Kill Your Sins...

"In April, 1983, Robert Vierling of Winchester, Missouri, was found on his bed, crushed to death by his sixteen-foot, one-hundred-pound, per Burmese python. Vierling's wife said he had complete trust in the snake and often played with it on the bed. Each of us lives with many unseen snakes, all more deadly than a Burmese python. These snakes, which are constantly with us, are called 'sins' in the Bible. The process of killing them is called mortification. The doctrine of mortification is seldom heard today, partly because the word mortify is a King James term that's rendered 'put to death' in modern translations. But mortification is absolutely critical, for the Bible says that even though killing the snakes of sin in our lives won't get us to Heaven - only the life and death of Jesus Christ can do that - unless we bring deadly violence against them all our lives, we've never experienced the saving work of Christ.

God's Word teaches this in Romans 8:12-13: "Therefore, brethren, we are debtors - not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." In other words, if we complacently live by the deeds and desires God calls sinful, we will suffer certain spiritual death and its eternal consequences. But if, by the Holy Spirit, we constantly struggle to kill these sinful deeds and desires, we show that we really possess and will forever enjoy eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Mortification of sin is extremely important, but why mention it in a book on simplifying our spirituality? It's here because mortification does simplify the spiritual life by telling us clearly what we must do with the single most complicating factor in our lives - sin - and why. The Bible says we must kill our sins, not tolerate or expose them in the name of grace, or they will kill us.

In our ongoing war with our sins, we should also remember other Bible truths that complement our understanding and practice of mortification. These include the eternal forgiveness of all the sins of all believers through the cross of Jesus, the grace of God preserving His people to the end, and the truth that in this life we'll never experience the permanent removal of all sin or the desire to sin. Consistent with them all is this teaching in Romans 8:12-13 that, regardless of our professed beliefs, one evidence that Christ has truly saved us is a lethal, lifelong fight against every sin we commit.

In January, 2001, the Reuters news network reported the story of South African Lucas Sibanda, who was attacked by a python. Trapped in the snake's constricting coil, Sibanda bit the reptile below the head and kicked and punched until it released its grip. Then he killed the python with a stick.

Pythons of sin will attack and fight against us all our lives. Unless by the Holy Spirit we fight back like Lucas Sibanda, we show that there is spiritual life in us.

Get deadly with your sins."


Donald S. Whitney, Simplify Your Spiritual Life, pg. 128-19

Our quilt...

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all. I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened. My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air. Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth.

The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life.. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me. And now, I had to face the truth.. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes. Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ.

Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles. Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through!

God determines who walks into your life...it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go.'

When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need.

Father, bless all my family and friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, and power as he/she seeks to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Something to think about...

"I want God and spirituality, but not the church."

More people say this today than ever. Spirituality is in; church is out. Why? For some, the painful memories of previous church experiences keep them away. For others, church problems aren't worth the hassle. For many, church just  "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren."  A sacrificial love for Christian brothers and sisters is one of the first, best, and more reliable evidences of having passed from spiritual death into eternal life through Christ.    Anyone who claims to possess this love for God's people. but avoids their regular gatherings, needs to reexamine his relationship with the Father of this family.

Second, anyone who calls Jesus "Lord" must submit to the authority of His Word when it warns against "forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some" (Hebrews 10:25).  The New Testament knows nothing of the individualized spirituality of today and nothing of a Christianity that exists apart from the local church.

Remember too that the church is Jesus' idea, not man's. More than that, the church is His body. The apostle Paul reminds us, "Christ is the head of the church; and He is Savior of the body," and "we are members of His body" (Ephesians 5:23,30). Even though it may sometimes appear otherwise, the body of Christ has not been severed from its Head; Jesus is still the Head of the church. Why wouldn't anyone want to actively participate in the only organization on earth where Jesus Christ is the Head? When one of His earliest promises was, "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18), why wouldn't anyone want a part in what Jesus Himself is building?

Look at Jesus' own example. He wasn't a spiritual loner. Twelve disciples always traveled with Him, often teaching and ministering as well. Furthermore, Luke 4:16 reminds us that, "as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day."  Why did Jesus make it His custom to go to the synagogue every Sabbath? Because He would hear the Word of God, worship God, and fellowship with His people there.

