An Attitude Like Jonah's Part 6, is based on Jonah 4:6-11 (nkjv).

"And the Lord God prepared a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be shade for his head to deliver him from his misery, So Jonah was very grateful for the plant. But as morning dawned the next day God prepared a worm, and it so damaged the plant that it withered. And it happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that he grew faint. Then he wished death for himself, and said, 'It is better for me to die than to live'", Jonah 4:6-8.

As Jonah sat outside the city of Nineveh waiting to see the result of his preaching, God in His wisdom gave Jonah a profound lesson. God grows a plant to shade him from the hot sun, and on the very next day destroys it. What is so amazing to me is Jonah’s attitude towards the plant and the people of Nineveh. He is more upset about the death of the plant than he is about the destruction of a whole city. I realize this point is being repeated a lot in this series but it is very important.

While this was taking place, Israel was not doing so well, either. Nineveh was to be an example to the Israelites of how God treats those who turn from evil and do the right thing. Another point to be made here is that Israel's current king, Jeroboam, is being blessed by God even though he "did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord", II Kings 14:24. This meant that even though God was blessing His people, He was also warning them that they too were in danger of recieving the same punishment as Nineveh. By using Israel's enemy as an example of God's grace and forgiveness, they would have a chance to see what could be their blessing as well, but if they were to continue in their present path, they would suffer under God's wrath and it would be no one's fault but their own. They were also given the lesson that the Lord wants to save everyone, not just His "chosen" people.

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This story is an object lesson for all Christian's today, too. We may know about God and claim to believe the truth, but if we do not live in harmony with our "beliefs", then not only are we being hypocrites, we are setting a horrible example of the Truth for others. The fact is, despite what we may believe, the Lord's greatest longing is to save everyone He possibly can. We do ourselves and our Heavenly Father a great disservice by snubbing the non-Christian world. Who is it that we think we are? Do we really believe that we are better than they are?

On the other hand, there are many Christian's who would never assume that they are better than those who are not Christians. They understand the fallen nature of humans and our struggles. They also understand that God's love for us is not based on our beliefs, nor is it based on our actions. It is based on His perfect character. Jesus died to save all mankind. No one is excluded, except by our own choices. While we are never forced to obey God, He is always there to encourage and help us. Nothing gives Him greater happiness than to see us turn to Him and accept the love and forgiveness He offers us.

Paul tells us, "for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or else excusing them", Romans 2:14, 15. In other words, when non-believers live in harmony with their conscience, they will be rewarded accordingly.

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After the Lord destroys the plant that was providing shade to Jonah, the two of them continue their discussion. "Then God said to Jonah, 'Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?' And he said, 'It is right for me to be angry, even to death!' But the Lord said, 'You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left – and much livestock?' ", Jonah 4:9-11.

The Lord's response is clear to me. I need keep my priorities straight. God loves everyone, yes everyone. This doesn't mean that as Christians we need to be everyone's friend. But we do need to remember that God loves them as much as He loves us. So what do you say, can we try to be more loving, patient and understanding of those who do not share our belief's? Just think, maybe your example of love and respect will win them to Christ.