A World Turned Gray

 

New Year’s resolutions have almost become a thing of the past. The promises we used to commit ourselves to change or improve a part of our life has lost its positive possibilities in this world gone gray in nearly every facet of living. Words and phrases have become lipstick and mascara on what used to be thought of as shameful behavior. Adultery and fornication are now looked upon as recreational extra-marital affairs and sexual experimentation. Promiscuity is nothing more than “hooking up” and hopefully engaging in “safe sex”. The LGBTQIA+ has become so confusingly inclusive to itself as an organization, a plus has been added less they offend someone’s unknown “alternative lifestyle”. Their relationships are no longer described as perverse or deviant but are rather touted as “free expressions of an alternative lifestyle” that everyone else must celebrate. No one steals anymore. But there are those misguided souls involved in petty larceny, suffering from kleptomania, or perhaps overcome by embezzlement, creative bookkeeping, or the misappropriation of funds. People don’t lie – they shade the truth. Politicians don’t lie – they spin the facts. Governments don’t lie – they fuel massive disinformation campaigns. Drunkards have become alcoholics. Drug addicts have become substance dependent. The story is told that Confucius, when asked what his first deed would be if he were to be made Emperor of China, replied, “I would re-establish the precise meaning of words.” Much could be said for this idea. Stripped of accuracy, language becomes impotent. When the world goes gray, and vagueness engulfs the land, confusion takes hold. No one is quite sure what is right and what is wrong; or, indeed, if anything is wrong, except the bigotry of suggesting that some things may be wrong. Truth is easily hedged, and responsibility avoided when words lose their meaning (vaccination) and become so elasticized so as to mean almost anything, and/or nothing.

In the movie, “The Alamo,” starring none other than John Wayne, the Duke’s character was that great hero of Texas, Davey Crockett. Although from Tennessee, Crockett has been revered by Texans and they even named a county after him because of his heroic stand at the Alamo. In the movie, the Duke as Crockett said, “There’s right and there’s wrong. If you do right, you are really living; and if you do wrong, you are as dead as a beaver hat.” Possible words to live by – don’t you think?

[James 4:17] James, the half-brother of Jesus said basically the same thing: “Therefore, to him that knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” Satan is hard at work to influence us to do the wrong thing in every circumstance. Sometimes he even attempts to get us to do the right thing, but for the wrong reason. For example, Jesus warned, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward form your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1). He mentioned the way we pray: “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward” (Matthew 6:5). Whether it is doing the wrong things for the wrong reasons, or the right things for the wrong reasons …it is still wrong. In every situation, there is right and there is wrong. We make the choice of which direction we go with our actions. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were experts at creating legal loopholes. Jesus said, “But let your “Yes” be “Yes”, and your “No”, “No”. For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). Remember, truth is truth regardless of what men may say or how they may say it.

Do You Hear Wisdom's Cry?

 

2023 is upon us. The world seems to be confused in the concepts of science, gender, business, family, education, and on and on, as to what their end product ought to be – that of truth and wisdom. Without truth and wisdom this world is going to fall apart.

Remember: * One is only as good as what one loves. * All the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action. * One of the nice things about problems is that a good many of them only exist in our imaginations. * To err is human – to blame it on someone else is really human. * Too many people are praying for mountains of difficulty to be removed when what they really need is courage to climb them. * Everyone has the right to criticize – who has the heart to help? * If you want to get even with someone, start with someone who has helped you. * Remember not only to say the right thing at the right time and place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. * We have no one to blame but ourselves when our enthusiasm and zeal are gone because we have failed to feed them. * When you speak, remember God is one of your listeners. * If some lies for you, how do you know they won’t lie to you? * Leaving in a huff is some folks favorite form of transportation.

[Proverbs 1:20-33] Wisdom is all around begging for someone to listen. It cries out in the street, in the markets, at the head of the noisy streets, and at the entrance of the city gates (v. 20-21). Solomon’s point is that wisdom can be found if we will simply open our eyes and ears. If we truly want wisdom, we will stop loving to be “simple” and stop delighting in scoffing because “…fools hate knowledge” (V. 22). It is comforting to know that God reveals himself to those who seek Him. God does not hide out in a dark corner as seekers pass by, but Solomon assures us that He “makes His words known” to us, He calls us, and He stretches out His hand for us (v. 23-24). We do not have to worry about missing God. He makes himself known to those who pay attention, but “…will laugh at your calamity” if you ignore Him and “…will mock when your terror comes” (v. 25-27).