That's how participation in congregational spirituality builds our individual spirituality. When we're fed by the preaching and teaching of Scripture, receive the Lord's Supper, sing praises and pray with Christ's people, and talk about the things of God together, the Spirit strengthens us in ways that do not occur when we're alone.

So attend, join, worship in, learn in, give to, fellowship with, and spiritually thrive in a local body of
Christ that's faithful to God's Word.  Find teachers and models there who can help with simplifying your spiritual life. Failing this, consider starting some type of small group in the church to discuss or study a book on the subject.

Christian spirituality is not an isolationist, self-absorbed spirituality.  True spirituality is relational - not only toward God, but also with the people of God. Proverbs 18:1 teaches, "A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment."  Don't isolate yourself from the people of God.  Take God, spirituality, and the church. That's God's plan. His ways are simpler and healthier for our souls than any we contrive on our own."

Excerpt taken from Simplify Your Spiritual Life by Donald S.Whitney, pages 35-36

The Gospel & Prayer

The Gospel and Prayer

"Because I teach and write about spirituality, occasionally I'm asked to comment on scientific studies about the efficacy of prayer. The research always seems to include the assumption that one person's prayers are essentially as acceptable as another's. One of the flaws with such studies is that they do not associate prayer with the gospel. No one can begin to understand prayer until he grasps what the gospel teaches us about prayer.

The Bible, rather than assuring everyone that God hears their prayers, slams heaven's door against all who think God will hear them despite their sins: 'But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear' (Isaiah 59:2). In one sense, of course, God hears everything. But in this text we're told that God does not hear with a view to answering those who sin against Him. And, of course, since every person except Jesus has sinned against God, the hopes of are dashed of everyone who thinks all it takes for God to hear is for them to pray.

In fact, the Bible is even more shockingly counterintuitive in Proverbs 15:8: 'The sacrifice (which includes the prayer) of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord.' Many people seem to think, 'It's true, I'm not a dedicated Christian; but if I get into a difficult situation and humble myself to pray, and I'm really sincere, surely God will accept my prayer.' Or they believe, 'Even though I'm not really a follower of Jesus, if God is merciful and loving, He will look favorably on the prayers of those who come to Him when they're in real need and pray hard enough.'

But this text tells us that, instead of being impressed, the Lord actually abominates these prayers. Why? Because such people believe God should hear their prayers based upon their temporary humility and piety. In other words, they believe their own righteousness - in this case, expressed in a short-lived acknowledgement that they need God's help - obligates God to answer.

Instead of being honored to receive the momentary sincerity of those who want something from Him, God is insulted by their prayers, for they imply that the work of Jesus wasn't necessary. It's as though they're saying, 'The life and death of Your Son weren't needed in my case; it was all a big mistake. I believe You should hear me based upon what I have done - especially in these prayers - and I don't need what Jesus did in order to be heard by You.' Could anything be more offensive to God?

When it comes to knowing God and being heard by Him, Jesus was unequivocal: 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me' (John 14:6). Confidence that our prayers are heard cannot come from our sincerity, humility, or need; rather, 'we have confidence to enter the holy places (the presence of God) by the blood of Jesus' (Hebrews 10:19). Until people come in repentance to God through faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ - who alone can remove the sin that separates us from God - their prayers will not be answered.

Does God ever answer the prayer of a non-Christian? Many stories claim that He does. In reality, are these 'answered prayers' simply God doing in His providence what He was going to do regardless of the prayers? The clearest ground biblically is this: except for those prayers leading to salvation, we can give no assurance to anyone outside of Christ that God will answer his prayer. It is only through the gospel that we truly begin to pray for only then - after Jesus has made us and our prayers acceptable to the Father - do the promises of prayer in the Bible apply to us.

Once we respond to the gospel in repentance and faith and are adopted into God's family, our newly begun relationship with our heavenly Father becomes markedly prayerful. No longer is prayer just an obligation or a hoop to jump through to get what we want, for the gospel makes prayer a desire and not a mere duty. Through the gospel we receive the Spirit who causes us to cry, 'Abba! Father! (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6) with a new heavenward, Fatherward orientation. In other words, the Spirit of God causes us to want to talk to God.

