Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other as well … (Luke 6:27-29)
The one called Faithful and True rode a magnificent white stallion. I wanted to enter Christian ministry, so a white horse was given to me also. Its name was Love. I rode behind the King as he trampled injustice and comforted the oppressed. Joy awoke in my heart.
Christian coworkers came alongside and I was thrilled at the camaraderie. I hailed and they returned greetings. Then one of the smiling riders knocked me to the ground.
What was that? I wasn’t perfect, but still, the coworker was on a white horse, the same as mine. I nursed my aches and muttered, “Why?”
Jesus drew up his steed and chuckled. Did that laugh mean this was some kind of game in which friends attacked friends?
A bit wary, I remounted and tried to stay close behind my Master’s great stallion. More white horsed riders came alongside, grinning. I trusted them and was yet again unhorsed, thrown to the mud.
I am slowly acquiring the secrets of Christian ministry. To some, it is a game. They try to steal the place of honor close to the King by knocking others down.
To Jesus, ministry is fun, but it is no game, and it has rules.
Rule #1—riding close to Jesus is a primary objective. It yields spoils of great honor in eternity.
Rule #2—Unhorsing another rider disqualifies rewards earned under rule one.
Rule #3—The greatest of all prizes goes to those who are knocked down, then forgive, remount, and ride again.
Prayer: Conquering Savior, help me forgive and never retaliate.