And so it begins... What I believe to be an event that could be a turning point in American history. An event that, if not stopped, could be the very sign of what is to come... A sign of treachery, of difficulty, of seperating the wheat from the tares. Though at first glance, it wouldn't appear that way... But let's gaze into the looking glass and see what exactly I am referring to...
Why, could it be? Ah, yes... I am referring to that cheshire grin from dear president Barry Hussein... And his administration's recent health care mandate. You know, that one existing in the small words of Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. It was from her mouth that the machine uttered the order that from now on, EVERY employer must provide insurance for their employees that covers birth control, and abortificients. Of course in keeping everyone's feelings and beliefs in mind the machine issued... Oh, where is it... The number of waivers they issued was... Oh... I guess none... But that's ok, because the religous exception is right here in the third... Oh, wait... No, there is no religous exceptions after all! huh... Interesting...
Interesting because of the fact that the very first to take notice of this were all the Catholic churches and their many non-profit organizations they run. And why? Because birth control and abortificients in any and all forms, in their belief and doctrinal teachings, is sin. So this means... that they will either violate their conscience, or conform to Barry Hussein and his regime.
Now before I get any further, I understand that different people have different views on birth control- and I am not debating either side of that debate today. But rather, it is important to understand that this is NOT about whether birth control is right or wrong. In all honesty, though it is veiled as being a measure to "support women's rights", I would dare say that it has nothing to do with women either. Actually, I hate to say it, but the women's rights groups are very much being used like a prostitute by a pimp... But I digress.
Before I give you my analysis I must also mention that, yes, after much public outrage, Obama did come out with a "compromise" of sorts... He stated that, by his order, "Religious organizations won't have to pay for these services, and no religious institution will have to provide these services directly." Key word: DIRECTLY. Take note of that. Keep in mind, also, that in his order, he mandated that ALL insurance companies will be REQUIRED to offer and provide birth control and abortificients to ALL women at NO charge. Yes, you read that correctly. He told PRIVATE business that they MUST provide a service at NO charge, even though it WILL cost said insurance company to fulfil their new "obligation".
But that's ok, cause they are, after all, a part of the 1%...
Right?
Here's the deal... First off, NO WHERE in the Constitution is the government granted the power to tell ANY business that they MUST provide ANY service for free. It is called private business for a reason. Last I checked, the only government officials who actually believe that they have this kind of power are people like, Hugo Chavez... the Chinese... Joseph Stalin... And other charming, yet witty, COMMUNISTS. What Obama has done, without any congressional approval mind you (which is also a Constitutional violation), is a blatant attack on business- and a classic example of redistribution of wealth.
But it is deeper than that. Notice that he said that little word, "directly"? Understand that when a company has cost going out, they will find a way to bring in funds to cover the cost. That is because it is their job. Their job is to profit. If they are losing profit, they are failing at their job. So the question becomes- how do they recapture those lost dollars? You guessed it- by raising the premiums on all those religous folk who were just told they would not be "directly" paying for birth control... Because they will, in truth, be paying for it INdirectly. which last time I checked, was STILL a violation of their beliefs.
Of course, then there is the whole matter of religous insurance companies... I am not sure how the Catholics provide insurance for their priests, so I can only draw from the example of the Southern Baptist organization. They hire a religous insurance group that is set up for the sole purpose of providing insurance specifically for Southern Baptist preachers and all of the faith based employees and missionaries that fall under their umbrella. This means that this mandate requires all baptists everywhere to violate their conscience on abortificients by forcing a religous organization to provide them for free. As I said I am unsure how Catholics handle the insurance question, but one must assume the possibility that their system is set up in similar fashion.
Understand, this is a calculated attack on religous freedom. How hard would it be to allow religous orgainzations to provide insurance information to all potential employees outlining what they do and don't provide before they are hired? This way if they don't like something, they can choose to work elsewhere! There is also that grand option of the person who really feels they need contraception to make a trip to their local Planned Parenthood and get birth control handed to them for free... Or, and I say this cautiosly, the idea that maybe the person "could PAY" for their own condoms!!! Oh, but why would we in this entitlement society require that?
Get this: If this is allowed to stand, we will look back and see this as just the starting point for religous persecution by the federal government. Remember it never starts out big- it's just the small stuff that we feel we can compromise on that they focus on first. No matter our theology, church or creed, we must stand in one voice against this- even if you personally have no problems with contraceptions. Because it is not about if condoms are right or wrong- it's about whether or not the government can require you to go against your religous belief- it's about whether or not the first ammendment matters... If we fail to stand with those who think condoms are sinful now, well- eventually we will be wishing there were people left to stand with us on the religous beliefs that we hold dear...
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Jesus Skips America On His Way To Africa...
I have a simple question: why it is that when missionaries go overseas they see a huge response to the Gospel while here at home the response to the Gospel is limited? I have had this question on my mind a lot lately, as I hear missionaries report things such as the fact that there are more chinese people being born again than being born in China(despite the fact that Christianity is virtually banned by the government there); or that missionaries who find their feet on African soil are greeted with people almost begging to hear the Good News; or that in Islamic-controlled arabian nations not only is mission work winning people to Christ but even the dreams of the citizens of these countries have them seeking Jesus. The only way I can comprehend it is like saying going to some of these foreign nations is like going to a bulk food store when it comes to people putting their faith in Jesus; yet here at home, if a church has 10 converts in a month it is said that "The Holy Spirit is at work in that church"...
And I am left to wonder, why the difference? Why do people run to hear the Gospel in one place, and shy away from it in another? Is it possible that it is all about the Holy Spirit moving? What I mean is, is it that God is just choosing NOT to move here in America? Or is there something more, some deeper reason for it?
I must admit, I am no theologian. I have no degree in Bible scholarly-scholarship thinking. But I have a theory. I wonder if part of it is in how we evangelize. Let me explain by first asking a question: When we send missionaries to Africa, what is their strategy for reaching the lost? Answer: They hand out personal testimonies of how Jesus radicaly changed their life. When we send missionaries to Thailand, or South America- how do they treat each encounter with the people around them? Like potential divine appointments, a non-coincidental crossing of paths in which to share the Good News of Jesus. When we send missionaries to China, how do they treat the Bible? Like it is a treasure that is worth risking their life for! I think I can sum it up this way: when missionaries trod on foreign soil, their lives are radicly changed into a resemblance more along the lines of what we would envision the apostles to have been like.
But... what about here, in America? How do we as Christians evangelize in our own country, the land that is supposed to be a shining city on a hill, a Christian nation? Well? How DO we evangelize here?
