Category Archives: Christian Living

by | October 2, 2011 · 8:26 am

Pulpit Freedom (First Video Blog)

Well, I am a little nervous, to say the least. I am posting my first video.

Yesterday I recorded this so that I could save some time. The problem is that I had no idea the difficulties I would have trying to get it uploaded. So, what was supposed to appear on Saturday afternoon is finally coming on line, now.

I apologize.

I also apologize for the quality of the video. I recorded it in HD, but it wasn’t uploaded that way. Better luck next time, I suppose.

Also, please forgive me for being a little nervous when this was recorded. My wife said I used “um” or “uh” too many times. I normally, uh, don’t, uh, do that.

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by | September 20, 2011 · 10:11 am

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Why is it that so many place such a high premium on what children say? Why should we “listen to the children?” Sure, every once in while they say something cute or insightful, but on a regular basis? Get real. They may be short, but we’re not talking about Yoda. Youth is not a prerequisite to wisdom.

Buy Your Own House

This morning I was driving my bus full of children and one decided to share his “wisdom” with me. According to this young man, a fifth grader, it was better to not buy a house together, or share your money with your wife (if you get married). Why? “Because your wife may end up becoming a prostitute and kick you out and make you pay alimony.”

I can only pray for that poor boy. Where is he learning that stuff? Is this what he thinks of all women? Is this what he thinks of marriage? What kind of future do we have if kids like that keep growing up and taking over? He is definitely NOT a child I want to listen to.

If Children Ruled the World

But there are those who swear that true wisdom can be found in the words of young children. Forget the need for a lifetime of experience, listen to the wisdom of those who just learned to wear pull-ups and cut their own meat. If we did what the bleeding-hearts wanted us to do – listen to the children – where would we be right now?

* No one would ever work, except those that need to work so that others would not have to work.

* Every day would be Christmas, Halloween, and summer vacation.

* There would be peace on earth and no more wars – except when someone disrespects you or takes your candy.

* Everything should be available for the asking whenever it is wanted, as long as we don’t have to be the ones providing it for someone else.

* There would be no need for multiple cable channels, only Disney, Nickelodeon, MTV, ESPN, and The Twilight Channel.

* Everyone would be able to walk around and have everything, while complaining that they are mistreated.

* No one would ever eat at home.

* Education, if desired, would be determined by what the child thought was important.

* Teachers, Doctors, Policemen, School Teachers, and Ministers would be disrespected and maligned, while movie and rock stars would be deified.

* Animals would be considered equal with humans.

* Hate would be outlawed; that is, unless someone disagreed with you.

* Church would be nothing but fun and games, with cookies for all to enjoy.

Wait! Maybe the children are already in charge!

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by | September 14, 2011 · 6:07 am

Hiding in Sight

Last year I did a series of posts called “Life Lessons from the School Bus.” If you haven’t already, take the time to read some of them – most are pretty good.

But one lesson that I did not include last year was one that nearly cost me dearly. It had to do with missing what was hiding in plain sight.

The Story

As you can see in the picture, a typical school bus has two mirrors immediately to the left of the driver window (besides the convex mirror below). With mirrors everywhere, driving is made much safer and easier, even in heavy traffic. What you don’t see is what is on the other side of the mirrors.

This picture at the very spot an accident could have taken place.

I was beginning to exit a gas station directly across the street from another station, and a Hardee’s. I looked in every direction and checked my mirrors. Then, as I started to pull out, an 18-wheeler appeared out of nowhere…directly in front of me! It had been hiding behind the mirrors.

Take a look at the picture. Right behind the top mirror sat a Peterbilt. I never saw it. What saved me was taking my time and being cautious. Had I rushed on forward I may have pulled right into the path of that big truck. Only going slow and expecting the unexpected made the difference.

The Lesson

“Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways” (Haggai 1:5 KJV).

So many tragedies in life could be avoided if only we would take the time to “consider our ways.”

Do we stop to think about where we are going? Do we take the time to make sure there is nothing hidden behind the obvious? Sometimes our judgment can be clouded by the determination to move forward with our plans. Wisdom understands that the Enemy loves to capitalize on things hidden.

How important it is for us to let the Holy Spirit lead us. His unseen hand can guide us around the unseen dangers.

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by | September 8, 2011 · 1:55 pm

Barriers to Church Growth. #3

A very revealing study was done, leading to a book detailing how 300 churches went from declining or dying, to growing. In Comeback Churches, written by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, there is a list of 30 different barriers to church growth. Having received permission from the publisher (B&H Publishing Group), I would like to discuss a different barrier each week.