Prayer should still remain a discipline, for even with the God-given desire to pray, it's easy to be distracted from habits of prayer by the crush of the responsibilities. But thanks to the grace of God in the gospel, our prayers are always welcome."

Article taken from Tabletalk Magazine, March, 2011
Written by Donald S. Whitney, senior associate dean of the school of theology and professor of biblical spirituality at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Bill Elliott's Death

We heard early this week that Bill had died ... we remember him today, and always.

Bill Elliott with nieces Joyce & Brenda

July, 2004

March 1, 2011


William M. Elliott

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — William “Bill” McKinley Elliott, age 78, of Circleville, passed away on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011.

He was born in McDowell, Ky., on Dec. 28, 1932, to the late Mines and Birdie (Bentley) Elliott.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Gerla (Hamilton) Elliott, and a baby brother and sister.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Jeanette (Hall) Elliott; children, Barbara Lynne (Paul) Ford of Ashtabula, William Mines Elliott of Waverly, Ohio, Allen Michael (Debra) Elliott of Kingston, Ohio, Beverly Jane (JT) McLeod of Dothan, Ala., and John Francis Elliott, Sandra Kay Elliott and Susan May Schaffner, all of Circleville; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Launa Leonard, and several nieces and nephews.

A Veteran, Bill served in the United States Air Force for 4 years and was the owner and operator of Hall Movers and Riggers in Ashtabula for 20 years and The Matchbox in Circleville for 13 years.

He was the Secretary Treasurer of the Eagles in Circleville. Bill was very involved with coaching Little League throughout his children’s life. He enjoyed hunting, farming, bluegrass music and being outdoors. He was also an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the DEFENBAUGH-WISE-SCHOEDINGER FUNERAL HOME, (740) 474-3750. To share a favorite memory of Bill visit www.schoedinger.com and starbeacon.com.

An Application...

Application To Date My Daughter



1. Name_________________________     Date of Birth____________

2. Height _________ Weight________ IQ________       GPA________

3. Social Security # ______________ Driver’s licence #__________

4. Boy Scout Rank_____________________________________

5. Home Address_____________ City/State ____________ Zip____

6. Do you have one male and one female parent? ____________

If no, explain answer _________________________________

7. Number of years parents married ________________________

8. Do you own a van? _______ A truck with oversized tires?______ Do you have an earring, nose ring, or belly button ring? _______
 (If you answered yes to any of #8, discontinue application and leave the premises! Now!)

9. In 50 words or less, what does LATE mean to you? ____________ ____________________________________________________.

10. In 50 words or less, what does “DON’T TOUCH MY DAUGHTER!” mean to you? __________________________________________________________.

11. Church you attend _______________ How often do you attend? ______________________

12. When is the best time to interview you father, mother, and pastor? Father ____________ Mother___________ Pastor__________

13. Answer by filling in the blank:  please answer all questions freely, all answers are confidential (that means I won’t tell anyone ever — promise)

A. If I were shot, the last place I would want to be wounded is in the __________________

B. If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my ____________

C. A woman’s place is in the _________________________

D. The one thing I hope this application doesn’t ask is________________________________________

E. When I first meet a girl, the thing I notice about her first is ______________

14. What do you want to be “if” you grow up? ________________

15. Are you willing to wear an electronic tracking device? _______

16. What type of car do you drive? Ford ______ Chevy ________ Chrysler ______

I swear all information supplied above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge under penalty of death, dismemberment, crucifixion, electrocution, Chinese water torture, and red hot pokers.

Signature ________________________

Thank-you for your interest. Please allow four to six years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (since you probably can’t, and it would cause you injury). If your application is rejected, you will be notified by two gentlemen wearing white ties carrying violin cases.

Pictures of Mason

Recent pictures of Mason Moore Piscura....

With his Mom, Samantha...

With Gramma Cindy...

Please pray...

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011

Please be praying for Glenda Faye, she's in the hospital and has had to begin dialysis. They have put in a temporary port and she will have two more treatments, one today and another tomorrow, before putting in the permanent port.

Glenda has been ill for the past few months. Glen is Mom to Edward  & Renea, and sister to Kenny, Randy, Shirl, Venda, & Gleema.

Snow

And we think we've had snow here in Michigan...

Monday, Jan. 31

This is Buddy, Bobby's dog and he loves being outside. I don't, especially on days like today. It's cold and expected to get colder, and snow is coming in tonight and more tomorrow night.