...
I know- we do good works. we mow our neighbor's lawn. We help that single mother to her car with her groceries. We walk granny across the street. We do many wonderful things of the like. And on occasion, if we are feeling bold, we invite them in a hurried- almost hushed- breath, "Would you like to go to church with me?" Of course, we are careful to whom we issue the invite, as they might be offended and then not want any more of our "good works", which in turn would deny them of the priveledge of seeing us live out the Gospel...
NOW BEFORE YOU GET MAD... I am in no way saying that there is not a time or place for that type of evangelism. I do believe that with some people, they will only be reached through relational evangelism. I get that. Jesus was the one, after all, who said that when we as believers do good works, they will glorify God in heaven. But here is where I differ from much common thinking: This has been the strategy for reaching America for a long time, and it isn't working. As I said, I am not condemning the practice, but rather I am saying that all too often we allow that to replace ALL forms of evangelism here on the homefront. I say this in all realization that way too often I am very guilty of this too. But if this is the only evangelism that the Body of Christ, as a whole, practices- then it is no wonder there are so few people turning to Jesus.
But what is the importance of being so bold about the Gospel? Let me pose to you a thought... I saw a poll recently that suggested that 80% of Americans consider themselves Christians. Why do you think this nation is as messed up as it is if so many Americans believe they are Christians? The obvious answer is, because most Americans are not TRUE Christians. If they were, then obviously they would be living radicly different than they are and it would reflect in our culture. But you see, that poses a whole new question that must be answered: WHY then do so many people claim to be something they are not? Once again, I pose a theory: I believe it is because most Americans don't have a clue what it means to be a Christian, because I believe that most Americans have never actually heard the Gospel in it's full, unadulterated content! Oh sure, we have Christian bumper stickers and billboards and t-shirts and televangelists they might catch a bit of as they channel surf... BUT have they actually HEARD the Gospel? Have people actually sat down and explained to them WHY they need a Saviour? Or has Christianity been reduced to just a tagline in our culture?
Now perhaps you can see where I am going with this... If we only rely on the "do good works" philosophy of evangelism, then who sits down to tell them WHY we do good works? There is no one to explain WHY we are mowing their lawn or carrying their groceries! (I say this in general; yes, I do know some people are doing this, but I mean the Body of Christ as a whole- and sadly must include myself in this!) Look, the reality is that if we don't ever share the Gospel then we can't very much expect them to hear it. If we never explain to them that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, then we can't very much expect them to repent of their sins.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking: BUT we live in America, and everyone's heart is hardened here. There is no hope. The culture is getting worse and God is only working in other Countries. O.K. To that I will counter your point with this: Has God said there is no hope for America? have you had some divine revelation that you would like to share with the class about how God told you to just give up and go home?
I didn't think so...
There is an interesting account in Scripture found in Luke 5:1-9 in which Jesus happens across some fishermen. They had just pulled in from an all-night fishing trip in which they caught nothing. Jesus asked them to take Him out on their boat, and after some teaching he asked them to cast out their fishing nets. The men, who were professionals in their trade, offered to Jesus that they had already fished there all night with no results, so obviously nothing was there. But they did it anyway, I would dare say possibly with some reluctance. I know that I would be thinking- listen up, buddy, you are a good teacher and all but this is crazy! But what happened? Luke tells us that they caught 2 boatfuls of fish, so much so that the boats were sinking!
I share this Scripture for a reason. I think too often we say, in a matter of terms, that there are no fish left in America. We have been out all night casting our good works nets. we have labored with our conservatism and social justice nets. We have drug the depths with our Christian clothing lines. All good things- but we keep coming up empty. So when we feel that prodding of the Spirit our first response is, "I am the professional here, and I am telling you this is a waste of time". But is it really a waste of time? Is it true that we are left with only a few "fishes" here and there?
Or is it only a waste of time if we are not doing it with the power of the Holy Spirit, as He leads us to do it?
Well, my thoughts went on longer than I intended, so I am going to sum this up now with these closing thoughts...
We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't look for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Paul writes that we are to walk in the Spirit- Galatians 5:16. If we walk in the Spirit that does not mean take a few steps and then leave Him behind. But rather walk in His guidance. We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't actually take the gifts God has given and use them to reach the lost; to share with them our testimony, to sit with them and explain the Gospel instead of leaving them with crumbs of it and expect them to change.
My challenge to you- and me- is simply to ponder on this for a bit: What would happen if we actually evangelized America the way we evangelize other nations, and in the SAME breath that we share the Gospel we proclaim in faith and actually believe that God will move in our land?
And I am left to wonder, why the difference? Why do people run to hear the Gospel in one place, and shy away from it in another? Is it possible that it is all about the Holy Spirit moving? What I mean is, is it that God is just choosing NOT to move here in America? Or is there something more, some deeper reason for it?
I must admit, I am no theologian. I have no degree in Bible scholarly-scholarship thinking. But I have a theory. I wonder if part of it is in how we evangelize. Let me explain by first asking a question: When we send missionaries to Africa, what is their strategy for reaching the lost? Answer: They hand out personal testimonies of how Jesus radicaly changed their life. When we send missionaries to Thailand, or South America- how do they treat each encounter with the people around them? Like potential divine appointments, a non-coincidental crossing of paths in which to share the Good News of Jesus. When we send missionaries to China, how do they treat the Bible? Like it is a treasure that is worth risking their life for! I think I can sum it up this way: when missionaries trod on foreign soil, their lives are radicly changed into a resemblance more along the lines of what we would envision the apostles to have been like.
But... what about here, in America? How do we as Christians evangelize in our own country, the land that is supposed to be a shining city on a hill, a Christian nation? Well? How DO we evangelize here?
...
I know- we do good works. we mow our neighbor's lawn. We help that single mother to her car with her groceries. We walk granny across the street. We do many wonderful things of the like. And on occasion, if we are feeling bold, we invite them in a hurried- almost hushed- breath, "Would you like to go to church with me?" Of course, we are careful to whom we issue the invite, as they might be offended and then not want any more of our "good works", which in turn would deny them of the priveledge of seeing us live out the Gospel...
