Napoleon was a genius in sparking patriotism in the common man. He often told this story... Once, while visiting a province, he came upon an old soldier in full uniform, but with one sleeve hanging empty. He proudly wore the coveted Legion of Honor.

    Napoleon asked, “Where did you lose your arm?” The soldier answered, “At Austerlitz, sire.” Napoleon asked, “And for that you received the Legion of Honor?” The man said, “Yes, sire.”

    “It is but a small token to pay for the decoration.” Napoleon continued, “You must be the kind of man who regrets he did not lose both arms for his country.” The one-armed man asked, “What then would have been my reward?” Napoleon answered, “I would have awarded you a double Legion of Honor.” And with that, the proud old fighter drew his sword and immediately cut off his other arm. Napoleon told the story for years until someone asked, “How?”

“How?”

    A similar story is told of the man who collected thousands of dollars for the grieving mother of the “unknown soldier”.

    It’s not wrong to question what you think you know. Sometimes it’s wrong not to. As human beings, we are often satisfied with our opinions and content with our knowledge, which is a recipe for perpetual ignorance.

    Solomon, in his wisdom, has the foresight to recognize this truth when he wrote, “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12 NASB).

    Today, remember that discerning fact from fiction is important, and that the genuine truth is found in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Copyright (c) 2001, Timely Truths Ministries. Used by permission.
Title: "Discernment"
Author: Brent Nidiffer and Jamie Shell
Publication Date: July 6, 2001

Share with Others	Related Heartlight Resources
Print this Article Send it to a Friend Discuss	Bedtime Stories