child is reluctant to hear his mother’s call, because he knows his response to it would result in some unpleasant task that would encroach upon his playtime. He does not see his dirty hands, because he would rather eat. He does not see his dirty feet, because he would rather go to bed than take the time to wash them.
Such evasive thinking is found in the minds of mules and adolescents, but should never be found in the thinking of mature, responsible adults. Yet, while the eternal destiny of souls are at stake, there are Christians who manifest indifference and intolerance toward the true teachings of God. They do so because such teachings are contrary to their personal desires or disrupt their convenient worldly way of life. Jesus spoke of such folks by quoting from God’s inspired prophet, Isaiah:
“Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; For the heart of this people has grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their heart and turn, So that I should heal them” (Matthew 13:14-15; cf. Isaiah 6:9-10).
What a pity it is for people who could [and should] know God’s truth (John 17:17), but reject it because it does not suit their evil lifestyles or tastes. As an example, God has commanded men to be baptized through the teaching of His inspired apostles (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 10:44-48).
How sad it is for such a command to be rejected, simply because it violates the traditions of family or the doctrine of religious groups who are seeking after the god of “convenience” rather than the God of “obedience” (contrast Acts 24:25 KJV with Acts 5:29 KJV). God tells us:
“Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22; cf. Ecclesiastes 5:1; Hosea 6:6; Matthew 9:12-13; Mark 12:32-33).
Today, let’s ask ourselves this question: “What kind of mind do we have — that of a mule or of Christ? (Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 5:8-9).
Let’s think about it!
Related Articles:
- Let’s Not Have The Nature Of A Mule!
- I Ain’t Talkin’ To That Old Mule”
- “Rebellion Is As The Sin Of Witchcraft” — Why?
- Rebel Or Merge?
- Surrendering One’s Will