We did grocery shopping this morning, so did most of Taylor by the looks of the store. My Fred doesn't do well in crowds and there were crowds today. All the 'old people' (ha) stocking up before the storm hits. I gently reminded that him "We" are some of the old people!

See what I mean?

I hope you'll all be safe in this storm. If you must be out in it, be as safe as you know how to be. Will check in tomorrow, Lord willing.   Love to all.

Friends...

Morning Glory Muffin Recipe

Morning Glory Muffins

2 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

1/2 cup white sugar

2 Tablespoons cinnamon

1 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

2 cups grated carrots

1 cup (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, packed in juice and drained

3/4 cup golden raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup canola oil (or use 1/2 cup applesauce & 1/2 cup oil)

Preheat over to 350 degrees

In large bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, sugars, cinnamon, ginger and allspice. Add the carrots, raisins & nuts and mix thoroughly.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the vanilla, oil and pineapple. Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients in thirds and blend well. Do not overmix or muffins will be tough. Fill muffin cups to the brim. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of muffin comes out clean.

Cool for 10-15 minutes and remove from tins. Enjoy!

Monday .. for football fans.

Sanctity of Life

Today we celebrated the Sanctity of Human Life at our church. For 38 years it has been legal in the U.S.A. to abort babies ... over 52,000,000 babies have been killed since then. For women who have had an abortion, God offers forgiveness if you will but ask.

We need to pray for those who work in Crisis Pregnancy Centers and we need  to pray for women who are considering abortion as a viable option to an unwanted or unexpected pregnancy.  We also need to pray for those who work in abortion clinics, for God to change their hearts. Without a heart-change, there will never be an end to abortion.

All life is valuable! All life has meaning! We often don't want to be inconvienced by an unexpected pregnancy or on the other hand, by an aging person who's part of our life.  This could be a parent, or grandparent; an aunt or uncle who's aged and needs our help.

May God forgive us for whatever reason we give to not value human life.

Just for fun...

"I found your cat..."

 

For those who have dogs...we know this look....





I'm back!

Christmas, 2010 with our girls

Hi Family! I'm back! Seems like forever since I've posted anything on this blog. Forgive me, time seems to be flying right past me. But I'm back and will make an effort to keep you all updated as to what's happening in the family.

First, our condolences to Jamie & Kristie ... Kristie's father died this past week after a long, painful illness. His funeral was today at St. Alfred's Church. From what I've read recently, he was a Polish Prince. He loved to laugh, he loved jokes, he loved life, and he loved his children. It's such a blessing to have someone like that in your life. No one can replace a Father.

Also, an update on Mason Piscura, the son of Jeff & Samantha (Moore) Piscura...the little guy had to have open heart surgery when he was just 3 weeks old. But I'm glad to report, he's doing great! Just look at his picture below:

Samantha is the daughter of Vern & Cindy Moore who live in Ashtabula. Clyde went to the Cleveland Clinic to see them back in September. He said he has to smile each time he sees an updated picture of Mason...he's come such a long way.

As most of you know I had bi-lateral strokes in July last year. I am very thankful to be doing as well as I am. The doctors said it would take weeks of speech therapy as well as physical therapy...thankfully it didn't take nearly as long as they predicted. My speech is slower than it used to be and I'm finding a new normal with my physical condition also. Many people prayed and for that I am grateful. If you were one who did, I thank you!

We never know what we will have to undergo in this life. An easy life isn't promised to any of us.

I guess you could say I've had my share of health issues and I used to wonder "why me?" I don't ask that any longer .. rather, it's 'why not me?' These things have drawn me into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ and shown me that suffering is to be expected if we profess to know Him. How we handle the problems that come reflect on our faith, or lack of. One day all this will be over. One day I'll be able to breathe normally .... one day I'll be able to not only walk, but run! I haven't done that in years. One day this pain will be a thing of the past. Never to be remembered again.

I'll say bye for now. If you have pictures you'd like to have posted, please email them to me.

I want to have as much information as possible to put on this blog.

Thank you for reading. May the Lord bless!