“God withdraws Himself from the church because of sin. He hardens hearts and gives the people over to sin (Isa. 63: 15-19; Heb. 3:12-13).

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” – Hebrews 3:12-13 KJV

Have you ever thought it possible for a church to be given over to sin? I am not talking about the “liberal” church down the street (every town has one, I suppose), but your church – my church. Is there no growth taking place? Maybe it is because of sin. Maybe it’s because of a hardened heart.

Do churches sin?

You know they do. Many times, however, the sin is not viewed as such. It is seen differently from something that smacks of unbelief. It is rarely seen as a departure from God. More often than not, the sin that churches commit is hidden or disguised with terms or labels meant to justify “an evil heart of unbelief.” Here are a few phrases you may have heard. If so, it might be time for a hard-heart check.

  • “We can’t do that.”
  • “We don’t have the funds for that.“
  • “That area of town will never be receptive.”
  • “Maybe we should just pray about it, for now.”
  • “Why do we need to change? They need to change!”
  • “We’ve never done it that way before.”

Can churches have their hearts softened?

Absolutely! God is in the forgiving business, you know. All it would take is our churches turning away from the sins that so easily beset us, like legalism, traditionalism, racism, envy, and pride…not to mention fear that God will not provide for us the ability and means to accomplish His work.

“Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” – Lamentations 3:40

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” – Isaiah 55:6-7

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by | September 6, 2011 · 1:44 pm

Work, Work, Work


Work

“Just whistle while you work…” was a song that the Seven Dwarfs sang. Watching them slave away in the mines while they whistled made it all look sorta fun. But in reality, working in mines is hard, dirty work. And whistling? It may help you pass the time, but it won’t make working in a dish room or sewer any easier. Work is hard, but it is necessary.

However, for many people in our society, “work” is one of the dirtiest four-letter words. Those that refuse to include this word in their vocabulary think that it is their right to receive their living from others. To those folks I would like to share one portion of Scripture…

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 KJV

Even back in the days of Paul were there people who wanted to live off of the work of others. Is it any wonder that people do it today?

Incentives to be Lazy

Why should the average person work when so many government programs are there to feed him. The idea of having to work to eat is completely foreign to many. As a matter of fact, each year federal agencies place adds and run commercials calling more people to enroll in the food stamp program.

With food taken care of, what is there to worry about? Well, a person could worry about shelter, medical care, clothing, childcare, transportation, internet, cell phones, etc. Oh! News Flash! The government’s got that covered, also. For every need or want, no matter how minor, there is a government program available to anyone who refuses to use the that dirty word, work.

Work is Biblical

According to J. L. Meredith’s Second Book of Bible Lists, there are 198 different occupations listed in the Bible. That’s amazing, isn’t it? I find it hard to think of that many different jobs in a modern context. Among the jobs listed, one could have been an Apothecary (Neh. 3:8), Candlestick Maker (Ex. 25:31), Forrest Keeper (Neh. 2:8), Innkeeper (Luke 10:34), Midwife (Gen. 35:17), Scientist (Dan. 1:4), or a Tentmaker (Acts 18:3). The list goes on and on.

As a matter of fact, both God the Father and Jesus worked (John 5:17). Why is it that we hate it so much?

Work was ruined by the Fall.

Adam was put in the Garden to work, not sit around all day and enjoy nature. God put Adam “into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it” (Gen. 2:15). Up until that time work was part of the original, sinless creation. It was something that was enjoyable and meant for a purpose. It was something that was meant to bring joy and fulfillment. It was only when Adam sinned that work became the burden it is today.

“And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” – Genesis 3:17-19 KJV

King Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, realized that because of the Fall, work (from an earthly perspective) was vanity (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23). He saw that it was depressing to see that no matter what you do, you “can’t take it with you,” but have to leave it behind for someone else to flitter away. Nevertheless, he saw “[There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God” (2:24).

In the Meantime

For now, even though work is not always fun, it is expected for a Christian to do all he can do to provide for his family. Paul told Timothy, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8).  If a man (or woman) is able to work, but relies on government assistance by choice, he is not being a good example.

Even though the job you may have may not be the best, at least it is work. God will honor it and bring glory to Himself. We must keep in mind that if we work with our whole heart, as unto God, not unto men (Col. 3:23), He will be pleased and we will be blessed.

The Future

Someday God will restore work to what it was intended to be – a pleasurable experience. Speaking of the children of Israel, He said…

 “In those days people will live in the houses they build and eat the fruit of their own vineyards. Unlike the past, invaders will not take their houses and confiscate their vineyards. For my people will live as long as trees, and my chosen ones will have time to enjoy their hard-won gains. They will not work in vain, and their children will not be doomed to misfortune. For they are people blessed by the LORD, and their children, too, will be blessed.” – Isaiah 65:21-23 NLT

Just remember, let us not grow weary in our work (Gal. 6:9; 2 Th. 3:13). One day all of the sorrows and pains associated with the toil of this life will be replaced (Rev. 21:4). The thing that was supposed to be a blessing will be made perfect again, and maybe, just maybe, there will be whistling in heaven.

