LABELS

From My Perspective - - - 

In the marketing of a product, Labels are proven to be invaluable. The Label Color and Content have gained the trust and confidence of people over the years. Other than the price-factor, people expect a Green Giant product to be one of quality. The same would be true for Campbell Soups and a host of other well-known brands,

Within our culture, Labels and Profiling have been employed in political and societal matters on a regular basis. There are those who like to Label some people as “Racist” even if an innocent statement had been made or one that has been taken out of context. Another terms that is bandied about is “Sexist.” A current example is an Article in the Drudge Report on May 27, 2014 by Dan Merica and a CNN Report: “Karl Rove…who just weeks ago ignited a fire about Hillary Clinton's health, now says the former secretary of state is at risk of being seen as ‘old and stale.’ After Rove was asked about Clinton's ‘inevitability’ as the Democratic nominee in 2016 on Fox News, the former George W. Bush aide said ‘people don't like people who seem to already have it made. In American politics, there is a sense that you want to be new, that you don't want to be too familiar…You want to be something fresh, you don't want to be something that is old and stale.” Her supporters counter and critique the Rove comments with Labels such as he is a “Liar” and a “Sexist.” Rove’s Label regarding Hillary Clinton is that she has become “old” and “stale” and may be “physically incapable” of holding the office of President.

Labels have a way of infiltrating the minds of those who hear them and readily embrace them. The general idea in politics is to define the opponent and create a Label that will best fit the negative narrative about an individual. There are positive Labels that can speak volumes about an individual in terms of: (a) skills and abilities; (b) accomplishments; (c) heroic effort; etc. One area where a single phrase can attest to the character and/or trait of an individual is in the the spiritual commitment of a person. A phrase of note could be the one recorded in Acts 11:19-26, “…the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch…” Another would be Acts 17:11 (ASV), “Now these were more noble-minded…for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.” A special person has a succinct commentary regarding his devotion and life - Genesis 5:24, “Enoch walked with God…” A brief commentary about Enoch is recorded in Hebrews 11:5, “…he was commended as one who pleased God.”

One Label that any fully committed follower of Jesus Christ aspire to appears in the Parable of the Talents - Matthew 25:14-30. The Label is in the phrase: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful…Enter into the joy of your master.” My personal Biblical hero is Caleb. Joshua 14 speaks about the long journey that both Joshua and Caleb shared. Caleb is 85 years of age and the commentary about his life appears in Joshua 14:6-15. The Label (and an excellent epitaph) is given in verse 14, “…he followed the LORD…wholeheartedly…” May God be pleased to allow these words to be said about me - and you as and when our journey is nearing the finish line - he/she followed the Lord wholeheartedly.” Consider these things with me!

WHAT'S IN A NAME

From My Perspective - - - 

There is an expression used to describe one’s drive for recognition and/or achievement - “Making a name for oneself.” Historically, one thinks of those who were Inventors - Thomas Edison and Electricity; Samuel Morse and the Telegraph; Henry Ford and the Assembly Line for the manufacture of Automobiles; etc. There are people of historical achievement whose names would not be recognized or fully appreciated for the great feat accomplished. One instance of this would be the brainchild and the ensuing reality of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The names behind this dream are not always known or remembered even though millions of people have stood in awe and gazed upon the almost final result. It is recorded that: “Mount Rushmore…was the brainchild of Doane Robinson, known as the ‘Father of Mount Rushmore.’ His goal was to create an attraction that would draw people from all over the country to his state. Robinson contacted Gutzon Borglum, the sculptor who was working on the monument at Stone Mountain, Georgia. Borglum met with Robinson during 1924 and 1925. He was the one who identified Mount Rushmore as a perfect location for a grand monument. Borglum died in 1941 shortly before the termination of the project being dedicated In October 1941.”

Names both positively and negatively, are often associated with Monuments, Wars, Major Events, Sports Accomplishments; Crimes; etc. World Magazine for May 17, 2014 highlights a significant event that recently occurred in Carroll County, Maryland. The event focused on one thing - The Name! Andree Seu Peterson reports: The “commissioners of Carroll County, Md., were doing fine until a few irate citizens noticed Robin Bartlett Frazier using “the name” in her pre-meeting prayers. They got the American Humanists Association to help them sue. Federal Judge William Quarles served an injunction—not forbidding prayer altogether, mind you, just forbidding “the name.” Ms. Frazier…explained to those in attendance the day after the March 26 ruling: “There was an injunction … that came down that said, oh, we could pray, but we just can’t use certain words, like ‘Jesus,’ and ‘Lord,’ and ‘Savior.’ … I think that’s an infringement on my First Amendment rights of free speech.” - “I am willing to go to jail over it.”

