"Kiss My Grits!"

Nemesis was the Greek Goddess of retribution.

"In Greek mythology, Nemesis... was the spirit of divine retribution against those who succumb to hubris (arrogance before the gods). The Greeks personified vengeful fate as a remorseless goddess: the goddess of revenge. The name Nemesis is related to the Greek word νέμειν [némein], meaning "to give what is due". Although a respected goddess, Nemesis had brought many sorrow to mortals... She believed that no one should ever have too much good, and she had always cursed those who were blessed with countless gifts. The word Nemesis originally meant the distributor of fortune, neither good nor bad, simply in due proportion to each according to what was deserved; then, nemesis came to suggest the resentment caused by any disturbance of this right proportion, the sense of justice which could not allow it to pass unpunished."

My father was a noted Southern Baptist Pastor. He was a very gifted orator, a gifted singer, a kind and loving pastor, faithful to his wife, and lived a life of sobriety and service to the Lord. In recognition, he was once elected as Executive President of the Arkansas Baptist Convention. My father once told me of an incident involving a fellow pastor who had become his nemesis. My father had just finished preaching a dynamic sermon at the Arkansas Pastor's Conference. He had "raised the roof", as he used to say. It was inspirational and well received by all...except one-his nemesis. Immediately following the sermon, his nemesis confronted him with insults and slanders. My father, well seasoned in the nature of man, knew that reasoning would avail nothing, so he simply responded with a smile, "Joe, kiss my grits."

A nemesis may arise at anytime in your life. They will attack you, malign you, talk about you behind your back, and at every turn attempt to thwart your happiness. There is usually no discernible reason for their actions and nothing you can do to cure them. They just don't like you or are jealous of the gifts they see in you. Most do not sign up to be a nemesis, rather, they are led into it by their own inadequacies, arrogance, and fleshly appetites. The most frustrating kind of nemesis is one who comes under the banner of righteousness. They have determined that you don't match up to their standard of righteousness and have, as their mission, to let you and others know it. They may cloak their attacks in false compassion for you. You see, they are just "concerned for your soul", however, they eventually show their true colors if you do not respond as they see fit. Their compassion turns quickly to condemnation.

The nemesis will always be around. When one seems to fade, another will arise. Christ knew this. He had not a few of them.

"It is impossible but that offences will come:but woe unto him, through whom they come."

But here is the hope:

"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

If you have a nemesis, you are blessed! "Kiss my grits", may at first glance, seem like a less-than-humble retort, but it actually is a healthy tool in combating the repeated efforts of your nemesis to distract you or engage you. It is certainly preferable to attacking back and stooping to their level. Of course, the best tool is no retort, but sometimes only a "Kiss my grits" will do. The nemesis in your life, even though they intend evil, will bring good. We must not allow ourselves to be tossed to and fro by their antics. 

The scripture teaches "As much as is possible, be at peace with all men." This infers that it is not always possible, especially with the nemesis.To all the past, present and future nemesis in my life: Kiss My Grits!