Al Capone Wasn't the Only "Scarface"

 “After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.”

False accusations hurled at God’s people are often the last hit before promotion.

Since that is what God says in Job 42:10 then my double portion is on the way.

Remember the guy/girl you gazed at from a distance in high school? The one you admired as the star of everyday classrooms? They spoke to you only if necessary or the hall was so crowded they couldn’t avoid it. Your heart melted like candle wax as time passed and they noticed you.

Months of hopeful waiting for a meaningful conversation go by until one day it happened.

“Does anyone have the answers to last week’s English test?”

Your heart pounding, the proverbial lump in your throat forms as if to protrude from your neck and you ask yourself: “would that be cheating? Oh, but this is my chance.”

“I do.” The crowd thins as the love of your life saunters toward you.

The conversation silently presents itself and you write on a piece of heart framed paper the needed link to confirm your affections.

Thanking you for the noted lifeline to their graduation they begin to walk away.
Turning around the last words you ever wanted to hear flow out of their mouth was,

“Now what is your name?”

As if “Scarface” himself had entered the room only to slash your cheek, for days you sink to unknown lengths. Picking yourself up off the floor was not an option. The blood runs thick through the pain of despondency and dejection.

Hate filled thoughts slip through your mind. Piercing their heart wasn’t enough to ease your misery; you want revenge.

Of course that annoying, little voice whispers in your ear, “remember, don’t pay back evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17)

Years of facing Scarface most likely strike us all at one point or another. Different scenarios occur like this one in all kinds of relationships but the end result is a tell-tell sign of our maturity and growth.

Raising the ladder of trust with people is giving them a Totem Pole they can’t climb.

Asking them to do or give what they don’t have to begin with is often trial and error but diminishes respect for them and leans towards great disappointment.

Even as our wrong nature clings to that which we would like to receive is the open-eyed observation that Scarface isn’t at all what you thought. Your aim in believing their Christ-like claim is shot to pieces in a few ignorant words. Their egotistical behavior and arrogant self-admiration is notably their first goal in life.

Quickly and sadly, the truth surfaces and the ugly scar shines brighter than a 100 watt light bulb. The grieving begins of wasted time, effort and emotions we laid out as optimism settled in we could bring them closer to Christ.

Al Capone

Why don’t we see the superficiality and pompous attitude before the scar shows up?

Why are we blinded to the sinister corruption of their hearts as they use scripture and Biblical affirmations to back up their position?

Because we want for them what we have found in Jesus so much, the effort is worth it.

Getting in the gate is first and foremost, but many stop as soon as the door hits their rear-ends.

Just as Jesus trained disciples, so has he done with us.

As we move forward into the supernatural world of Christ, we know the joys and blessings are beyond the gate.

The age-old question of “isn’t there more to this life?” sinks deep in many who believe they have it all together. The boat is waiting but they aren’t quite ready to step in.

Self-sufficiency for the thick-skinned is like a drowning man without the life jacket he refused.

You can take a horse to water but you can’t make him drink it.  We know he needs it, but it is up to him to lean over and take that first gulp.

Pride came through the gate with them instead of leaving it at the cross when they accepted Jesus. Scarface has his name on the list but he forgot to wash his face.

Titus 3: 10-11 “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.”

Whether they end it with you or vice-versa, you have done all you can do humanly speaking. Give them to God, pray diligently for them and believe for a miracle.

Years may pass but your prayer is prominent for this soul left with his shirt tail stuck in the locked gate.

And….one day you get that phone call or message; Scarface much more humble now says,

“I’m ready now. Would you help me get rid of these scars?”

http://samuelatgilgal.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/sin-and-misery/

http://thewayeverlasting.com/2012/09/12/quote-mastered/

http://settledinheaven.wordpress.com/2012/09/22/is-our-faith-genuine-3/

http://jesuscarriesme.com/2012/09/22/controlling-your-tongue-instead-of-your-tongue-controlling-you/