Louise

Birthdays

Happy Birthday Erica ... June 25

Happy Birthday Stephanie ... June 28

Sir Charles Moore

We'd like you to meet

Sir Charles

He's the owner of Vern & Cindy Moore of Ashtabula, Ohio

We recognize him today because of his kindness and the calming effect

he has on children and adults alike.

He often goes to the local police station to sit with

children as policemen talk with them.

He also enjoys the company of little ones as

they watch cartoons together at home.

Sir Charles, it was not by accident that you came to live with the Moore's and chose them to be your care-givers. You're a positive influence on all who meet you and we are honored to have you as a part of our families!

Killed anyone lately?

Anyone who knows me also knows that I detest snakes. I have an unhealthy fear of them that stems from childhood. Older folks who were sharing their stories with me way back then scared me beyond belief. To this day I will do all I can to avoid snakes. Just ask Clyde, or one of my sons, or even my granddaughters.

This fear has reminded me that the Bible talks about snakes, and it compares them to a part of our bodies:

James 3:8 - "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

Psalm 140:3 - "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips."

Romans 3:13 - "Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps in under their lips."

Really? The tongue can't be tamed? It's full of deadly poison? And not just any poison ... the poison of asps, or snakes.

That then begs me to ask the question: Who have I killed today with my words? Who might you or I have killed today? Or yesterday? Or last week? Even last year?

Those who profess to know Christ as Savior and Lord will be held to higher standards and higher judgements than those who do not know Him. As followers of Christ, we need to be cautious of our words and give serious thought before we speak, especially when we are going through stress-filled times. Emotions run high and even older saints can say things rashly ... things that need not have been said at that time. I am not condoning ignoring problems (I've also done that in hopes things will just get better or go away...they don't) ... I am saying to wait until emotions calm down and then have quiet discussion with the one we feel has hurt us. Work things out as best you can and then go on with the life God has given you to live. Sometimes we simply have to agree to disagree.

I am guilty of using my tongue, my words, to harm and hurt and even kill the spirit of people I profess to love. I have done much soul searching these past few weeks and God has allowed me to see how sinfully wrong I have been. He has also been gracious in allowing me to repent and find mercy to cover my sinfulness.

But that doesn't take away the hurt I've caused. My telling people I'm sorry has little effect when I've caused them great harm and damaged their soul with careless words. Healing that means anything takes time and while I can be forgiven by God and those I've harmed, my hurtful words will likely resound in their mind and heart for a long time to come.

As much as I hate snakes, I've seen that when I slander someone, I'm basically taking a poisonous snake and throwing it into bed with them. I'm using words to hurt and harm those I profess to love. And I'm lying if I say I love God and then do this to a brother or sister in Christ ... or a brother or sister related by family ties.

There is ALWAYS rumors and gossip going around. Always. But I have a choice to make ... do I feed into it and allow it to burn further and deeper? Or do I choose not to be a part of the destruction and let folks know I won't listen to it and I won't spread it any farther, but I will instead pray for those involved? The choice is mine to make.

No one twists our arms to make us hurt people with our words and our attitudes. We often do that because the enemy of our soul is just behind us, hissing and telling us to "Tell that person off! Don't take that from them! Who do they think they are anyway? You have a right to speak your mind! Go ahead, tell them a mouthful!"

If we could only see the hurt we've caused ... the harm we're causing and who is the author of that hurt, we might just close our mouths and be quiet for a while. We might just stop to think before we say anything and then give a soft answer rather than a harsh one. Even when we're the ones taking the verbal beating.

In the Bible, the book of Matthew, chapter 12, verse 36 says "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak."

May God remind us of this and help us use wisdom in our speech ... in every aspect of our lives. May God let us see the gifts He has given us in family and friends and then do all we can to love them as He loves them and if we can't say anything good about them, then don't say anything at all.

Rumors....

Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you either hear or are about to
repeat a rumor.

In ancient Greece, Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the
great philosopher came upon an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and
said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass
a little test. It's called the Test of Three."

"Three?"

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student
let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is
Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is
true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it's true or not.
Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about
to tell me about my student something good?"

"No, on the contrary..."

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even
though you're not certain it's true?"

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued. "You may still pass though, because there is a third
test -- the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my
student going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really."

"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor
Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"

The man was defeated and left, ashamed. This is the reason Socrates was a
great philosopher and held in such high esteem.