NOW BEFORE YOU GET MAD... I am in no way saying that there is not a time or place for that type of evangelism. I do believe that with some people, they will only be reached through relational evangelism. I get that. Jesus was the one, after all, who said that when we as believers do good works, they will glorify God in heaven. But here is where I differ from much common thinking: This has been the strategy for reaching America for a long time, and it isn't working. As I said, I am not condemning the practice, but rather I am saying that all too often we allow that to replace ALL forms of evangelism here on the homefront. I say this in all realization that way too often I am very guilty of this too. But if this is the only evangelism that the Body of Christ, as a whole, practices- then it is no wonder there are so few people turning to Jesus.
But what is the importance of being so bold about the Gospel? Let me pose to you a thought... I saw a poll recently that suggested that 80% of Americans consider themselves Christians. Why do you think this nation is as messed up as it is if so many Americans believe they are Christians? The obvious answer is, because most Americans are not TRUE Christians. If they were, then obviously they would be living radicly different than they are and it would reflect in our culture. But you see, that poses a whole new question that must be answered: WHY then do so many people claim to be something they are not? Once again, I pose a theory: I believe it is because most Americans don't have a clue what it means to be a Christian, because I believe that most Americans have never actually heard the Gospel in it's full, unadulterated content! Oh sure, we have Christian bumper stickers and billboards and t-shirts and televangelists they might catch a bit of as they channel surf... BUT have they actually HEARD the Gospel? Have people actually sat down and explained to them WHY they need a Saviour? Or has Christianity been reduced to just a tagline in our culture?
Now perhaps you can see where I am going with this... If we only rely on the "do good works" philosophy of evangelism, then who sits down to tell them WHY we do good works? There is no one to explain WHY we are mowing their lawn or carrying their groceries! (I say this in general; yes, I do know some people are doing this, but I mean the Body of Christ as a whole- and sadly must include myself in this!) Look, the reality is that if we don't ever share the Gospel then we can't very much expect them to hear it. If we never explain to them that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, then we can't very much expect them to repent of their sins.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking: BUT we live in America, and everyone's heart is hardened here. There is no hope. The culture is getting worse and God is only working in other Countries. O.K. To that I will counter your point with this: Has God said there is no hope for America? have you had some divine revelation that you would like to share with the class about how God told you to just give up and go home?
I didn't think so...
There is an interesting account in Scripture found in Luke 5:1-9 in which Jesus happens across some fishermen. They had just pulled in from an all-night fishing trip in which they caught nothing. Jesus asked them to take Him out on their boat, and after some teaching he asked them to cast out their fishing nets. The men, who were professionals in their trade, offered to Jesus that they had already fished there all night with no results, so obviously nothing was there. But they did it anyway, I would dare say possibly with some reluctance. I know that I would be thinking- listen up, buddy, you are a good teacher and all but this is crazy! But what happened? Luke tells us that they caught 2 boatfuls of fish, so much so that the boats were sinking!
I share this Scripture for a reason. I think too often we say, in a matter of terms, that there are no fish left in America. We have been out all night casting our good works nets. we have labored with our conservatism and social justice nets. We have drug the depths with our Christian clothing lines. All good things- but we keep coming up empty. So when we feel that prodding of the Spirit our first response is, "I am the professional here, and I am telling you this is a waste of time". But is it really a waste of time? Is it true that we are left with only a few "fishes" here and there?
Or is it only a waste of time if we are not doing it with the power of the Holy Spirit, as He leads us to do it?
Well, my thoughts went on longer than I intended, so I am going to sum this up now with these closing thoughts...
We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't look for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Paul writes that we are to walk in the Spirit- Galatians 5:16. If we walk in the Spirit that does not mean take a few steps and then leave Him behind. But rather walk in His guidance. We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't actually take the gifts God has given and use them to reach the lost; to share with them our testimony, to sit with them and explain the Gospel instead of leaving them with crumbs of it and expect them to change.
My challenge to you- and me- is simply to ponder on this for a bit: What would happen if we actually evangelized America the way we evangelize other nations, and in the SAME breath that we share the Gospel we proclaim in faith and actually believe that God will move in our land?
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Who needs choice? Beat Komen into Submission!
For years I have heard Planned Parenthood preach about "a woman's right to choose". That message is intertwined in every word of every line that proceeds from their filthy lips. They strive to appear to look like the good slave owner, the one that treats their subserviants "nice". It's all about the women, they say...
But wait! there is, shall we say, some small fine print in the bloody contract that Margaret Sanger and her legion have forced upon American women... And that fine print says the following: It's all about the women, all about their right to privacy, and their right to choose- AS LONG AS they fall in line and stay where they belong: at the feet of their master, Planned Parenthood. If you DARE try to turn from the "goodness" offered in the palm of their hand, if you DARE question their motives, if you DARE to say "no thanks"- then literrally, all hell will be unleashed upon you; you will be attacked, maligned, slandered, kicked while you are down, dragged through the mud and beaten until you are brought back into submission to their will. Because really, it's NOT your choice or your rights they are concerned with. Oh, no not at all! It's their pocketbook they are concerned with, and every slave that tries to escape their hold costs them. And they don't like that.
Case in point: Susan G. Komen Foundation. For years, the Komen people have been "racing for the cure", raising money and using funds from people hoping to help save a life to give grants to that murderous giant Planned Parenthood. Oh, Komen and their "runners" were good little slaves to the abortion machine... Never questioning PP's motives, coming to their aid, promising they had good intentions, and like an idiot claiming the world is flat, denying the very blatant fact that abortion causes breast cancer.
That is, until... People have recently become curious about Planned Parenthood's true motives. People have been questioning what really hides behind that wicked smile of theirs... And like the wizard from Oz, as the curtain has been drawn back more and more, what was thought to be is appearing less and less so... Oh, but if only it could be a frightened little man exposed instead of the hideous, flesh eating monster that we are finding.
Which brings us back to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For years, they have "raced for the cure", rasining money for a hopeful cure to the cancer as well as raising awareness. For years, the facts have stared us in the face like an inconvenient truth that abortion will greatly increase a woman's chances for having breast cancer. For years Komen has donated grant money, funding Planned Parenthood, who was "supposedly" using the money to perform mammograms. But something interesting happened this past year that threatened to change all that...
Planned Parenthood has been on the receiving end of several expose's... Everything from how they handle "pimps" with underage prostitutes, to charges of race-based abortion, to covering up for pedophiles, to the one that really hit home for Komen: the fact that they just don't do mammograms. Yes, Planned Parenthood was taking that money from Komen and using it to refer women who came in looking for breast cancer screening to another clinic, because as one employee said, "we just don't do that here." So, yes- for all you past and present racers- you have been paying your dues to run so that some of that money could line the pockets of the babykillers, just so they could hand women a phone number they could have just as easily gotten from the internet or the phone book...
