What Shall We Say Then? (Lost Post from January)

I made a statement to a man I consider a friend the other day about the state of religion. We both came from a particular organization that was borderline cultic. I'm not using hyperbole or being dramatic, but that's what it felt like. As a Christian, we are to "Love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and strength," however a majority of the time was spent peddling a doctrine, rather than the love of Christ. So many rules and regulations; how was I supposed to truly experience God among so many restrictions (most on the wrong side of absurdity)? At one point the dice in the Monopoly game was going to send you hell because to the leadership, dice represented gambling and corruption. Women couldn't wear pants or makeup, going to the movies was a sin, and the list went on.
As a kid, you don't think much of this stuff. As an adult, you can't help but wonder, "Why aren't people running the other way?" Don't mistake what I'm saying - I'm all for Holiness, but I don't believe Jesus rescued me from the oppression of sin to oppress me further.
Holiness is about leading a life that glorifies God and shows the world, at large, there's a better way to do things. Living under the lordship of Christ shouldn't be tedious, dreadful, or burdensome. It should be a life of glorifying the Creator. Each person's relationship with Christ will be different. We'll walk the same road, but at varying paces. Gifts will be diverse, revelations will be ever-present. Jesus said, "People will know you're my disciples by the love you have (and show) each other." He said nothing about being the most gifted, most educated, most pious, or about demeaning those who don't believe as you.
We have a lot of growing to do and a shorter time frame than before. The un-churched, as well as the backslider (I loathe that word) are watching to see what we're really about - and it's not about a doctrine.

State of the Union and Term in Review (Partial)

My son and I watched the State of the Union Address last night. I watched the State of the Union and Lil’ Brown was practicing growling at the TV. This was one of the better speeches, and although I’ve been tough on the President the last couple years, his administration has accomplished quite a bit. I salute his leadership, although I don’t agree with a number of his policies and leanings. Unlike many who hide behind computer monitors, tablets, and smart phones, I don’t name-call or berate him. I respect the office he holds and pray that God guides his decision-making.

 

Up to this point in his presidency, there are some things I have opinions on:

 

1.        Bailing out the auto industry: I was dead wrong about this one, however I’m still ticked GM is making unsafe vehicles (check the recall log). Overall, under the President’s leadership, the industry has been overhauled, revived, and is once again thriving. I was in the camp of letting them fail, but over time, I learned and experienced grace and mercy. The employees didn’t ask to be in the situation. They had families to support and were working under failed leadership. Good thing I wasn’t a lawmaker at the time, right?

2.        The Affordable Care Act: Some love it. Some hate it. I’m on the fence about it. I like it because it eliminates the discrimination based on pre-existing conditions and it makes insurance available to those who normally wouldn’t be able to get insurance for themselves or children. I dislike it, because it didn’t close all the loopholes. The President stated that the public, at-large, would be able to keep their physicians and nothing would change – but he forgot to write that into the act. Providers can still determine which plans they accept from which carrier. Example: Before switching my son’s coverage, I asked his Pediatrician’s office if they accepted my UHC plan. The reply was, “We accept all UCH plans, except the ‘exchange’ plans.” Come to find out, that office doesn’t accept any exchange plan, only premium and group plans. Some physicians I talked with didn’t like the ACA plans because they either required too much paperwork (and less time for patients) or the negotiated payouts were lower than the industry average on many services and procedures.

3.        Free Community College: This one may need some further discussion and explanation. On paper and in theory, it sounds great. My question: How will it be funded?

4.        Raising Taxes on the Rich: I’ve always been one who has hated taxes, but believe in paying my fair share. I believe it’s past time for the rich to do so. Will the Republicans see it that way, though?

5.        “I Won Both of ‘em”: The most brilliant line of the night. As you can see, the Commander in Chief has zero you-know-whats to give at this stage! He almost forgot where he was. It was a moment that will be talked about for years.

 

What Happened to Simply Worshiping God?

“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?” – I Corinthians 3:3-4

 

How many times do I hear people boast more about their denominational affiliation opposed to their Chist-affiliation? I’ve lost count and frankly, it’s maddening. So many times I hear, “I’m Apostolic,” “I’m Pentecostal,” “I’m COGIC,” “I’m Baptist,” “I’m Methodist…” My response is a simple one: Do you know Jesus? All these labels within reformations are just that – labels! Do you attend, worship, and actively function in a New Testament church? Do you believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead? Those are the basic tenets of our faiths – not who can speak it tongues, has the most “gifts,” have the prophetic word, and so on.

 

I always hear one group beat its collective chest and proclaim, “We have the truth!” You sure? Last I checked none of us had the market cornered on salvation and none of us can fully understand the ways of God. He said so himself. Who are we to contradict God? As I’m always saying: More love, more Jesus.

 

We should focus more on being Christ’s ambassadors instead of promoting our particular denomination.

 

-MB