Why is it that people and groups react so negatively because of a name or inference such as Jesus, Lord, His Name, etc.? several years ago, Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the words to a worship chorus that captured the significance of His Name. some of the Lyric is: “Master, Savior, Jesus…Let all heaven and Earth proclaim; Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away - but - there’s something about That Name.” It captures the thought and message of the prophet - Isaiah 45:22-23 - "Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.” The MSG phrases verses 23-24, “Everyone is going to end up kneeling before me. Everyone is going to end up saying of me, Yes! Salvation and strength are in God!"  As Paul reflected upon the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, he seems to have been unable to contain himself any longer when he wrote in Philippians 2:9-11, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

The question we all must face is whether or not we will be among those who compromise and capitulate to the cultural pressures of our day? However, there is a day coming when Revelation 4:11 will be the scene the faithful followers of Christ will witness and share: "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Be strong and courageous for the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us be numbered with those in Hebrews 13:6 - “…we can confidently say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me!” Consider these things with me.

FORGETTING TO REMEMBER

From My Perspective - - - 

Each day that passes gives one pause in terms of the onrush of certain realities and truths: (1) the rapid changing of events and circumstances; (2) the craftiness of devious people in the world; (3) the changing culture that is seemingly bent on a self-destructive course; (4) the jettisoning of moral values and foundational principles; (5) a growing decadence within society; (6) the loss of focus upon the need for God and religion; (7) the growing divide regarding racial and ethnic issues; and (8) a growing pleasure-orientation that has removed any semblance of restraint or discipline. Obviously, these suggestions do not even begin to scratch the surface of where the culture and society has both gone and is heading.

While the above list could be considerably longer, it seems there are at least two major areas that are impacting our nation and population: (1) those things we are choosing to ignore and (2) the choices being made that are illogical and abysmal. A saying that is more hackneyed than it should be is: “those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.” It appears there is a deliberate choice that has been made in our nation by those who are elected to be “leaders” - not - “forgetters.” It reminds one of the humorous poem entitled, “My Rememberer.” Some of the lines address the times in which we are living - “My forgetter’s getting better but My rememberer is broke; To you that may seem funny but, to me, that is no joke…For when I'm 'here' I'm wondering If I really should be ‘there’; And, when I try to think it through,I haven't got a prayer…At times I put something away Where it is safe, but, Gee; The person it is safest from Is, generally, me!…”

It is interesting, strange and puzzling both how and when God is referenced within our culture. In general, one hears it all too commonly as either an exclamation or an expression of profanity. When the storms of April 28th and 29th passed through a large swathe of the country, the damage that occurred in many instances was referred to as “an act of God.” This was a personal experience when a neighbor’s tree fell onto a portion of our home and caused several thousands of dollars for repair. The philosophy of the Insurance carriers was/is - “This was an act of God.” Even though they paid a portion of the repair expenses, the idea is that no one is responsible even though the roots of the tree were traceable to the neighbor’s property. What the Insurance Carriers and general public fail to realize is that there is a real God Who is in control of His world and to Whom all will one day have to give an account.

Two passages of God’s Word came to mind as we wrote checks to cover deductibles, etc. The first is: Lamentations 3:20-24, “…But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him." The second is: Psalm 37:23-26, The steps of a man are established by the LORD…for the LORD upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing.” There are many more reminders of God’s faithfulness and promises to those who believe in and follow Him than there are detriments and distractions within the culture and world. We would do well to remember that our God has a plan and purpose for His Creation and our personal lives. If one remembers this truth amid the storms of life, he/she will burst into songs of praise and exclaim - “Great Is Thy Faithfulness, O Lord to me!” Consider these things with me.

VALUES AND PRIORITIES

From My Perspective - - -

If one conducts his/her life from an incorrect set of basic values, then the priorities in and for life will reflect it. There used to be a basic premise that was often quoted two generations ago – “It’s never right to do wrong in order for right to occur.” What are negative values that impact positive life priorities? The cultural slide and chaos that is constantly gaining momentum is evident.