Why is it that people who do not have a relationship with God seem to go to Him when things get bad in life? They either go to Him seeking comfort or they point to Him with blame in their heart. If there was no prior relationship or seeking of God’s wisdom before such tragedies, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they will have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore, they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies” (v. 28-31). God is very blunt about our timing in seeking Him. If our relationship with God is lacking before disaster strikes, what reason do we have to hope for help?

Words of encouragement are written for those who hear wisdom’s cry. Justice and mercy are for those on both sides of this discussion, “For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely and will be secure without fear of evil” (v.32-33). Let us seek the wisdom of God and seek a relationship with Him constantly in good times as well as bad. God does not ration out wisdom, but “…gives to all liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). Wisdom is crying aloud. If you haven’t observed it or have not heard it, open your eyes and ears, and do not ignore it. If you were to step into eternity this day, I guarantee your relationship with God, or the lack there of, is going to decide your eternal destiny.

Mary Had A Little Lamb

 

“Long ago, in a country far away, some shepherds watched their flocks during the night.” Often this line comes somewhere at the beginning of any children’s Christmas production given each year around the time the world has attributed December 25^th to Jesus’ birth date. But Jesus was probably born during the Spring of 4 B.C. because history records in that year the death of Herod the Great, the king who sought to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:13-20). So, where did that date come from? Well, somewhere in the sixth century, a monk named Dionysius Exiguus decided to develop a calendar (that led to the modern Gregorian calendar) for the Christian world by using the known date of the resurrection of Christ and he used the birth of Christ (a doctrine adopted in A.D. 336) as the dividing point of history, thus giving us “Before Christ” and Anno Domini, or “the year of the Lord.” It was a simple mistake in calculation by the monk of not paying close enough attention to secular historical facts – one that no one is going to mess with.

Well, as confusing as that could be, and I’m not sure I’ve got it completely correct, the “Christmas” holiday has become a bitter pill to swallow the older I get. Overheard in the store, “I just dread the Christmas season!” and “Why do people insist upon religion having to be a part of the “Holiday Season?” What? It’s hard to believe we’ve become so detached and commercialized that the reason for the season has been lost by many.

So, in the spirit of the “holiday” I’ll share a new twist on an old secular poem that might bring attention to the lost reason. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Marv and Marbeth Rosendahl.

Mary had the little Lamb, who lived before His birth; Self-existent Son of God, from Heaven He came to Earth. (Micah 5:2)

Mary had the little Lamb; see Him in yonder stall - Virgin-born Son of God, to save man from the Fall. (Isaiah 7:14)

Mary had the little Lamb, obedient Son of God; Everywhere the Father led, His feet were sure to trod. (John 6:38)

Mary had the little Lamb, crucified on the tree The rejected Son of God, He died to set men free. (1 Peter 1:18-19)

Mary had the little Lamb—men placed Him in the grave, Thinking they were done with Him; to death He was no slave! (Matthew 28:5-7)

Mary had the little Lamb, ascended now is He; All work on Earth is ended, our Advocate to be. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Mary had the little Lame—mystery to behold! From the Lamb of Calvary, a Lion will unfold. (Revelation 5: 5,6)

When the Day Star comes again, of this be very sure: It won’t be Lamb-like silence, but with the Lion’s roar. (Psalm 2:10-12; Revelation 19:11-16)

[Matthew 1:18-25] Our giving to others during this special time of year begins with Thanksgiving. Are we truly thankful for all God has given us? This country is the most blessed in the world, yet it has become increasingly troubled as it drifts away from the God of its blessings. Our giving to one another in peace and happiness reflects the gift given to mankind by God, that of His one and only Son, Jesus. It is through Jesus we are forgiven of our sins reconciling us and bringing peace between us and our God. Jesus is peace on earth and has brought good will to men. The Bible doesn’t tell us when Jesus was born, but we do know He was born. To be born of the spirit is now in your corner.

Shall or May?

       In the line of duty, “shall” and “may” are important words to a police officer. Certain laws require an arrest or a ticket to be issued. These laws use the word “shall” to indicate the requirement. Other laws use the word “may.” These laws allow discretion on the part of the officer. When the officer “shall” there is no choice in the matter. “May” allows the officer to make a decision based on the circumstances in the case. For example, if I am caught speeding I “may” be given a ticket. But, if I attempt to flee from the police I “shall” be ticketed for speeding and evading and reckless driving, maybe even arrested.

Recently I was walking across a parking lot to my vehicle when I noticed a bumper snicker that read, “Obey The Ten Commandments!” I realize that our current culture is in dire need of moral direction and I also now that the Ten Commandments could provide some of that moral direction. However, I believe that such advice, if heeded, would not produce what the owner of the sticker desired. While the rules would be guides for moral direction, they could not force change upon us. In addition, many would rebel simply because of the almost programmed response to anything that smacks of religion.

