Blogging Through STTNG: Code of Honor

Yar becomes the prize to the winner of a diplomacy and patience contest between Picard and a planet chief named Lutan.

The Prime Directive is really the star of this episode. It's all about how the crew deals with having to respect a threatening culture they don't understand. Everyone realizes that there is a way to solve the problem with patience, eventually. It would only be destructive to force Lutan to give them what they want. In the end it pays off to obey the dictates of their duty.

How hard it is to do this! Especially when someone has done something wrong and we want to 'make it right again.' I know I spend way too much mental energy on phantom off-tellings in my head, or even wishing violence towards someone who has threatened me. But two wrongs don't make a right.
In this episode you get to see the crew manage their anger and confusion and fear. They have to take the time to thoroughly understand their situation and build a plan that honors their enemy. How can we be expected to honor our enemy?! Isn't this asking too much?

Think about this: is it OK to put down the Devil? I think some Christians feel like doing that gives them strength, or maybe helps them get over their fear of demons or something.  Shouldn't we be getting our strength and peace from the all powerful God of Peace? What does the Scripture say about putting down the Devil? Check out Jude. In verse 8 we are given the example of Michael the archangel who, when given the chance, DOES NOT even judge, let alone put down, the Devil. Michael calls on the Lord. We are to appeal to our Creator and His order when faced with evil.

Also, does it make any sense to get over fear or draw strength from someone else's weakness? Yes, the Devil's days are numbered, but we're still not allowed to defame him or his agents, let alone those under their wicked control. With the power of the Holy Spirit (what other power could accomplish this?) we can acknowledge our enemy like Michael did and talk about our Lord.

Yet in the same way these men [sinners], also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil[false accuser] and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" - Jud 1:8-9 NASB