This is a story about Bernard and his dad, Miles Kingston. They lived in a big city. Bernard’s life was great. He went to a good school, had lots of friends, and he, his mom, and his dad had all the freedom one can ask for.
When his mother, Clarissa, passed away from cancer several months earlier, his father became very troubled and lonely. A war was waging in their country, and a debilitating virus was going through their towns, city, and the rest of the world.
So, Miles decided to sell everything and move out to the country with his son, figuring if they were far enough away, they wouldn’t have to deal with the woes of the world. Mr. Kingston had a tall, brick fortress built to protect them from the enemies of the outside world. He and Bernard planted a garden, created a water supply system underground, developed natural medicinal remedies from the soil, and had enough firearms to protect a community, rather than two individuals living in a giant structure.
Once again, Bernard had everything, but soon he too became forlorn. He had no contact outside of the walls of their new home, no more friends because they’d died of the virus,and no more formal education except what his father taught him. His dad often reminded him how lucky they were to have the means of protecting their bodies and livelihood, and he should be grateful for that. They heard about regular folks suffering outside their property, but they kept to themselves. Nothing would ever come and hurt them.
One night, Bernard awoke with a thirst and found his father sitting by the window with several rifles lying on the floor around him.
“Father, why are you up?”
Mile’s blood-shot eyes gazed at him, “I have to keep awake to protect us.”
Bernard was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
His father stuttered, “Can’t you see the virus in the air? Look through the window. You see it floating around?”
The boy peered through their triple-pane glass window. He saw nothing except a crescent moon. “I don’t see—“
“Quiet!” Miles hushed him and yanked him to the floor. “Did you hear that? We can still be seized. The enemy is coming to get us.”
Bernard was still confused. “Father, there is no one outside. Come,” he motioned. “Let’s go to bed.”
Mr. Kingston pulled away. “No!”
Bernard stood. “If you’re so afraid, why did you build this gigantic fortress and isolate us from everyone?”
His father fixed the rifle under his chin.
“What are you doing?” Bernard lunged and tried to wrestle the rifle from his father.
“I’m always afraid,” Miles answered, and pulled the trigger.
MORAL OF THE STORY: If your mind thinks it, your heart will act upon it. Protect your mind at all costs.
Proverbs 23: 7 – For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
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ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE ENCOURAGEMENT:
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
2 Timothy 1: 7 – For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Ephesians 6: 11-18 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Mathew 10:28 – And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mathew 12: 43-45 – When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Mark 3: 30 – Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.