Month: April 2020

“You have a lot of anger!”

 

My wife’s declaration to me stopped me cold. We were eating dinner and I was recounting the events of the day. I was grousing about the inefficiencies and inherent contradictions of a recent law that was passed and my irritation fueled a fit of anger. Within a few minutes, what started as routine banter over the dinner table escalated to hostility.

 

My wife’s statement brought to light the stark realization that when I speak to my wife, I have no filters. I speak my mind and this often leads to conflict between us. To the rest of the world, I am careful to choose my words and the topics of my conversations. In this social media-driven environment, propelled by woke pundits and the politically correct police, there is scarcely a topic that one may discuss that will not inevitably lead to some form of public or private shaming. It is paralyzing. Thus, when I am alone with my wife, I treasure the ability and freedom to speak my mind.

 

And this is not fair to her.

 

I unload the pent-up frustrations that I have been forced to keep submerged, all under the noble and loving banner of open communication with one’s spouse. Instead of promoting closeness and understanding, it serves to foment strife and separation. Is there a better way?

 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
(Philippians 4:8 ESV)

 

Within the privacy and safety of the time I communicate with my wife, my helpmate and my best friend, I need to be mindful that I cannot speak without filters. God very clearly provides the true filters of how I should speak or think. This is God’s purpose, whether I speak to a stranger and especially when I speak to my wife.

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

 

Several years ago, my friend was sharing an encounter with some of his neighbors who lived in the same apartment complex. They were organizing a rally to protest the president at that period in time and they were soliciting his support.

 

“So you’re going to join us tonight, right?”

 

My friend was keenly aware that his political views differed from everyone who was attending. Yet, he did not wish to offend and politely declined. His response surprised the organizer who blurted out, “Why not? You’re not one of THEM, are you?” opening her eyes wide in disbelief.

 

“What if I am?”

 

“You live in this complex and city, so you can’t be like THEM, can you?”

 

“And what if I am?”

 

“Well, I would never have believed it. You seem like a nice person.”

 

Whoa!

 

In this world of political correctness, diversity, and inclusion, it is a fascinating and ironic commentary that the individuals and groups who clamor the loudest for these values are often the most politically incorrect and EXclusive. An opinion or moral standard is acceptable so long as it is congruent with THEIR values. The inherent contradictions and hypocrisy of their stances are lost to them since they brand anyone who holds opinions contrary to their own as bigoted.

 

It used to be that whenever I encountered someone with an opinion that differed from mine, I would politely shake their hand and say, “Well, let’s agree to disagree.” Nearly every time that happened, the conversation quietly ended. No longer. Now, disagreements quickly take a hostile and even violent turn.

 

The arguments are as old as civilization. Guns or butter? Worker or employer? Good people can agree to disagree on many of these issues but there is a point when one must take a firm and uncompromising stance. For a Christian believer, that point is when a choice has to be made to follow the ways of God or that of man.

 

…We must obey God rather than men.

Acts 5:29 (ESV)

 

As the Apostle Peter and the rest of the disciples proclaimed to the ruling authorities who demanded they stop preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ, all Christians must take a definitive and identical stand against those who would malign and/or blaspheme the Name of Jesus Christ.

 

“You’re not one of them, are you?”

 

I most certainly am.

 

I am a child of God because Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

 

Amen!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.

 

 

It was only a matter of time.

 

The dark forces of the world would find some obtuse way to blame the current COVID-19 crisis on evangelical Christians. The New York Times did not disappoint.

 

 

There are certainly some Christians who flaunt the current social distancing missives just as there are non-Christians who do the same. However, it is reckless and slanderous to indiscriminately lump and label all Christians as dangerous, non-science fanatics. No surprise. These are the same pundits who deliberately quote Bible verses out of context to prove their contention that Christians are misogynistic and narrow-minded bigots. They ignore the millions of Christian scientists and physicians who integrate their faith with their science.

 

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, prophetically stated this would happen. When He spoke to His disciples, He ominously described what would happen in the end times.

 

Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.

Matthew 24:9 (ESV)

 

There have always been enemies of the Gospel who have used Christians as scapegoats for the travails of this world and life. They are seeking solutions by placing the blame upon others. What is the Christian believer’s response? For the past five years, I have written these blogs to show the Bible is relevant to the issues that confront everyone and the world, including the current COVID-19 crisis. Yet, even if I point out the inherent contradictions of political correctness, public shaming, and misreading of the Bible, there is only one Truth that matters.

 

We are all infected with a disease far more dangerous than any virus or microbe. We are infected with sin which has separated mankind from God’s complete love. We chose to disobey God when He offered eternal life and no suffering in His continual presence and fellowship. The only way we can restore this perfect relationship is to find the cure. It is not by blaming someone else nor is it by trying harder by our own efforts. It is only by confessing and repenting of our sinful nature and accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

 

Through the work as physicians, first responders, and all professions, Christian believers must labor to bring salt and light to a fallen world through the love, grace, and mercy through faith and belief in Jesus Christ.

 

Amen!

 

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.