RUMBLE AT THE RAT'S NEST
NOTE: Be watching for the new revised edition of my book “Thriving in Quarantine” in early November on Amazon.
Any eating establishment featuring a giant rat as its main attraction ought to expect trouble. At a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in the Chicago area, a brawl erupted, resulting in two arrests. Over thirty people joined in the scuffle, injuring three adults. Fortunately, no children were hurt. Evidently, the fighting began over a dispute regarding game prize tickets.
I have to wonder. Ever see the quality of the “prizes” at Chuck E. Cheese? Let’s just say they aren’t exactly Neiman-Marcus caliber gifts. Don’t misunderstand. I’m a huge Chuck E. Cheese fan. I’ve enjoyed numerous kids’ parties with The Rat. But fighting over game tickets? It’s a bit like fighting over a bag of potato chips.
This reveals something harsh about our human nature. We’ll fight over just about anything. Think about our toxic times. “Let’s get ready to rumble” isn’t merely a prelude to a professional boxing contest any longer. We draw lines in the sand and stand toe-to-toe against others—over issues as menial as cheap tokens and prizes. Agreeing to disagree is a concept belonging to a by-gone era.
What’s the answer? Clearly, we need to return to the teachings and example of Jesus. Start with the Golden Rule: “Do to others, what you want them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Or the second Great Commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). How about Christ’s example? He regarded our needs as more important than his own, humbled himself, and became human to save us. (See Philippians 2:2-8).
What if we all followed these simple instructions? We could wave good-bye to crime, prisons, and war, just for starters. But more importantly, we could experience a taste of heaven on earth. It’s so simple… but it’s not easy. Our flesh—our animal nature—fights against submitting to God and others. Like a powerful magnet, we are continually pulled toward self-gratification. I want my way. I want to be right. Crucifying our flesh and putting others’ needs above our own is a daily battle. Here’s a thought. What if we battled our flesh as strongly as we battle others? Putting the needs of others before our own is a radical idea, but it’s what the kingdom of heaven is all about. Otherwise, we’d better get ready to rumble!
Principle: Putting the needs of others first is a daily spiritual battle.
Ponder:
With what issues or people do I struggle in submitting to God?
What specific steps can I take in this war against my flesh?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Philippians 2:1-11.
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, battling my flesh is a continual struggle. Make me more like you. Help me to put others’ needs above my own.”
If you enjoyed this article, please tell your friends, and check out my website, BarneyCargile.com
Also, check out my books on Amazon, “Thriving in Quarantine” and “Thriving in Troubled Times.”
Be watching for the new revised edition of “Thriving in Quarantine” in early November on Amazon.