The May 3^rd, 2014 edition of World Magazine has a question on its cover: “Coat of Many Dollars – Is Your Child’s College Education Worth It?” Ann illustration of the Cultural Slide is shared in an article, Sexual Propaganda by Andree Sue Peterson. She includes the following regarding a required textbook by Crooks and Baur for a Human Sexuality Class and refers to it as “the blatantly propagandist.”  She quotes from the textbook: “The religious right in America has long labored to reinforce traditional gender roles through its efforts to shape American politics. Gender roles are a product of socialization. The teachings of Jesus emphasized love, compassion, and forgiveness…’Neither do I condemn thee.’ Homophobia can be best thought of as a prejudice similar to racism, anti-Semitism, or sexism.” Here are Crooks and Baur as Bible experts: “Beginning in the 7th century BCE…Jewish religious leaders wanted to develop a distinct closed community. Homosexual activities were a part of the religious practices of many peoples in that era, and rejecting such practices was one way of keeping the Jewish religion unique.” The book has a chapter on “Guidelines for Coming Out to Friends,” photos of myriad sexual positions, and a table to educate you on the difference between fetishism, transvestic fetishism, sexual sadism, sexual masochism, autoerotic asphyxia, Klismophilia, Coprophilia and Urophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, frotteurism, zoophilia, and necophilia. Not a moral objection is raised to any of the above sexual expressions.”

The above article concludes with the following: “In Cal Thomas’ What Works, the political commentator writes: The question must be asked: why do so many parents who hold traditional views that worked for them and the country willingly and enthusiastically send their children to academic institutions that frequently undermine everything they believe? And pay for it, too? Is it because of the ‘prestige’ of these historic schools? Isn’t it time to stop kidding ourselves about the worth of faded sheepskin and “prestige”

Amid the cultural slide and chaos, we have those voices who clamor for gun control. Interestingly, those seeking to champion this objective choose to ignore the obvious. Someone raised the question: “Where do the guns come from in Chicago?” The observation made is: The number of Gun Stores in Chicago is Zero. The number of Homicides in Chicago in 2012 was 1806.” When compared with Texas, “there are more than 1500 legal places to buy guns in Houston. The number of Homicides in Houston, TX in 2012 was 207.”

In terms of the cultural slide and chaos and military readiness, it is estimated that the President and his family have spent an estimated $20 million to vacation in Hawaii. At the same time, the budget for West Point Academy is being cut by $92 million. There is a secure and well-maintained for Presidential retreats and vacations at Camp David. Have we allowed for erudition and arrogance to determine these values and priorities? 

In behalf of our children and grand-children, there needs to be a return to the basic values and priorities beginning with the implementation of Proverbs 22:4-6, “The reward for humility and fear of The LORD is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” And also, Proverbs 3:3-7, “Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.” Together – let us consider these things!

WRONG ISN'T WRONG ANYMORE

From My Perspective - - -

Wrong isn’t wrong anymore – or – is it? In 1864, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the Lyric to: I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day. It was during The Civil War and countless numbers of men were being killed on the battlefields. As he feared the report that his son had been killed in battle, one can begin to understand the words of the fourth stanza: “And in despair I bowed my head - There is no peace on earth, I said; For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.” We can sense the depth of his feeling and emotion in the words he wrote as he saw the desperate conditions of his day.

Today, whichever way one looks or turns, the right values are being discarded and suppressed and the alternate values are surging forward and being embraced. In an era of political correctness, if one should object to negative and alternate lifestyles, the violator of the values is now deemed right and the objector may have to go to sensitivity training sessions. The Islamist or Jihadist is rapidly moving toward usurping of the Judeo-Christian principles and foundations. The wrong is deemed as right. The leeway occurs when one is expected to become “tolerant” of the culturally wrong, while not being expected to give tacit approval to what is deemed incorrect or wrong. If one does express opposition to the trends and behaviors, that one is seen to be wrong and insensitive towards the rights of others. The Atheist can object to the Nativity Scenes and singing of Christmas Carols, and the Christian must cease and desist from any display of Christianity or praying in Jesus Name.

How did we get into this morass?  Proverbs 14:8-14 states: “The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.  Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance. The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy. The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways, and a good man will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” Accommodation to the alternate values is becoming more and more the undoing of the culture. The “Christian” has succumbed to the societal onslaught while being silent and passive at the moment for speaking and becoming actively engaged.

What is a God-View and Purpose in all of this? Does He have a plan that He will enact in these times of diverse behaviors and lifestyles? How will He care and provide for His people – IF – they cry out to Him and renew their commitment to Him? We read in Isaiah 30:20-22, “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying: This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them: Be gone!" 

The “Church” and “Christian” has choices. One can go-along to get-along or one can stand tall and strong in the Lord and attempt to point people to the right and narrow way. It will require courage, boldness and risk-taking. Are you equal to the challenge and task? One needs to embrace and implement the words of Psalm 107:2-9, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.” What will you choose to be and do? Consider these things with me!