With all this being said, and a new VP at the Komen foundation, they made the brave new decision to cut ties with Planned Parenthood. They determined instead that they should give that money to organizations that specialized in mammograms and breast cancer screening. So they quietly, under the radar, let PP know about the upcoming changes. With one phone call they let their master know that they wanted freedom, that they intended to leave the chains behind.
Unfortunately for them, that just was unnacceptable. You see, the funny thing about slave owners- once they get used to having their slave around, they want to keep them; they don't like the idea of them having freedom. Planned Parenthood felt the same about Komen. So there was only one option: to beat the slave into submission before they could escape.
It was Planned Parenthood, NOT Komen, who alerted the media. It was Planned Parenthood, not Komen, who sent out mass e-mails and phone calls to their donors, sponsors and friends. It was Planned Parenthood who unleashed a barrage of hate from celebrities and politicians alike. And after a week of non-stop beatings from every side, Komen has seemed to cave under the pressure. It seems as though the slave has come pleading back for her chains.
It is ironic, how Planned Parenthood claims they are for women's choice... But when their little slave Susan made a choice they didn't like, suddenly a different tune came from them. The pretty white smile has been pulled back to reveal their fangs dripping with blood... Beware the monster; Beware the cruel hand that holds the whip; for this is the true face of Planned Parenthood.
But wait! there is, shall we say, some small fine print in the bloody contract that Margaret Sanger and her legion have forced upon American women... And that fine print says the following: It's all about the women, all about their right to privacy, and their right to choose- AS LONG AS they fall in line and stay where they belong: at the feet of their master, Planned Parenthood. If you DARE try to turn from the "goodness" offered in the palm of their hand, if you DARE question their motives, if you DARE to say "no thanks"- then literrally, all hell will be unleashed upon you; you will be attacked, maligned, slandered, kicked while you are down, dragged through the mud and beaten until you are brought back into submission to their will. Because really, it's NOT your choice or your rights they are concerned with. Oh, no not at all! It's their pocketbook they are concerned with, and every slave that tries to escape their hold costs them. And they don't like that.
Case in point: Susan G. Komen Foundation. For years, the Komen people have been "racing for the cure", raising money and using funds from people hoping to help save a life to give grants to that murderous giant Planned Parenthood. Oh, Komen and their "runners" were good little slaves to the abortion machine... Never questioning PP's motives, coming to their aid, promising they had good intentions, and like an idiot claiming the world is flat, denying the very blatant fact that abortion causes breast cancer.
That is, until... People have recently become curious about Planned Parenthood's true motives. People have been questioning what really hides behind that wicked smile of theirs... And like the wizard from Oz, as the curtain has been drawn back more and more, what was thought to be is appearing less and less so... Oh, but if only it could be a frightened little man exposed instead of the hideous, flesh eating monster that we are finding.
Which brings us back to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For years, they have "raced for the cure", rasining money for a hopeful cure to the cancer as well as raising awareness. For years, the facts have stared us in the face like an inconvenient truth that abortion will greatly increase a woman's chances for having breast cancer. For years Komen has donated grant money, funding Planned Parenthood, who was "supposedly" using the money to perform mammograms. But something interesting happened this past year that threatened to change all that...
Planned Parenthood has been on the receiving end of several expose's... Everything from how they handle "pimps" with underage prostitutes, to charges of race-based abortion, to covering up for pedophiles, to the one that really hit home for Komen: the fact that they just don't do mammograms. Yes, Planned Parenthood was taking that money from Komen and using it to refer women who came in looking for breast cancer screening to another clinic, because as one employee said, "we just don't do that here." So, yes- for all you past and present racers- you have been paying your dues to run so that some of that money could line the pockets of the babykillers, just so they could hand women a phone number they could have just as easily gotten from the internet or the phone book...
With all this being said, and a new VP at the Komen foundation, they made the brave new decision to cut ties with Planned Parenthood. They determined instead that they should give that money to organizations that specialized in mammograms and breast cancer screening. So they quietly, under the radar, let PP know about the upcoming changes. With one phone call they let their master know that they wanted freedom, that they intended to leave the chains behind.
Unfortunately for them, that just was unnacceptable. You see, the funny thing about slave owners- once they get used to having their slave around, they want to keep them; they don't like the idea of them having freedom. Planned Parenthood felt the same about Komen. So there was only one option: to beat the slave into submission before they could escape.
It was Planned Parenthood, NOT Komen, who alerted the media. It was Planned Parenthood, not Komen, who sent out mass e-mails and phone calls to their donors, sponsors and friends. It was Planned Parenthood who unleashed a barrage of hate from celebrities and politicians alike. And after a week of non-stop beatings from every side, Komen has seemed to cave under the pressure. It seems as though the slave has come pleading back for her chains.
It is ironic, how Planned Parenthood claims they are for women's choice... But when their little slave Susan made a choice they didn't like, suddenly a different tune came from them. The pretty white smile has been pulled back to reveal their fangs dripping with blood... Beware the monster; Beware the cruel hand that holds the whip; for this is the true face of Planned Parenthood.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Truth, Advertising, and False Imagery of the Word
I couldn't help but notice the ad. It was an anti-diabetes ad that featured a man, overweight and missing a leg, sitting in a chair with a pair of crutches in the background. "Portions have grown; so has type 2 diabetes, which can lead to amputations" the ad boldly proclaims. Image+message= powerful; thought-provoking; and a stirring of the emotions.
My first thought, however, was not of diabetes, but rather an empathy for the man in the ad. How terrible, I thought... The emotional pain that man must feel...
That is, of course, until I read an interesting article in the news. You see, while the ad's claim about diabetes and what it can do may be true, apparently the picture is quite deceptive... Enter one Cleo Berry, a man who not only does not have diabetes but ironically, has all of his limbs instead of a pair of crutches. Mr. Berry was quite shocked and upset when he discovered the altered imagery to promote a government sponsored message of cutting down portion sizes- including, mind you, the portion size of the man in the picture.
Of course, this put my mind into thinking; and the question that I pondered was simply this: Does truth in advertising matter? Do we, as a society, and as individuals, care if the whole message is accurate and true? I ask this in light of Mr. Berry's situation. While it may be true that diabetes can, indeed, lead to the loss of an appendage- I cannot help but wonder just how likely it is! Is it possible that this is the result only in extreme and untreated cases? Or is this really something that requires more of my concern? After all, if it is such a pressing issue one would think it would be quite easy to find a one-legged man to pose for a good cause, wouldn't it be?
