“Going above and beyond”

“Going above and beyond.” This is a phrase we hear frequently…that someone went “above and beyond the call of duty.” Not many people actually do that. Most people just do their job, at most. Nurse Charlie who diagnosed my heart problem which resulted in the pacemaker surgery that saved my life - he definitely went “above and beyond.” 

He could have done like everyone else in the ER (and in doctor’s offices over the years while I was complaining of heart problems), and only looked at the blood tests, X-Rays and CT scans and decided “since these tests reveal nothing, then there’s nothing wrong and we’ll send her home.” But he didn’t. He devised and performed several out-of-the-ordinary tests because he “had a hunch” and actually CARED to dig deeper and find out what was causing my erratic heartbeats….

Another person who went “above and beyond” the call of duty was a Vietnamese gentleman by the name of Pai who worked in the hospital’s housekeeping department. Pai didn’t just clean up my room and take out the trash like the other housekeeping personnel; he actually asked about my comfort, got me fresh water and a warm, wet washcloth for my face and hands as I lay there trying to recuperate from surgery. 

While it wasn’t on the same level as what Nurse Charlie did, it was definitely, “going that extra mile” for a total stranger, and it helped to restore my faith in humanity. (I put both of these gentlemen in for a commendation and I pray the hospital actually gives them some kind of reward.)

Anyway, all this got me thinking about how many (if not most) people treat ADONAI and His Word the same way. They claim to “believe” and they pass around memes and Facebooks posts and “talk the talk,” but they don’t seem to make that extra effort to actually “walk the walk.” When push comes to shove in the face of a crisis, they’re gone; they’re outta here, using any excuse possible to keep from becoming involved. 

Among the immediate examples that come to mind are the abortion and “gay pride” issues from which many shrink away, making the excuse that they don’t want to be guilty of “judging.” Even the Pope said concerning the “gay” topic, “Who am I to judge?” – which makes one wonder why a “man of God” would dare say such a thing: http://www.nbcnews.com/…/who-am-i-judge-popes-most-powerful…. Scripture commands YHWH’s people to open their mouths whenever they witness sin in progress:

Ephesians 5:11 - “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (ESV) 

James 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. (ESV)

Ezekiel 3:18 If I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked person shall die for his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. (ESV)

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (ESV)

1 Timothy 5:20 - As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. (ESV)

2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (ESV)

SIN has become the norm in our world BECAUSE many refuse to speak up and proclaim the Word. If we love YHWH/Yeshua/Torah we MUST speak out whenever we see sin in action! Remaining mum is to agree with “the world” and its sinful ways. Remember that James 2:14-26 tells us that “faith without works is dead”….