SBTC: The Rest of the Story
Paul Schneidmill
“We now return to our previously begun submission…” or, “In our last writing episode, we were introduced and/or revisited to the subject of acronyms. An uncommon and unfamiliar one addressed as “SBTC,” which has its basis in the Scriptures of the Bible, was alluded to…”
“As you may have guessed, I have a penchant for nostalgic television-related phrases. I’ve other little quirky things too that speak to the way God wired me. Therefore, allow me to make the following statement:
In my effort to regularly write these submissions, my goal is threefold — 1) To convey what God imparts to my heart and mind, 2) To be a blessing to the readers, and 3) To have fun while doing it.
Now…there you have it — my explanation for what may appear as “out-of-the box” Christ-centered writing. By the way, if those of you who so graciously read this site appreciate “out-of-the box” Christ-centered writing, I highly recommend authors James Alexander Langteaux (a fellow Regent University alumnus and author of “GOD.Com” and “GOD.Net”) and Donald Miller (author of “Blue Like Jazz” and “Searching For God Knows What”).
Last time I wrote, I shared that I’d been given the Bible-based acronym of “SBTC” while attending a “Town Hall Meeting” conducted by the parent organization I’m employed with. So freely-flowing were the outstretched smiles and lofty lingo of the presenters regarding how all was going to be “changed” and “improved” for the better for all, that the gift of discernment God has given me, engaged itself and showed me in complete totality what for the most part was really being conveyed — “SBTC.”
In what is probably the most famous and well-known chapter of the New Testament Epistles written in Scripture by the Apostle Paul, the author gives a God-breathed and inspired examination and explanation of what love truly is, consists of, and how it is identified (1 Corinthians 13). In the very first verse of the chapter, though Paul uses himself as an example, he essentially states that if we (people) do not have and exercise love in our actions, intentions, speech, etc.; we are in essence become as/like “sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” — “SBTC.”
Whenever we deal with and relate to others in whatever capacity we are privileged to do so, we must do so with love. The love we express and distribute must be as real and sincere as it is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 — anything short of that just amounts to the sounds of the blare of those heralding and percussive instruments Paul spoke of — “SBTC.”
During that meeting, I perceived that the majority of those “talking” about what would be, were operating outside of the symphonic melody of love. Instead, they were utilizing the sharp and pronounced sound effects designed to get attention and excite, but in reality, were just making noise.
Whatever we do or say, we must allow it to be founded in love. God consists of and is love (1 John 4:7-8). God epitomizes love. When we tap into Who He is and unite with and operate in Him; we’re able to convey, display, portray and relay His love. His love is music extraordinaire, not noise.
Let’s be real in our love whether stated or shown. Let’ s play the Master’s melody throughout every aspect of our lives. Let’s not be guilty of being a sound-effect (”SBTC”).
Please read the submissions of Ms. Ann Georgi here at “Jehoiada” and please pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) for her and her husband.
Copyright © Paul Schneidmill 2008 All Rights Reserved