Don’t Be a Dud!

[249 words] July was a favorite time of the year during my youth, because that was when we could shoot fireworks. It was a great experience to go down to the fireworks stand with my dad, look over all the multi-colored packages and imagine what each explosive would do. We usually ended up with a ton of firecrackers and bottle rockets.  Fireworks are great because you light each fuse with anxious anticipation, knowing you are about to experience the thrill of a satisfying explosion of light and sound. Unless, of course, you light a dud. Then instead of a beautiful starburst and fiery pop, you just get a smoking fizzle, and you drop your shoulders and walk away, hoping for better luck next time. I hated duds! Sometimes I wonder if Jesus feels the same way about His followers today. In the “Sermon on the Mount,” Jesus tells His disciples…