Friday, July 22, 2005

Esse Quam Videre

Take me to the just side of justice.

And the right side of righteousness,

Not the vindictive side of vindication,

for otherwise--- I do not wish to go.

Lead me to the passionate side of compassion,

And the gracious side ofgrace,

Not the condescending side of mercy

for otherwise I remain remote--- for pity's sake.

Push me past the truant side of trouble

And the pleasant side of pain

Not allowing me to wallow in it---

Lest I marvel at my martyrdom

Carry me to the service side of serving

And the sacrificial side of sacrifice

Not the calculating side of caring for otherwise,

my generosity remains too frugal.

Put me outside my selfish Eden

And beyond my creature comforts

Without raising Cain in my life

for I desire to be a remarkable, not a marked man.

Fill me with an inextinguishable blaze

A peerless and fearless love,

Not a faltering flame or a fumbling forgiveness

for I desire to be christened with real Christ-likeness.

May the Spirit make me spiritual

And the Son shine in my life

And the Father find me faithful,

Lest I miss the Kingdom's goal.

Ben Witherington

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