A Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Today’s devotional A Teddy Bears’ Picnic considers the impact where people have experienced cruelty and harm and reminds us to speak out and take a stance against the evil that we observe and also provide care for those harmed. Some times this may be by the gift of a Teddy Bear.
THOUGHT:
Did you realize that Teddy Bears are actually “Presidential”? The teddy bear concept was inadvertently suggested by President Theodore Roosevelt. President Roosevelt went on a bear-hunting trip. He ran across a “captured” bear that other hunters suggested he kill while it was tied to a tree. Fortunately, President Roosevelt recognized not only the unsportsmanlike attitude towards the bear but also the depravity of the other hunters’ suggestions. He refused to partake in such an act. Subsequently, a toy maker heard of this incident and invented the cuddly “Teddy Bear” that we are aware of today. Countless children (and adults by the way) have been comforted by a gifted Teddy Bear.
In James 4:17, it states:
“So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.”
It is always fascinating to me that the Bible never goes out of style. Even though it was conceived, divinely-inspired, and written down thousands of years ago, it is as relevant today as much as in its earthly conception. This chapter in the Book of James is about the difference between earthly, worldly, Godly, and Heavenly wisdom. James challenges us to learn the differences and ultimately to know that we need to be cogniscient of the difference between right and wrong. In fact, James boldly states that if we do know the difference between wrong and right and choose NOT to do anything productive if it is wrong, we are being sinful. President Roosevelt knew the difference between right and wrong and made a choice that was kindly, altruistic, environmentally aware, and loving.
In very recent headlines, we have heard the phrase “If you see something, say something”. Hmmm…..that sounds familiar, no? It was initially constructed by the Homeland Security Council, but it is meant for all citizens around the world. If we see or hear or feel something is wrong, we are encouraged to let someone know. If we ignore it, we are guilty of sin. If we turn our heads, we are insinuating that sin is not occurring, when in fact it is. When someone is in need and we close our eyes, close our pockets, close our ears, or worse, close our hearts; we are choosing to sin against them and therefore against God.
Alternately, if we choose to recognize a situation and proactively help someone, then we are practicing the love of God. Matthew 25:34-40 says:
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’“ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Interestingly, teddy bears are now used in various situations in which pain has occurred. For example, police officers often keep teddy bears in their cars to give out to children who may be involved in a domestic abuse case. Also, teddy bears are given out to children during counseling sessions of children who have been abused in some way. The physical softness and warmth of the teddy bear almost exudes love and concern. The adults involved, upon recognizing that someone ignored sin, and that a person hurt a child of God, choose to attempt to begin the healing process by bestowing a physical gift of love.
We may not have teddy bears to give away, but we do have choices to make on an everyday basis. When we see sin, say something, or do something. On the positive side, if we see someone performing an act of kindness, recognize it for its innate power and for the potentiality of spreading that kindness to countless others. Even more importantly than saying something – use it as the perfect example of demonstrating Gods love. We can make a conscious decision to do the same for others, reflecting what we learned about God and His enduring love for each of his children.
So, join me in a Teddy Bears’ Picnic – working together against sin, enjoying each other’s differences, and inviting others to join!
PRAYER:
Heavenly God, help me to comfort others who have been sinned against and allow me the courage and time to hold them close. Help me to recognize sin and call it out for what it is and attempt to rectify the ramifications of that sin. AMEN.
INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN THE TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC!
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