DRIPS AND CHIPS

From My Perspective - - -

How does a Culture become indifferent to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? At what point was a cultural decision reached that tolerance of mendacity (deception) and matter-of-factness would be acceptable for the norm? How (or when) did the focus of the nation shift to a theme of inequality – inequality of wealth; inequality of women; inequality of races; inequality of same-gender legal rights? At what point was it decided that foundational principles of correct and acceptable behavior were to be invalidated and moral values were to be jettisoned? When did the majority decide to surrender to the inevitable? Whatever happened to the will and character of a person, nation and culture that allowed for an anything goes is alright?

Like dripping water or the chiseling away of a boulder, the basic values of a Judeo-Christian ethic and value are being suppressed and removed. An example is when the people of California voted by a significant majority to ban same-gender marriage but the Court ruled the will of the people to be deemed unconstitutional. Increasingly throughout the world, there is a denying of “Christian” rights whereas the demands of Islam are being protected and instituted. People of Syria are still being gassed – and it is ignored; “Christian” girls are taken captive in Nigeria and persuaded to be converts to Islam – and the general society is more silent than not; in States where Marijuana has been legalized and children have gained access to it, not too many seem or sound concerned. In seems as though an impervious shell is enveloping the culture. One who is impervious is one who believes he/she is “incapable of being influenced, persuaded, or affected” by the trends and movements of the day and time in which we are living.

In terms of a work, character and ethical commitment for one’s life, The Amplified Bible asks and declares in Proverbs 6:9-15, “How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to lie down and sleep - So will your poverty come like a robber or one who travels [with slowly but surely approaching steps] and your want like an armed man [making you helpless]. A worthless person, a wicked man, is he who goes about with a perverse (contrary, wayward) mouth. He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers. Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation, and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it. Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken, and that without remedy.”

We have successfully allowed for the Dripping and Chipping away at the basic Christian values to the point where they appear extinct within the culture of our day. Are you a person who cares or one who has become careless? Can you be a person who will take a stand and attempt, by God’s Grace and Power, to make a difference in our culture and world? If you doubt that one person can make such a difference, the testimony of Dwight L. Moody bears witness that God can and use one person to accomplish His will. Moody was touched in his soul by the words of a revivalist: “the world has yet to see what God will do with a man fully consecrated to him!” Those words changed his life and he was used greatly to impact a world in a positive Biblical way. Institutions that he founded continue to this day – Moody Bible Institute; Moody Press; Moody Radio Network. Can you – will you – be that man/woman who will risk anything or everything to impact this perverse and depraved generation? Consider these things with me.

A ROOT OF SOMETHING OR OTHER

From My Perspective - - -

Political rhetoric is interesting and in some ways it can be fascinating. The slogan or slogans that are developed oftentimes flow from focus groups where the language and phrasing have been tested. The key slogan that resonated well becomes one of the main emphases of a campaign. A not-too-distant Presidential Campaign had a singular focus that was summed up and posted in their campaign headquarters: “It’s the economy, stupid.” The candidate then connected with the people when he allowed, “I feel your pain.” The idea that a man in office will concentrate on the creation of more and better jobs became a basis for how votes were cast. We continue to hear that same type of rhetoric in the vitriolic (caustic, scathing, severely bitter) partisanship of the current day.

In his latest book on, “The Coming Economic Armageddon”, part of David Jeremiah’s thesis is that fewer and fewer people are controlling more and more of the nation’s and world’s wealth. He appeals to a cartoon drawn by Edward Sorel and titled, “The Four Horsemen of the Wall Street Apocalypse.” Sorel alludes to the reference in the early chapters of The Book of Revelation regarding the four horsemen. His cartoon depiction is of four skeletons on the four horses riding in a wild stampede over the Wall Street ruins of the Stock Exchange. It is a gruesome visual and contemplation. David Jeremiah writes, “Each skeleton is labeled with one of the four heart attitudes that contributed to our current financial situation: Mendacity (Deception), Stupidity, Arrogance and Greed.” The author points out that these heart attitudes are crucial in that they will not only lead to the economic collapse of the world economy as it exists today but will impact the culture due to the fact that these are the same heart attitudes that are ruling the world, the nations and the people today.

