In the days we live in, one thing we can say without a doubt is that we can figure things will change and not necessarily for the better. Society is in such a flux it almost seems there is nothing that is not up for grabs. Legislation and law voted into existence by a majority of the voters is being overturned by a branch of government that was never intended to make law but to interpret it -- the judiciary. It's like these few people who were not elected by anyone are saying to the majority of the rest of us "you're too stupid to know what's good for you so we must make the decisions that are best for you, whether you agree or not."
What is really sad is those who we DID elect don't seem to be able to understand what is going on, and seem to be more interested in spending their time fighting with each other and making sure their point of view and beliefs get their airtime and don't seem to care enough about what happens to the rest of the majority who elected them to exercise the power they really have to put a stop to the madness and put a stop to it.
This attitude reminds me of something I read about somewhere a long time ago -- I believe it goes something like this: "I may not be able to do what I want to do, but I sure can keep you from doing what you want to do and I'll spend every ounce of my strength and my last dollar to make sure you don't get anything you want to do done either. So there! Pbbbt...." It's almost like everyone is consumed with the my ball, my call -- my game, my rules, my toys, so I'm boss and you'll play my way or I'll take my toys and go home philosophy.
It's bad enough this attitude is so prevalent in the world we live in, but it's inexcusable when we allow this attitude to creep into our lives becoming embroiled in them, taking sides and we begin to behave in these ways, bringing them to church with us. Why inexcusable? Because as Christians we should know better. We know we are to get along and love and pray for one another. We know we are supposed to be peacemakers not quarreling and instigators of ungodliness. We know we are supposed to work out the differences in opinion we have, striving for unity in the bond of peace. How do we know these things? We have the Bible to teach us and the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. And we do read the Bible and allow ourselves to be taught, don't we? Or do we?
We know Jesus taught us what we call the Golden Rule, right? We DO know what it is don't we? It's do unto others before they do unto you. No, that's not right. Maybe it's do unto others as they do unto you. Mmm-- still off. Oh, I know, it's: "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." (Luke 6:31) The burden is on us to treat others "as we would have them treat us." Notice that nowhere in the teachings of Jesus that how we are to treat others is dependent on how they treat us? That means we are to be examples of behavior not behave as the world does.
Amid all the flux, shifting changing morals and laws that have even crept into the church to help an ungodly society feel better about itself, there remains one constant to hold on to, one standard -- The Word of God. The Word of God is so solid, so steadfast that Jesus said of it that "it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." (Luke 16:17) and "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." (Matthew 24:35). Now that's solid.
The questions we must ask ourselves are we steadfastly following the paths laid out for us in Scriptures or are we allowing society and its attitudes to shape and build our lives? Sure, we are to be involved in things, after all, we are the "salt of the earth" but Jesus also warned us "but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Are you influencing the world or are you allowing the world to influence you?
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Editor's note: Charlie Newman is pastor of Avoca Christian Church. To contact him, e-mail [email protected], or write in care of The Times at [email protected] or P.O. Box 25, Pea Ridge, AR 72751.
Religion on 05/14/2014