From My Perspective - - -

Advice is many times worth exactly what one pays for it – usually nothing. The trite saying – “different strokes for different folks” – has considerable application when it comes to writing a Blog. Occasionally, especially when one differs with my approach and/or format, I have had the passing thought – “if you would have done it differently – then – do it!” This Blog is a case in point where the conclusion is upfront. I try to see contemporary happenings and how Biblical principles could have or would make a difference in approach and outcome. This is especially true when it comes to the issue of Civility.

To the professing Christian and the practicing Church, the Apostle Paul wrote these words in Ephesians 4:29-32, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” In other words, let civility emanate from you always. The NLT expresses it this way: “Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he is the one who has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” This level behavior is not possible for the secular-minded person who has either avoided or seen no need for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If one has ignored the role of the Holy Spirit in ones life, there would be no sensitivity whether or not one was grieving the one who is being ignored.

On November 7, 2010 Parade Magazine contained an article: "Mr. Smith Flees Washington... Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak got fed up with the mean-spiritedness of D.C. The elections are over. Bart Stupak did not run. After nine terms in Congress, the Democratic representative from Michigan’s 1st District is walking away to the winter of his discontent, sadly wondering what happened to the public service he entered 18 years ago…It’s so hateful now…Every boundary of decency has been crossed…When did we become so nasty…Stupak sighs. Remember Mr. Smith Goes to Washington? Those days are gone…Mr. Smith no longer dreams of going to Washington. He dreams of leaving it. That cannot be good for America. The irony is that at the end of the Frank Capra movie, Mr. Smith, the senator played by Jimmy Stewart, becomes a shining example of the difference one man can make. Can we become real-life Mr. Smiths and change the ugly tone of our national conversation?”

A problem is that the carnal-type behavior exists among the professing Christian and the practicing Church. It has become a ritual to include as part of a Worship Service – The Lord’s Prayer – but to ignore what Jesus stated immediately after teaching His Disciples how to pray. The Prayer includes these words – Matthew 6:12 (NLT) – “and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” One can (and does) pray these words each week – but – many refuse to practice it. They would rather hold onto their grudges and biases and mean-spiritedness – anything and everything except obedience to Jesus Christ. What are the words of Jesus that immediately follow this model prayer? How much attention are they given? How willing are you – are we – to implement them and do them – immediately? Okay! Here are the words of Jesus to you – Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) – “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” It cannot be more plain or clear – but still – it is consistently ignored! Why? Do you not believe Jesus Christ said what he meant and means what He has said? Could it be that you “…bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live…”? If so, you can and should correct this immediately. Consider these things with me!