Now I must confess that I am NO expert in this disease, I will state for the record that I think truth does matter when communicating a message. And with that I speak now to the church on this issue. (I would speak to the government, but the cynic in me says there is no hope for anything truthful to come from them)
How often do we, as a church, misrepresent the Gospel? How often do we take a single image and promote it as if it were the regular example of things? I have known so many people that have gone on and on about how "if you would just turn to Jesus you will have..." ending that with a variety of different claims, from the promise of ALWAYS feeling loved, ALWAYS feeling happy, to the promise that God wants you to be prosperous in all things, and if you pray enough you will have that new car you think you deserve.
We throw up on the screen pictures of people with plastic smiles and say, "See? They are SO happy because they luuv Jesus!" Or we show the video footage of some random guy (usually an overpaid actor) leaping up from a wheelchair as his "faith" makes him "whole"... And in the meantime, people have their "come to Jesus" moment as a result of what they see. And then the next morning, when the spiritual high has worn off and they are left feeling the same as before, they start to question- why? And too often the answer we give them is, "well you just didn't have enough faith"... And so they walk away from the church, convinced it is all just a scam, just more false advertising and false hope.
Why is it so hard for us to be truthful? Why is it that we just cannot seem to utter the reality that though we may be born again, we are still human? We still have our struggles. We still have life experiences that bring us pain. Sometimes we still deal with loneliness, with heartache, with despair. Why? Because we are HUMAN. Because we live life. Because sometimes things don't always go the way we would like them to. Does this mean we are abandoned? No. God promises that He will walk with us the whole way, that He will shelter us from the storm- but He never promised that the path would be a smooth sailing highway, or that when the storm comes we won't get wet...
I think people would be more interested in hearing and seeing reality from us, as opposed to the plastic smiles we offer up. I think people would be more interested in the healing message of the Gospel we speak of, if they actually knew that we too had been through times in life when we needed to cry out to Him for healing. I think some may even be a bit more receptive to our proclaimation of their need for salvation if we would let them see the truth that we also needed God to save us...
Perhaps it is time we start communicating truth in all we say, instead of adding false imagery to the Word of God...
My first thought, however, was not of diabetes, but rather an empathy for the man in the ad. How terrible, I thought... The emotional pain that man must feel...
That is, of course, until I read an interesting article in the news. You see, while the ad's claim about diabetes and what it can do may be true, apparently the picture is quite deceptive... Enter one Cleo Berry, a man who not only does not have diabetes but ironically, has all of his limbs instead of a pair of crutches. Mr. Berry was quite shocked and upset when he discovered the altered imagery to promote a government sponsored message of cutting down portion sizes- including, mind you, the portion size of the man in the picture.
Of course, this put my mind into thinking; and the question that I pondered was simply this: Does truth in advertising matter? Do we, as a society, and as individuals, care if the whole message is accurate and true? I ask this in light of Mr. Berry's situation. While it may be true that diabetes can, indeed, lead to the loss of an appendage- I cannot help but wonder just how likely it is! Is it possible that this is the result only in extreme and untreated cases? Or is this really something that requires more of my concern? After all, if it is such a pressing issue one would think it would be quite easy to find a one-legged man to pose for a good cause, wouldn't it be?
Now I must confess that I am NO expert in this disease, I will state for the record that I think truth does matter when communicating a message. And with that I speak now to the church on this issue. (I would speak to the government, but the cynic in me says there is no hope for anything truthful to come from them)
How often do we, as a church, misrepresent the Gospel? How often do we take a single image and promote it as if it were the regular example of things? I have known so many people that have gone on and on about how "if you would just turn to Jesus you will have..." ending that with a variety of different claims, from the promise of ALWAYS feeling loved, ALWAYS feeling happy, to the promise that God wants you to be prosperous in all things, and if you pray enough you will have that new car you think you deserve.
We throw up on the screen pictures of people with plastic smiles and say, "See? They are SO happy because they luuv Jesus!" Or we show the video footage of some random guy (usually an overpaid actor) leaping up from a wheelchair as his "faith" makes him "whole"... And in the meantime, people have their "come to Jesus" moment as a result of what they see. And then the next morning, when the spiritual high has worn off and they are left feeling the same as before, they start to question- why? And too often the answer we give them is, "well you just didn't have enough faith"... And so they walk away from the church, convinced it is all just a scam, just more false advertising and false hope.
Why is it so hard for us to be truthful? Why is it that we just cannot seem to utter the reality that though we may be born again, we are still human? We still have our struggles. We still have life experiences that bring us pain. Sometimes we still deal with loneliness, with heartache, with despair. Why? Because we are HUMAN. Because we live life. Because sometimes things don't always go the way we would like them to. Does this mean we are abandoned? No. God promises that He will walk with us the whole way, that He will shelter us from the storm- but He never promised that the path would be a smooth sailing highway, or that when the storm comes we won't get wet...
I think people would be more interested in hearing and seeing reality from us, as opposed to the plastic smiles we offer up. I think people would be more interested in the healing message of the Gospel we speak of, if they actually knew that we too had been through times in life when we needed to cry out to Him for healing. I think some may even be a bit more receptive to our proclaimation of their need for salvation if we would let them see the truth that we also needed God to save us...
Perhaps it is time we start communicating truth in all we say, instead of adding false imagery to the Word of God...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
A Short Note on the New Year...
It is near the beginning of 2012. Wow, where has the last year gone? And what will happen this year?! The news has been rich with stories of people believing that by this time 2012 this world will be non-existant. Craziness, I say... Craziness indeed. I would never concern myself with such silliness...
But then, should I? No, I am not speaking of the impending doom predicted by a complete misunderstanding of the Mayan calender. But as I sit here pondering the past year, I must ask this... What if I am not here on this planet by December 2012?
Yesterday I spent some time reading from the book of James, specifically 4:14 which states "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow; For what is your life? It is but a vapor, that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." Or in laymen's terms: you can't count on being alive tomorrow. Actually, DON'T count on it.
Have you ever visited a graveyard or read through obituaries just for the sake of doing it? In almost every case there is one common, running theme: They were not expecting to die when they did. Death is inconvenient; it takes us on it's terms and timeframe, not ours. We may make our little plans for tomorrow- fine. But we are not promised it.
I know that the world will not end this year... But I can't say the same for me. It is my prayer that I will. I happen to believe that life is a precious gift... But the one thing I must make sure of, and I urge you to do the same... Live today. Love today. Forgive today. Embrace today. And most importantly follow Christ today. Follow where ever He leads today. Happy New Year...
