I have a unique experience that I want to share with you. I hope we can draw a valuable lesson from it.
I have once worked in one advertising company located in Jakarta. I was hired by this company to lead the operational division and to replace a person who was planned to be transferred to the different division. At the first interview this person showed me her room that was going to be mine. After the final interview with the owners, we all agreed to work together. At my first day of work (until my last day), I wasn’t directed to seat in the room as promised. I was also introduced to my subordinates as an assistant, not as a leader as the agreement. She appointed herself as my superior and she had a temperamental outburst. So many unusual things then happened along my probation period. Fresh lubricant came out from inside the Plasma TVs. Sabotage to our billboards was everywhere and unstoppable even though we had already maximized the night security to guard the billboards. This was so amazed that I couldn’t imagine what was going on? I also checked the record sheet and found that it was never happed like this before. These occurrences had brought a chance for this lady to exhort me to take a Jakarta night tour from 12am to 3am then back to the office at 9 am. How does it sound, my friend? What if it happened to you? I was so confused at that time and as a Christian, I wouldn’t allow to accuse someone. In fact, I could easily accuse my superior for stabbing my back. On the contrary, she always gave me a lesson from bible. She also always went to chapel in the early morning to pray before coming to work. So amazing, isn’t it? Then, after 3 month probation she came to me and asked me to resign. She also accused me to admit something that I didn’t do!
Sabotage, wrong accusation and persecution are in the category of Dissipation. It brings up hostility not only to the human-beings but also to our God. However, it won’t be happened if Holy Spirit really indwells, will it? We may boast our faith but if we have no love or affection toward others, what is our faith going be? Stale, isn’t it?
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or
rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrong
that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always
supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails! (1 Corinth 13:4-8,
CEV)
Real Christian will not conduct this behavior. Christian who has born anew has a character of Arête or Virtue. The word Arête comes from Greek language. It means the ability to perform heroic deeds. Being a Hero is not easy. It requires a true sacrifice like what has Jesus done for us at the Cross. And the true sacrifice will emerge from inside us if the Holy Spirit abides us.
The greatest way to show love for friends is to die for them. (John 15:13, CEV)
The Scripture says if you don’t want to sacrifice for your friends (for the truth condition) then you don’t have love. If you don’t have love, then you don’t have the Spirit! So, what is our response?