The four heart attitudes are explained by David Jeremiah in this manner: (1) Mendacity (Deception) is illustrated by the many frauds perpetrated in our society, such as identity theft, mail and internet fraud, hoaxes, pyramid schemes, extortions and rip-offs; (2) Stupidity (which can include the ideas of foolishness, mindlessness or irrationality. Appeal is made to Acts 2:40 – ‘Be saved from this perverse generation.’ The MSG paraphrase simply states – “Get out of this sick and stupid culture.” The warning and counsel given is taken from I Timothy 6:9-10, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” It is a point well made. (3) Arrogance (Haughty) is illustrated by the fact that money gives a person a sense of power and control over others – employees, debtors, vendors, community and church. Appeal is made to I Timothy 6:17, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty (arrogant), nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” The proper way to respond to wealth is stated in I Timothy 6:18-19, “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” (4) Greed is illustrated by the dissatisfaction of people with their houses, cars and other possessions. Their cravings grow beyond their means until their personal economy both reflect the nature of the national economy and contribute to it. David Jeremiah inserts the counsel of the Lord Jesus Christ in this regard. It is direct, terse and to the point. In Luke 12:15, the words of Jesus are: “And he said to them: Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness (greed), for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

One of the important conclusions shared is taken from Hebrews 13:5-6, “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we can confidently say: The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?" You may shrug all of this off and view it as no immediate consequence. You/We would do well to give it more immediate consideration. Consider these things with me.

DECENTLY AND ORDERLY

From My Perspective - - -

As we live out our lives Amid The Cultural Chaos, an issue that should be considered is whether or not certain factors are still viable in our culture: (1) establishing rational and logical thinking; (2) returning to the basics of education; (3) focus upon the Eternal God and His standards for all cultures at all times; (4) discipline in terms of life choices and practices (because one is free to do whatever one wishes to do does not make it right, wise or the correct behavioral pattern); (5) responsibility in all areas of one’s life (actions, financial decisions and debt, scruples and ethical norms, spiritual pursuit, commitment in terms of one’s mind, emotion, will, soul, spirit, body); (6) seeking a pathway of maturity; and (7) Submission to legitimate authority (This decision can easily become blurred because of a partisan orientation. This partisan mentality must be overcome if there is any possibility or potential of a return to that which is righteous, decent and orderly. Strong and divided opinions that are made devoid of moral values and foundational principles will only continue the chaos and turmoil within the culture. There has to be an embrace of Truth and a refusal to abdicate that Truth regardless of societal pressures or clamor).

In whatever a person chooses to do or be, there are basic guideposts one should know and follow. First, Proverbs 3:1-8 (selected), “…do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you…you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil…” One of the key phrases to underscore in your mind and heart is: “in ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM.” If this is done, one will have the direction and guidance needed for the right, wise and best choices in and for life. “All your ways” does not allow for the word “some” to be inserted and/or the word “convenient.” The force of the language is all of your ways all of the time are to acknowledge the one true Authority – God and God alone.

Secondly, I Corinthians 14:40, “But all things should be done decently and in order.” Amid all the partisan political rhetoric, and all the ill-conceived religious jargon, there is a choice one can make and an orientation one can maintain. It is very simple – “ALL THINGS should be done DECENTLY and IN ORDER.” Once again, “all things” does not allow for the insertion of the word “some” and/or the word “convenient.” The force is that all things at all times are to be done in a decent and orderly manner – not based upon that which acceptable to mankind – but that which is acceptable and established by Almighty God.

The alternatives to God and His Standard have been implemented for too long and have caused us to be adrift of that which is vital and necessary for what is decent and orderly. The “christian” and the “church” must be the vanguard in these matters. If there is a desertion of the responsibility and message that has been committed to the “christian” and “church”, there will be only scant hope that the needed change of direction and renewal can and will occur. Consider these things with me!

EQUATING LIBERTY WITH LICENSE?

From My Perspective - - -

In the day when The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was more common, it reminded one of the words – “one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.” There was a sense that there would be a common purpose and goal throughout the nation. There was also a sense of responsibility in terms of one’s personal behavior as well as a concern for others, especially the needier. Within a responsible culture, there would be less selfishness and greed as a nation worked together to preserve “liberty and justice for all.” It appears that such a concept and goal is becoming a fading memory.

If there is a place and people who should demonstrate the standards, principles and goals of those who are the vanguard of “liberty and justice for all”, the “church” bears a great duty and obligation to be that example and model. IF a person observes the “church” today, does he/she find it to be a place free of bigotry, selfishness, rivalry, contentiousness, personal ambitions and pursuits? When Jesus stated part of the minimum responsibility for His people and His Church, He indicated in Matthew 5:13-16 what they were to be: “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” In other words, His Church is to impact His world so that many will sense and know the reality of liberty and justice in Jesus Christ. However, if one is perceptive and views the “Church” objectively, a conclusion could be reached in terms of (a) the salt isn’t very salty or useful and (b) the light is flickering so greatly that it is becoming an unreliable source for illumination.