But then, should I? No, I am not speaking of the impending doom predicted by a complete misunderstanding of the Mayan calender. But as I sit here pondering the past year, I must ask this... What if I am not here on this planet by December 2012?
Yesterday I spent some time reading from the book of James, specifically 4:14 which states "Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow; For what is your life? It is but a vapor, that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." Or in laymen's terms: you can't count on being alive tomorrow. Actually, DON'T count on it.
Have you ever visited a graveyard or read through obituaries just for the sake of doing it? In almost every case there is one common, running theme: They were not expecting to die when they did. Death is inconvenient; it takes us on it's terms and timeframe, not ours. We may make our little plans for tomorrow- fine. But we are not promised it.
I know that the world will not end this year... But I can't say the same for me. It is my prayer that I will. I happen to believe that life is a precious gift... But the one thing I must make sure of, and I urge you to do the same... Live today. Love today. Forgive today. Embrace today. And most importantly follow Christ today. Follow where ever He leads today. Happy New Year...
Friday, July 29, 2011
To Church or Not To Church- That is the Question
As I was driving around today, I had a thought come to my mind. It was a thought about church hoppers. You know what I mean, those people who tend to go from church to church, never actually settling in to a church home. Then my thought went to those who have a church home, but leave suddenly, with the doors swinging as though a ghost had gone through them... Finally, my thoughts landed on those who have no church home at all. Those who are Christians but don't attend church anywhere. They just sit at home.
My thoughts, though ranging across differing types of Christians, all revolved around one central question. It was a simple question, really. That little itty bitty... Why?
I can't help it, I am a very curious individual. Why is a rather common question in my thinking. One thing that I commonly ask myself is, why do people think or act the way they do? I can't help it! I want to know. So I pondered these questions, why do people church hop? Why do people leave churches suddenly? Why do Christians sit at home instead of attending church? And I think I have a few ideas on the possibilities.
First off, I think it may be in part due to the culture we live in. We have evolved into a very fast-paced, microwave-type I need/want/desire immediate satisfaction type of culture. To think the church is immune to this insanity is, in fact, insane. Too often people will attend a church, and the very moment they feel less than satisfied, they leave. The very moment they feel like something they WANT right now isn't happening, they disappear without even saying goodbye. I would dare say that there are many church-goers that fall into this category. It would explain why so many Christians have a hard time getting grounded in one church family, and either have duel memberships- or are just regularly looking for "where God wants" them to go and yet never seeming to find it.
I think that this does not just apply to the church hoppers, though. I would also state that I think it applies to those who sit at home, playing the part of the lone ranger Christian. I don't know how many I have met and talked to that say things like, "I haven't found a church that meets my needs"; "I haven't found a church that feeds me(spiritually)", or "I find church to be boring, and I get nothing from it". (Of course, the classic one is when they say how messed up the church that they don't attend- and have probably never been to- is. I have yet to figure out how they can be so confident that every church is just so bad so they won't go, as though they are punishing someone by sitting at home...)
After pondering this a while, I think the decision I came up with in my mind on this is, wow. I think I totally get where they are coming from. After all, scripture plainly teaches that we should not forsake the assembly of the brethren unless the brethren are not giving to us, providing for us, taking care of our every spiritual need, always agreeing with the way we think things should be run, and making sure we are never bored... Ummm... Oh, wait a second... Oh, my bad that is NOT what scripture says... HAHA, oh I can't believe that I... Well, here is what it actually says: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
Well, I am pretty sure that after reading that, we should get one thing clear: CHURCH IS NOT ABOUT YOU! It is not about pampering you, pleasing you, etc. I know that may be a hard pill to swallow, but- what, do you want me to lie to you?
I know this may be the politically incorrect thing to say, but if the reason you are church hopping, or not attending, has anything to do with the words me myself, and I then you are just NOT getting it. You are basing your spiritual life on selfish insanity. It may be hard to believe, but we are actually supposed to go to church to serve each other, to pray for each other, to encourage each other. Your main spiritual growth should be happening in your home as you spend time in your personnal relationship with the Lord. And, I might add, church hoppers and non-attenders make lousy support systems for other believers. To put it simply: it's awfully hard to bear one another's burdens if you are never around to know what another's burdens are!
Of course, there is one other reason that came to mind, dealing with these type of Christians. It is the ever painful, the putrid, disgusting beast known as "I was offended by (insert random name of brother or sister here)".
Offended.
Well, forgive me for saying this, but... too bad. Cry me a river and get over it. No one wants to hear it; at least, I don't. NOW before YOU get offended by my apparent lack of compassion on this subject, please understand that said heartlessness does not apply to all who feel this way. Just the majority. Allow me to explain...
The reality is, that we are all humans. As a result of this particular fact, it should be noted that in reality, we all will, at some point or another, suffer offense from another Christian brother or sister who also happens to be human. You could say it is human nature... We know that this is a high risk situation, because even Jesus talked about it. Ironically, He outlined VERY CLEARLY how we are supposed to handle offense in Matthew 18:15-17. His command(notice I did not say advice, suggestion, or wisdom but COMMAND) was that WHEN a brother offends you you are TO GO to said brother, sit down with them and let them know that there is a problem. He did not say "Go if you feel like it". He did not say "Go unless you think there is a better church to attend." He said GO. Period.
I think that logic would explain without words why this is: Because offenses not tended to, lead to hurt, lead to anger, lead to bitterness. And bitterness never, EVER brings anything good. So understand as plain as I can get: if you do NOT go to a brother or sister who has offended you and take care of the problem, you WILL- not may, but WILL- eventually be overtaken by bitterness.
So here is where my lack of compassion comes in to play. I think, and have seen quite a few times, people leaving a church because someone offended them. Someone did something that hurt them, hurt their feelings, made them feel bad. But the problem is- a lot of those people REFUSE to handle the situation the way Jesus COMMANDED it to be handled. Instead of going to the person, they run away. In reality, I think a lot of times, the offender doesn't even have a clue that they offended the person! I will also add here, in case some of you think this way, Jesus did NOT say the offender was to go to the offended. Just saying that for the record because I know someone will say, "but shouldn't they be responsible to come talk to me?" To which I will reply, nope. Sorry. That is not what Jesus said to do. (Now if you know you have offended someone it certainly the right thing to go talk to them; however, the responsibility to do it is theirs...) With all that being said, I guess I would say that I have little compassion for someone who is offended and refuses to handle it biblically. Jesus never said anything casually, and all His teachings were for a purpose. He is God, after all. I am pretty sure He knows what He is talking about.
