Read: Proverbs 22:1; 1 Peter 2:12-17
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. (Proverbs 22:1 NIV)
During the Zapatista uprising, rebels often seized farms in Chiapas, killing or driving away the owners.
One night some young Tzeltals in the village of Living Water decided to invade the ranch of Martin, a Tzeltal Christian. Carrying guns, they started walking towards Martin’s home. On the trail they met an old man who asked them where they were going. They replied, “To attack Martin’s ranch.”
The old man said: “Why are you going to do that? Martin is a good man. He has helped many of us in our village. He drives us to the hospital when we are sick. He has done much good for us. Think. If you attack Martin’s ranch, one of you will surely be killed. It’s bad to harm a good man.”
The young men continued down the trail, but soon decided to return to their homes.
The next day, the old man went to see Martin and said, “I am glad to see you alive and on your land.” He then told Martin what had happened on the trail the night before.
Martin thanked the man for speaking in his defense; and he marveled at how his good reputation had delivered him from harm. —Helen Hofman
As you pray, ask our Father in heaven to help you always do what is good in his sight.
About the Author
Helen Hofman is a retired missionary. She and her husband Sam worked with the Tzeltal and Tojolabal Indians of Chiapas, Mexico for more than forty years. In their work, they helped set up a Bible School to train the Tzeltals, taught in the Bible School, prepared Sunday School materials, textbooks, hymnals and audiovisuals. They also coordinated the translation of the Amatenango Tzeltal New Testament and the revision of the highland Tzeltal Bible.
