The apostle Peter taught Christians in the first century to live differently from their non-Christian neighbors: “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:3-5).
China endured a five-decade long war from A. D. 207-265, referred to as the “War of the Three Kingdoms.” During this period of time, there was a general named Cuko Liang. Liang was known as the “Sleeping Dragon.” He had a way of presenting an unassuming appearance, but he could be very clever and won many battles.
One of Liang’s chief antagonists was named Sima Yi. They fought many times. One time, Liang rested in a small village while he sent his vast army to a distant camp. Li heard where Liang was and marched against the village with 150,000 troops. This scared Liang’s men. However, Liang knew he had a reputation.
The men lowered their flags in the village, open the city gates, and everyone hid except Liang. He sat on the wall in a very visible location, put on a Taoist robe, lit incense, and sang to a lute. When the soldiers of Li approached, and they stretched across the horizon, Liang ignored them and continued his strumming and chanting.
Because Liang presented himself with such confidence and with no fear, he intimated Li. Eventually, Li ordered his men to retreat. He would not attack the “sleeping dragon.”
Christians do not have to cultivate a reputation of being fearful. But we do need to cultivate a reputation for being godly and reverent both toward God and toward His word. When I was in high school I did not work on Wednesday nights. One day my assistant manager called me Wednesday afternoon to beg me to fill in. I responded that I needed to be in Bible class. She persisted, as did I. Eventually, she retorted, “Paul, you don’t think you will go to hell for missing one Bible class, do you?” I said, “I don’t know about that, Mrs. Watson. But if I come in tonight, next week you’ll ask me again and you’ll say, ‘You don’t think you will go to hell for missing two Bible classes, do you?’ I am not coming in.” Mrs. Watson never asked me to work on Wednesday night again.
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). Have strong convictions and don’t be afraid to be known for them.
Paul Holland
