May 10, 2009 – Polunsky – Livingston, TX
The Polunsky Unit is another one of our favorite places to go. No two ways about it…this is a tough place. Death Row is here and you can’t help but feel heaviness on the inside. The “human condition” can be defined as the experience of being and existing as well as the feelings and emotions associated with that existence. Emotions such as joy and terror along with the ability to reason and contemplate the future, the meaning of existence, and what happens to us when we die, helps to define the human condition. The heaviness of the human condition is magnified in prison. It is easy to feel “persecuted” and hopeless.
In our study from the word, Mitchell spoke about submission and the human condition. While the “conditions” inside a prison can be difficult, many times life in the free world leaves us bound up and in personal prisons of our own. We all have to decide whom we are to serve, how we are to deal with suffering and persecution, and if we will return evil for evil. As we examine 1 Peter, we see several themes emerge that can help us in our daily walk as Christians:
- Suffering is to be expected and is a way that godly character is produced in us.
- We are to exhort (encourage) fellow Christians to live righteous and holy lives in the face of evil.
- Although we do not deserve to suffer, it is a part of service to God on this earth. There will come a time when God will right every wrong and reward those who have endured in His name.
- Submit yourselves to others and seek harmonious relationships.
- Jesus is our example for the endurance of suffering and commitment to the truth.
What does it take to be “submissive” and to whom are we to be submissive to? It takes humility, faith, patience and understanding to name a few. As Mitchell puts it…”it may take turning your back on your “friends” and going the opposite direction, which is usually the road less traveled”. We are to be submissive to governing authorities, our bosses, and to the word and will of God. Christ is our example. No matter what your “human condition” is as an individual or as a church, we are to endure all suffering in His name and avoid the natural tendency as humans to get even. By doing so we WILL inherit a blessing and encourage others along the way.
Our prayers are with the church that meets at Polunsky and all the men and women serving there.
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