Tissue Shock

(Pro 1:26 KJV) I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

When teaching middle school I would often have students approach me wanting me to use my magic powers to produce a tissue for them.  I would often reach into my back pocket, pull out my handkerchief, and offer to share.  They would recoil in horror.  Then I would blow my nose and put it back in my pocket.  They would look on in disbelief.

First a science lesson.  The handkerchief was loaded with my germs.  I doubt if I am going to get sick with my germs.  I was not worried for myself but I understand them not wanting to use it.

Second, a little history.  I used to have tissue.  I was even foolish enough one time to bring a box from home so my little darlings would not go without.  Then came the second day of school.  I watched as they would reach out, take a large handful of tissue, blow once and throw it all away.  Then they would reach for another handful.  I had paid for that tissue and they were acting like tissue welfare queens.  I stopped bringing my tissue for them to use.  So I began requesting it from the school.  The office would give me one box at a time and limit how often I could get one.  I took to handing them out, one tissue at a time.  When they ran out, they ran out.  I reminded the students that they had sleeves.

So?  God may have sympathy for our spiritual runny noses.  There comes a time when He will harden His heart because He can see ours.  God does not play games.