I had something prepared for the beginning of this post, but as I was about to type I listned to the dramtised version of 2 Samuel 1. You should check it out on BibleGateway. It fits in well with this piece.
1 Samuel has ended with the death of King Saul. 2 Samuel starts with David getting the news of the death. The misguided buffoon who rant to tell the news, thought it would be a good idea to tell David that he killed a mortally wounded Saul because he asked him to do so. After a period of fasting for the day, David is so upset at what the punk did, that he has the brother killed.
That’s not a bad example of intensity. You don’t take things likely when you’re intense. It’s not a light thing. It is a thinkg that takes on utmost seriousness for you. It’s not about having a screwed up face and tense all over your body as though you’re straining at something. It is something that consumes you and engenders both mental and emotional energies on a particular matter.
I have the privilege of being part of a men’s choir in my locality. The choir is made up of men at varying stages of the spiritual journey. Some are Christians, others have a passing knowledge of church, some were in church but then walked away for one reason or another. It’s really great getting to know these men, and share the singing with them and then also get to spend time of sharing life with them.
One evening as the singers were taking their places, one poor unsuspecting brother got it from me. “So, are you a Christian?” I boomed placing my arm around his shoulder. “Errrr … no. I guess not.” mumbled the guy who was just there to sing, not have the third degree. As I saw his startled features, I eased up and apologised for my overbearing manner. The dude was very reasonable and understanding. “You’re just intense, there’s nothing wrong with that.”
It was very gracious of the dude to take it in his stride. Indeed we struck a good rapport in the practice as we helped each other with our parts.
What he said stuck with me.
There is something about intensity that is endearing. There is something about it that says to others they are a flame that burns fiercely for a cause. People who burn fiercely draw a crowd.
It’s a characteristic you note about most godly characters in scriptures. From Abraham to Paul, these men were intense in their pursuits. That faith expressed in inentse living drew a crowd, established a precedent that we are called to follow. It’s amazing how influential it can be to others.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 