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The Parable of the LaddersPosted by Mike Davis on 2000-02-04
Now can I tell you a new parable ? Longish, I'm afraid.
** Parable of the Ladders **
Once upon a time, in the flat bushlands of a primitive country,
there dwelt a tribe of pygmies, who lived, as tradition had it, in
little mud huts roofed with branches. The huts were only as high as the
tallest inhabitant, and the tallest could command a good standard of
living as they were in great demand as builders.
The chief, who lived in the largest hut, tried to rule with
kindness and justice, and wanted a better life for his people, but was
unable to see how to provide it.
Fortunately, the area was discovered by a United Nations' commission
and the chief was invited for a stay in some of the great cities of the
World. He was amazed by all that he saw; the traffic, the noise, the
lights, and, most of all, by the great buildings, which, of course, were
used for far more than the simple homes of his people. He looked in vain
for the great giants which he assumed must be used to build such
magnificent structures! The U.N. hosts, being very aware of the problems
of balance of payments and other difficulties caused by donating complex
machinery, decided to send him home with a number of ladders to aid his
construction plans. With the chief, they discussed plans for a centre
in which health, education and other communal facilities could be
provided.
On his return home, he called for his builders, told them his plans
for a community centre, and how they would be the wonder of the area as
education and trade opportunities would improve their lot. Unpacking the
ladders he said,
"I have a gift for each one of you!", and explained how they were to
be used. He then left them to draw up the plans for the great building.
Surprised was hardly the word for his reaction when, next day, he
was approached by a delegation of builders!
The senior builder said,
"Thank you sir, but I think that there's been some mistake, because
the building you describe must quite clearly be of one storey only; and
as it will look like a collection of our best hut designs, these
`ladders' won't be needed."
Disappointed, the chief turned to the next, who responded,
"Oh, sir, we do see, but as we Master builders have long arms -
that's why we *are* master builders - we won't need them. Of course, I
can see how they'd be of help to smaller people."
The third builder replied,
"Our Building Teacher, who was, as we all acknowledge, a great man,
never told us about such things, so it is obviously no part of a master
builder's craft to use such implements."
Turning to the fourth, the chief heard,
"I'm a Master builder, as you know, but my skills have come from
years of practical experience. I can't see that these things will help
me to become a better builder. So there's little point in actually using
them, but I'm very grateful to you for thinking of us." (Privately, he
was horrified at the chief's ignorance of the building process.)
While the next said,
"It's a wonderful idea for getting men up to higher levels, but it's
the walls which need to be higher, not the men!"
The chief, by now exasperated and frustrated, turned to the sixth,
who thoughtfully considered, and answered,
"I'm most honoured to be offered this opportunity, it would seem to
be a wonderful gift, but I think that I'd be afraid of heights."
"Sir, they look great, if only I could go on a course where they
teach the theory and practice, then I might one day get the hang of
them," says the next.
While he hesitated after this shock, the next volunteered,
"My Lord, forgive me for speaking out, but we builders, although
tall, are humble people, and not worthy of these most marvellous and
generous gifts. We might, for instance, break them or use them badly. In
all humility, sir, you should find builders of greater capabilities,
whom you can train to meet your needs."
Turning to the apprentice, the chief asked,
"And do you think you could use a ladder?"
To which the reply was,
"Oh yes, my Lord, but I'd look so silly up a ladder!"
Wondering why his people were so stubborn and unimaginative, the
chief turned to the audience which had by now collected, and thundered
out,
"Will any of my people take and use these?"
......... After a long pause - a small voice says,
"Well, if no one else is going to speak out, I will! You see, I'm
not very big and couldn't build anything by myself, but you want a great
building, and I'll just have to make use of your ladders, because I will
need all the help I can get."
****************
What can we learn from this? If we examine the attitudes of the
builders in response to the chief, who only wanted to improve his
people's lot, we see that their own pride and prejudices blocked his
plans because they'd lost sight of his intentions.
The first started telling the chief what he ought to build, and
because he'd not the vision of the chief, he merely showed his limited
imagination. The next only said that because they already had some
aptitude for building they needed nothing more, while the third opined
that ladders had nothing to do with building.
Missing the point that it might make a better building, the fourth
only noticed that it wouldn't make him a better builder! While the next
also only looked at the men, not the structure. Fear motivated the
sixth, who would not trust the chief, and the next only wanted to go on
a course rather than build. The eighth was so humble that he didn't want
to risk changing. Fear too, disturbed the last; fear of looking foolish!
Only the little voice recognised that both he and the chief required
help to realise the chief's great vision.
And so it is with Spiritual Gifts; not for our enjoyment but to help
us build the Lord's House better. Of course we're shy, of course we
don't understand them, of course we might abuse them - but they're for
His house - that's why St Paul earnestly beseeches us to want them all.
We're not doing a very good job without them, are we? So we must be open
to them, and keep, keep trying, praying and practising until we can use
them better.
God, alone, has given us the responsibility of building His house
with His tools, - Praise Him!
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