Many have maintained that the “Church” is becoming more like the world rather than it being the influence so that the world will become more like “The Church”. This is not a new issue. When Paul wrote to a group of people who were becoming too much like the world and culture in which they were living, he wrote in Galatians 5:13-17, “For you were called to freedom…Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” This discourse began as a caution with regard to the imposition of circumcision as a requirement for all. Very quickly, Paul expands his thoughts to include the way in which one can solidify the idea of “liberty and justice for all”. It is contained in the words of verse 16, “Walk by the enablement of the Spirit and you will not be gratifying the desires of the flesh.” 

In a different set of circumstances, Peter addresses the same issue in terms of personal behavior and responsibility. In I Peter 2:16, “Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” This is stated succinctly and clearly to a people who were facing considerable cultural pressures and oppression. One can only wonder what Paul and Peter would write to the “church” of today. From the Leadership and filtering down into the congregation, the Model and Example that is becoming more pronounced is that “Liberty” in Christ allows one to practice any standard in terms of personal habits and practice. For many years, those who advocate this form of “freedom and liberty” have actually crossed a line from Liberty into an embrace of License. If a voice is raised about such a posture and practice, there is a quick retort that one is both a “weaker brother” (Romans 14) and is being judgmental regarding another. The result is that the “church” may have become (or is becoming) socially acceptable while at the same time becoming spiritually impotent. One would do well to read I Corinthians 8 in terms of what one may be free to do - but also - why one should refrain from exercising that freedom. Verse 9, “But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” In, Verses 12-13, “…sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience…you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” Consider these things with me.

DISMISSIVE DISAPPOINTMENTS

From My Perspective - - -

Two of the more “conservative” commentators in the press and television are George Will and Charles Krauthammer. As strange as it seems, both men have little place in their lives for religious affiliation or influences.  A Senior Editor with The Daily Caller, Jamie Weinstein, headlines his recent interview with George Will: “George Will: ‘I’m An Amiable, Low Voltage Atheist.” The interview included: “Will explained his religious views — or lack thereof — during an extensive interview with The Daily Caller on politics, culture and his new book, ‘A Nice Little Place on the North Side: Wrigley Field at One Hundred.’  Will interjected: “I am not religious at all when The Daily Caller said it heard he wasn’t particularly religious.” The reason for this comment was when The Daily Caller brought up it’s previous interview with Charles Krauthammer, in which the other conservative Washington Post columnist said, ‘I don’t believe in God, but I fear him.’ Will went on to explain: “Charles is a great friend of mine and I noticed when he said that. Give me a break! I’m an amiable, low voltage atheist. I deeply respect religions and religious people. The great religions reflect something constant and noble in the human character, defensible and admirable yearnings. I am just not persuaded. That’s all…”

This reminds one of the exchange the Apostle Paul was having with Festus and King Agrippa in Acts 26:24-31, “Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind. But Paul said, I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe. And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian? And Paul said, Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am--except for these chains. Then the king rose, and the governor and Bernice and those who were sitting with them. 3And when they had withdrawn, they said to one another, This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment." 

When the intellectual community finds no room for God and His Word in their lives, it reminds one of I Corinthians 1:18-25, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart. Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men…”

One of the major problems in the communication of God’s Word and Gospel in our culture is due to the inconsistencies and weaknesses of prominent ministers and ministries. The more popular are among the most inconsistent and weak. The post-Christian era is more of a stampede away from the values and principles of God’s Word. Too many are willing to cling to the false hopes to which they are exposed and become accustomed. True men of God must be the vanguard to a new generation of those who embrace the premise of being or becoming a “low-voltage atheist” or one who declares: “I don’t believe in God, but I fear him.” Are you one who is ready and willing to take a serious God seriously? Are you ready to assume the Biblical posture and lifestyle even if you stand alone? In 1873, P.P. Bliss wrote the stirring words to, Dare To Be A Daniel. The refrain should echo in one’s heart, soul and mind: “Dare to be a Daniel, Dare to stand alone! Dare to have a purpose firm! Dare to make it known.” May God grant that you will be part of the remnant that is: “Standing by a purpose true; Heeding God’s command…” Consider these things with me!