We must understand that the moral direction of a person, and ultimately of a nation, can only be changed one heart at a time. While the principles set forth in the Ten Commandments are good, one must also realize they were for the nation of Israel and were not meant to save those people, but to guide them in godly living, and to ultimately guide them to Christ (Galatians 3:23-25). Besides, many of our current laws are already based on the principles in the Ten Commandments – Murder, theft, perjurer’s still stand condemned: even in secular law. Adultery was once illegal, and punishable by death.

One must understand that if we obey the Ten Commandments as secular law, we would have to observe Saturday as the day of worship and rest. Since the old covenant has passed away, those commandments are not binding upon us (Ephesians 2:14-16). The principles underlying the Ten Commandments, however, are brought forth in the new covenant and are written on the hearts of Christians (Hebrews 8:8-13). The Sabbath, for example, as such is not binding upon Christians, but the principle of worship is.

[Matthew 22:37-39] Rather than “obey” the Ten Commandments it would be far better for all to remember the two greatest commands and their principles for living today. When asked, “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus “cut to the chase” and provided the foundation for righteous living when he replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” We cannot make all religious law secular law, but if these goals are in a person’s mind, love will be in the heart and can direct one’s life. Ideally, all would give their hearts and lives to Jesus and thus be saved (John 15:9-14; 1 Timothy 2:1-4), but to the extent that people would first think of God and others, everyone would be better off.

     God does not have a police force, but He does express his desires for mankind’s righteous living that will please him. Jesus stated that God desires to be worshipped and goes on to say that true worshippers must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). There is a difference between God’s desire and God’s demand. God desires for mankind to worship Him and He demands that those who enter into worship do so “in spirit and in truth.” Is your worship acceptable to God? Are you living the righteous life required for eternal life with God? No tickets “shall” be issued – but eternal punishment "may."

Foolish Questions

 

After Thanksgiving dinner, the adults gathered in the living room to exchange reminisces, while the children went into the family room to play. Suddenly our hostess noticed that an elderly relative was missing. “Where’s Aunt Florence?” she asked. From across the room came a masculine drawl, “Oh, she’s with the kids, attempting to bridge the generation gap.” Did you know December is the only month with a “D” in it?

I remember a song titled "Foolish Questions” by Johnny Cash (Tall Man Album – 1979) in part says: ‘…And you all know the story of the man you meet on the way, You say to him, “Hey how's Trix?” and you'll listen to him while he says, Says he's just been to the funeral of poor old uncle Ned, And the next question he's gonna ask is, “Is Ned dead?” Foolish questions, you might as well reply, “No Ned thought he'd have a funeral and later on some time he’ll die; You know he is so original that he wanted it that way; Foolish questions, you'll hear them every day…’

Then there’s the carpet salesperson who calls the customer at their place of employment to inform them that their carpet installation at their home has been completed. The homeowner asked, “When I get home will it hurt it if I walk on it?” Don’t you know the salesperson would love to reply, “Of course it will! You’ll have to stay off that carpet for at least six months!” Yeh, foolish questions – bit your tongue – carry on.

[Titus 3:3-7] With the winter holidays just around the corner, we will all be seeing items and hearing stories related to the season. As such, I just read about the fact that there is a website known as emailsanta.com where young ones may write an electronic letter to the North Pole. Several letters from these innocent children were funny, but one stood out to me. Wesley, age seven, wrote: “Mommy and Daddy say I have not been very good these past few days. How bad can I be before I lose my presents?”

This letter reflects an attitude often displayed by “religious” adults. We ask, “How bad can I be before I lose my salvation?” Clearly, the Bible teaches that it is possible for one, who has really and truly been saved, to sin in such a way as to forfeit their salvation. “...You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Galatians 5:1-4 NKJV). “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:4-6). In light of this, why is it that so many seek to do “as little as possible” or “just enough to get by” when it comes to spiritual matters? Have you asked: “Do Wednesday nights really count?” “Can’t I use these words if I’m really mad or scared?” “What is the smallest amount I can drop in the collection plate?” “How bad can I be and stay on God’s good side?”

May I suggest that it all boils down to lack of love? It is a lack of love felt for our God. It is a lack of understanding just how deeply and sincerely our God loves us. Consider the attitude of Paul: “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 NIV). If we truly understood how much God loves us, we would, like Paul, be motivated to a life of loving and positive action! We would never dream of asking, “How bad can I be?” What a foolish question when thinking about eternal life.