So there you have it. My conclusion, whether you agree or disagree, is that many church hoppers and non-attenders really need to look at their motives for their actions... Because sometimes I really do wonder if they are in the Lord's will or not. I guess I would end this blog by asking this new question... Is there really any good reason to not be involved, serving, at a church with your brothers and sisters? I can't think of any...
My thoughts, though ranging across differing types of Christians, all revolved around one central question. It was a simple question, really. That little itty bitty... Why?
I can't help it, I am a very curious individual. Why is a rather common question in my thinking. One thing that I commonly ask myself is, why do people think or act the way they do? I can't help it! I want to know. So I pondered these questions, why do people church hop? Why do people leave churches suddenly? Why do Christians sit at home instead of attending church? And I think I have a few ideas on the possibilities.
First off, I think it may be in part due to the culture we live in. We have evolved into a very fast-paced, microwave-type I need/want/desire immediate satisfaction type of culture. To think the church is immune to this insanity is, in fact, insane. Too often people will attend a church, and the very moment they feel less than satisfied, they leave. The very moment they feel like something they WANT right now isn't happening, they disappear without even saying goodbye. I would dare say that there are many church-goers that fall into this category. It would explain why so many Christians have a hard time getting grounded in one church family, and either have duel memberships- or are just regularly looking for "where God wants" them to go and yet never seeming to find it.
I think that this does not just apply to the church hoppers, though. I would also state that I think it applies to those who sit at home, playing the part of the lone ranger Christian. I don't know how many I have met and talked to that say things like, "I haven't found a church that meets my needs"; "I haven't found a church that feeds me(spiritually)", or "I find church to be boring, and I get nothing from it". (Of course, the classic one is when they say how messed up the church that they don't attend- and have probably never been to- is. I have yet to figure out how they can be so confident that every church is just so bad so they won't go, as though they are punishing someone by sitting at home...)
After pondering this a while, I think the decision I came up with in my mind on this is, wow. I think I totally get where they are coming from. After all, scripture plainly teaches that we should not forsake the assembly of the brethren unless the brethren are not giving to us, providing for us, taking care of our every spiritual need, always agreeing with the way we think things should be run, and making sure we are never bored... Ummm... Oh, wait a second... Oh, my bad that is NOT what scripture says... HAHA, oh I can't believe that I... Well, here is what it actually says: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25
Well, I am pretty sure that after reading that, we should get one thing clear: CHURCH IS NOT ABOUT YOU! It is not about pampering you, pleasing you, etc. I know that may be a hard pill to swallow, but- what, do you want me to lie to you?
I know this may be the politically incorrect thing to say, but if the reason you are church hopping, or not attending, has anything to do with the words me myself, and I then you are just NOT getting it. You are basing your spiritual life on selfish insanity. It may be hard to believe, but we are actually supposed to go to church to serve each other, to pray for each other, to encourage each other. Your main spiritual growth should be happening in your home as you spend time in your personnal relationship with the Lord. And, I might add, church hoppers and non-attenders make lousy support systems for other believers. To put it simply: it's awfully hard to bear one another's burdens if you are never around to know what another's burdens are!
Of course, there is one other reason that came to mind, dealing with these type of Christians. It is the ever painful, the putrid, disgusting beast known as "I was offended by (insert random name of brother or sister here)".
Offended.
Well, forgive me for saying this, but... too bad. Cry me a river and get over it. No one wants to hear it; at least, I don't. NOW before YOU get offended by my apparent lack of compassion on this subject, please understand that said heartlessness does not apply to all who feel this way. Just the majority. Allow me to explain...
The reality is, that we are all humans. As a result of this particular fact, it should be noted that in reality, we all will, at some point or another, suffer offense from another Christian brother or sister who also happens to be human. You could say it is human nature... We know that this is a high risk situation, because even Jesus talked about it. Ironically, He outlined VERY CLEARLY how we are supposed to handle offense in Matthew 18:15-17. His command(notice I did not say advice, suggestion, or wisdom but COMMAND) was that WHEN a brother offends you you are TO GO to said brother, sit down with them and let them know that there is a problem. He did not say "Go if you feel like it". He did not say "Go unless you think there is a better church to attend." He said GO. Period.
I think that logic would explain without words why this is: Because offenses not tended to, lead to hurt, lead to anger, lead to bitterness. And bitterness never, EVER brings anything good. So understand as plain as I can get: if you do NOT go to a brother or sister who has offended you and take care of the problem, you WILL- not may, but WILL- eventually be overtaken by bitterness.
So here is where my lack of compassion comes in to play. I think, and have seen quite a few times, people leaving a church because someone offended them. Someone did something that hurt them, hurt their feelings, made them feel bad. But the problem is- a lot of those people REFUSE to handle the situation the way Jesus COMMANDED it to be handled. Instead of going to the person, they run away. In reality, I think a lot of times, the offender doesn't even have a clue that they offended the person! I will also add here, in case some of you think this way, Jesus did NOT say the offender was to go to the offended. Just saying that for the record because I know someone will say, "but shouldn't they be responsible to come talk to me?" To which I will reply, nope. Sorry. That is not what Jesus said to do. (Now if you know you have offended someone it certainly the right thing to go talk to them; however, the responsibility to do it is theirs...) With all that being said, I guess I would say that I have little compassion for someone who is offended and refuses to handle it biblically. Jesus never said anything casually, and all His teachings were for a purpose. He is God, after all. I am pretty sure He knows what He is talking about.
So there you have it. My conclusion, whether you agree or disagree, is that many church hoppers and non-attenders really need to look at their motives for their actions... Because sometimes I really do wonder if they are in the Lord's will or not. I guess I would end this blog by asking this new question... Is there really any good reason to not be involved, serving, at a church with your brothers and sisters? I can't think of any...
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The self loathing, sado-masochist bride of Christ
She stands in her corner, eyes cast down, staring at the open wound on her flesh. One arm is riddled with cuts, in the other hand she holds the knife dripping with her own blood. Her eyes are filled with hate. She loathes herself; she loathes the way certain parts of her body are. She wishes they could be different, maybe even removed from the body. There are just some things she feels brings a disgrace to her as a whole.
