The Ice Cream Paradox – Am I Foolish?
I love ice cream. I love it probably a little too much. I understand how people can sit down and eat an entire carton in one sitting when the mood strikes them.
It’s my body and if I want to gorge myself on nothing but ice cream day in and day out, no one would probably stop me. I may have some friends and family who would voice some concern, but at the end of the day, it would be my decision. My decision wouldn’t impact anyone else. If I died of this because all the sugar shocked my body, I would be the only one to blame.
I think we would all agree that this would be a foolish way to die. Gluttony at its worst.
But what if I force my children to only eat ice cream? Would someone step in and stop me because this isn’t good parenting? Social services would be called because I would be deemed an unfit parent. Hopefully you agree that this is not a good parenting technique.
As parents you set rules to teach your children how to live good and respectful lives. Boundaries can be both restrictive and necessary. The kids may kick and scream saying it’s unfair you won’t let them stay up all night, but they don’t see the negative affects of not getting a good night sleep. They only see that you are being a meanie.
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 ESV
Good parents discipline their kids. All kids need disciplining.
We all have rules that we follow and adhere too and we don’t say anything because the rules are there to protect. To drive a speeding vehicle you have to pass a test. That’s a good rule. To be a surgeon you have to go to school and pass your boards. That’s a good rule to remember when you are about to get cut on by a doctor. To be a commercial pilot they have to have many hours of training and follow aviation guidelines. I think that is awesome as I try to fall sleep on a flight with some peace of mind.
These rules do not infringe on me in anyway. They are there to protect.
It is against the law to drink and drive. I think almost everyone would agree that this is a good rule to help keep the other drivers on the road safe. But it also keeps the drunk driver safe. They may be angry when their friends take their keys, but good friends take the keys from drunk friends. The drunk friend may kick and scream like a child, but the sober minded people know it’s not a good decision to let a drunk drive home.
It is better to have a drunk friend mad at you for a night than to have the drunk friend die because you didn’t ruffle their feathers.
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.”
Proverbs 10:17 ESV
There may be times when you see people in a social setting and you may not see the proof they are drunk. They are talking rationally, giving eye contact, and seem in their right mind. But sitting at a bar and sitting behind a wheel is two different types of standards on drunkenness.
The same can be said for people who have COVID. They could be in the store with no symptoms and people could assume they are fine. Only for them to be asymptomatic or a carrier for the sickness. You may think I’m am stretching here, but a drunk driver never thinks he is going to have a wreck and hurt someone. The same can be said for people who unknowingly have COVID.
You can’t always tell a drunk by how they look and you can’t always tell someone who has COVID by how they look. It’s the same thing. And sadly, both can have deadly consequences.
If you want to live a life of defiance, that is your right. But think about the people around you. If someone asks you to wear a mask to help protect yourself or others, are you going to be polite and follow because really, what harm will it do? Or are you going to be a screaming kid saying it’s not fair?
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 12:15 ESV
I feel like I listen. I do not get angry or shout at anyone who disagrees with me. I listen to their point of view and then I make my decision. I do not bad mouth people who disagree me. I do not scorn politicians for laws I do not agree with. I do not live my life in defiance, but I try to live my life in peace and unity with all.
Some may see my post as derogatory, but as I write this, I’m writing it to myself. To encourage myself to be respectful as Christ calls us to live. To be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (James 1:19)
To remind myself that God doesn’t grant us an easy life, but he promises he will never leave us. To give me hope that this too shall pass and three strains a cord is not easily torn. To cling to the promises God has placed in His Holy Word.
This post is not to point fingers, because I am trying to find the splinter in my own eye as I type this. Am I being too preachy? Am I being boastful? Am I being hypocritical?
You may be thinking that about me, but I’m here to say, I’ve thought it too. I’ve stopped and reflected on the words. Words I feel are here to edify others, not tear them down. Words written to unify not divide. Words to lift others up and not myself. Words to protect all.
I hope these words are receptive. I may not always be right, but I am humble enough to listen to those who may have a differing opinion backed by substantial reasoning.
If you agree or disagree, please let me know.
I will keep walking the wrong way until someone stops me and points me in the right direction.
Can you say the same?
Peace