Despite the pain it brings, she continues to cut her body, oblivious to anything other than her hate for herself. Others around her notice with shock her behavior, yet she doesn't notice their horrified stares. The world could be passing away, and yet all she can see is the inadequacies of her body. Despite her actions, there does reside something deeper- the hurting souls around her would be surprised, perhaps, to learn that inside her is a burning love, a deep compassion, and arms that could reach out to them and hold them, to bring healing and comfort to the broken... Unfortunately, at this stage in her life, she is too consumed with hatred of herself to notice those around her that need that love she holds so close to her.
So it is with deep concentration that she raises the blade again, drawing it's sharp edge across her already fragile skin, cutting deeper still, punishing herself for her flaws.
The immediate thought is that this obviously some poor delusional soul, some lost child to whom we cannot relate... Yet the question I raise to you today is this: What if this is a picture, not of a bitter child- but rather, a picture of the church?
We are the body of Christ. This is an important point that we as believers must remember. This means, my fellow Christians, that you and I are not only brothers and sisters- but we are a part of the same body. I say this with fascination, as we so often divide ourselves by denominations, referring to each other as a member of the "baptist" body or the "nazarene" body or the "pentecostal" body... And while I have no issue with different denominations, I do think that our refusal to work across denominational lines causes us to fail at effectively communicating the gospel to the world... But that is not where I am going with this post.
Rather, the issue at hand is the concept of hating each other. We get so wrapped up in looking at each other's faults- even in our own churches- that we become impotent. We stare at others in our church, thinking ourselves so righteous compared to them. We attack them with our tongue- which cuts like a knife. Our gossip penetrates the skin of the Body, in an attempt to bleed out the flaws we see in others. Our hatred for "that person" gets under our skin, and we take the knife, attempting to cut the bothersome sliver out. We see the way they dress- it looks so dirty, so unclean compared to ourselves! So we take the steel wool and scrub at the skin til it is eaten away, leaving metal splinters embedded in the skin, infecting us and causing us to hate even more...
I find it interesting how often we fight amongst each other... We fight over raptures and securities, we wound over healings, we argue with our tongues over tongues, we tear each other down over buildings and carpets and the like... We become consumed with destroying ourselves...
Please don't get me wrong- I am not saying that we should tolerate a false gospel being taught amongst ourselves; however, there is a grave difference between doctrine that damns and doctrine that is a matter of difference of opinion. Yet too often we treat the purveyors of fiction with more grace than those who hold to a different perception on non-essential doctrine. We honor deniers of Christ while rejecting our own brothers and sisters whose life makes for a better story to share at "prayer groups". And in the meantime...
While we are consumed with our own self-loathing, a lost world stands by and looks on as we destroy ourselves, cutting ourselves, our blood pouring over our body from our own self-inflicted wounds. We are oblivious to the lost and hurting souls, those blinded and marching towards hell... We have the ability to reach our arms out to them, to take the love of Christ to them- but we would rather be absorbed by our hatred for ourself, we would rather scar our arms than reach our arms out to show love and compassion.
We are that self-loathing child... Perhaps it is time we consider putting down the knife, and focus on what really matters in this world... The question is, can we at this point make a difference? Or will the world shy away from us now, frightened at our scars, afraid to come near our monstrous creation for fear that they will be the next victim of our knife?
God help us learn to love each other before we completely immobilize ourselves...
Despite the pain it brings, she continues to cut her body, oblivious to anything other than her hate for herself. Others around her notice with shock her behavior, yet she doesn't notice their horrified stares. The world could be passing away, and yet all she can see is the inadequacies of her body. Despite her actions, there does reside something deeper- the hurting souls around her would be surprised, perhaps, to learn that inside her is a burning love, a deep compassion, and arms that could reach out to them and hold them, to bring healing and comfort to the broken... Unfortunately, at this stage in her life, she is too consumed with hatred of herself to notice those around her that need that love she holds so close to her.
So it is with deep concentration that she raises the blade again, drawing it's sharp edge across her already fragile skin, cutting deeper still, punishing herself for her flaws.
The immediate thought is that this obviously some poor delusional soul, some lost child to whom we cannot relate... Yet the question I raise to you today is this: What if this is a picture, not of a bitter child- but rather, a picture of the church?
We are the body of Christ. This is an important point that we as believers must remember. This means, my fellow Christians, that you and I are not only brothers and sisters- but we are a part of the same body. I say this with fascination, as we so often divide ourselves by denominations, referring to each other as a member of the "baptist" body or the "nazarene" body or the "pentecostal" body... And while I have no issue with different denominations, I do think that our refusal to work across denominational lines causes us to fail at effectively communicating the gospel to the world... But that is not where I am going with this post.
Rather, the issue at hand is the concept of hating each other. We get so wrapped up in looking at each other's faults- even in our own churches- that we become impotent. We stare at others in our church, thinking ourselves so righteous compared to them. We attack them with our tongue- which cuts like a knife. Our gossip penetrates the skin of the Body, in an attempt to bleed out the flaws we see in others. Our hatred for "that person" gets under our skin, and we take the knife, attempting to cut the bothersome sliver out. We see the way they dress- it looks so dirty, so unclean compared to ourselves! So we take the steel wool and scrub at the skin til it is eaten away, leaving metal splinters embedded in the skin, infecting us and causing us to hate even more...
I find it interesting how often we fight amongst each other... We fight over raptures and securities, we wound over healings, we argue with our tongues over tongues, we tear each other down over buildings and carpets and the like... We become consumed with destroying ourselves...
Please don't get me wrong- I am not saying that we should tolerate a false gospel being taught amongst ourselves; however, there is a grave difference between doctrine that damns and doctrine that is a matter of difference of opinion. Yet too often we treat the purveyors of fiction with more grace than those who hold to a different perception on non-essential doctrine. We honor deniers of Christ while rejecting our own brothers and sisters whose life makes for a better story to share at "prayer groups". And in the meantime...
While we are consumed with our own self-loathing, a lost world stands by and looks on as we destroy ourselves, cutting ourselves, our blood pouring over our body from our own self-inflicted wounds. We are oblivious to the lost and hurting souls, those blinded and marching towards hell... We have the ability to reach our arms out to them, to take the love of Christ to them- but we would rather be absorbed by our hatred for ourself, we would rather scar our arms than reach our arms out to show love and compassion.
We are that self-loathing child... Perhaps it is time we consider putting down the knife, and focus on what really matters in this world... The question is, can we at this point make a difference? Or will the world shy away from us now, frightened at our scars, afraid to come near our monstrous creation for fear that they will be the next victim of our knife?
God help us learn to love each other before we completely immobilize ourselves...
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