 

 

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by | August 24, 2011 · 10:35 am

“Don’t Be Skeerd” (My Own List)

This is a post about a post about a post.

After reading a post today on GrowUp! (click for link), I couldn’t help but respond with my own list of things that a Christian shouldn’t be scared of. Maybe the first one should be, “Don’t be skeerd to end a sentence with a preposition that you’re sick of.”

OK, so if you don’t get it, “skeerd” is “scared” spelled that way we say it sometimes in the South.

Here are 8 things of which a Christian should not be afraid….of:

Dracula, or any other vampire that stalks you through your window.

Just show them your cross. If that doesn’t work anymore, then quote Scripture. Of course, if you are a girl, then you’d be better off to just call 911, or better yet, shoot the idiot trying to act like a character from Twilight.

Disclaimer – DO be afraid of Vampire Bats. They have rabies. You may be alright when they bite you, but then again, you may be wishing your church family had something else to pray for…(I ended with a preposition, see?).

Atheists

If they prove that there is no God, no reason for faith, and no reason for forgiveness of sin, then you have nothing to worry about. They can’t prove there is no God, you know, but if they ever did, then you are free to whack them in the head with the biggest hardcover KJV you can find. If there’s no God, then there’s no absolutes or basis for morality outside of what makes you feel good. Make yourself feel better when they take away your hope by knocking the grin off their face…they should understand.

Women wearing pants, or men wearing dresses.

It may help some of you to know that even though most of the Christian world is more concerned with staying alive amidst persecution than with dress codes, some of our brethren and sistren still freek over this. For them let me just say, “Don’t be skeerd!” If Obama gets re-elected then we will probably end up wearing potato sacks, anyway. As we go back to the economic lifestyles of pre-electric days, no one will be able to afford any fancy stitching and things. Who knows, the toga may come back in style and everyone will wear a skirt.

Crazy worship styles and screens on walls.

No reason to fear these things, people. As long as the worship is from the heart and it IS true worship, not self-satisfying, self-glorifying entertainment, then God will be pleased. On the other hand, if church attendance continues to decline in this country, you won’t be able to afford the electricity needed to run the projectors and fancy sound equipment used by many praise bands. Where two or three are gathered together, there the non-electric bluegrass will be in the midst of them.

Disclaimer – For the record, I love bluegrass gospel. Sorry. Wait, I’m not sorry. Scratch that. I love bluegrass and want to see the words projected on screens in church for all to sing along….with.

Stray dogs that wander in through an open door and listen to the church service.

Had it happen. Didn’t mind. At least when the dog fell asleep he didn’t snore.

Week-long revival meetings.

Where have these things gone? All we see anymore are the 3-day kind, if not the weekend ones that include Sunday, but not Friday.

Just think, if we went back to longer revival meetings, then……wait…..does anybody have revival meetings anymore? We must be too skeerd of having to get dressed up each night; miss some TV we could easily DVR for later; miss a ball game or party; or hear something from God that might convict us. THAT should scare our socks off.

Visitation

What is there to be scared of? Why do we hate knocking on doors, prayer-walking streets, etc.? As long as we’re not trying to sell anything, then most people are happy to meet someone who cares about them. Sure, there are the few vampires that don’t want you coming around, but most folks are at least cordial, at least here in the South. Folks don’t like being banged over the head with your Bible, but they do appreciate being greeted kindly and invited to some place nice. Just invite them to the King’s house for a meet-and-greet (with a little sweet tea and love, they might just figure we’re not out to take their money).

Change

Somethings remain the same, and they have stones above their heads. Now, when those things come back from the dead, you DO have something to be skeerd….of (one more preposition misplacement). Of course, it all depends on Who raises the dead, too. Are they being raised to “walk in newness of life,” or to eat the flesh of screaming movie-goers? Either way, just invite them to a homecoming dinner on the ground and they’ll be alright.

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by | August 10, 2011 · 5:41 pm

Taking Over?

The Apes

You may have heard it by now, but a new Planet of the Apes movie just came out in theaters. I have not seen it, but really, how good could it be without Charlton Heston? Those dirty apes!

The Dogs

Well, long before Moses (a.k.a. Charlton Heston) battled talking monkey, someone coined the phrase “going to the dogs.” The world has definitely been doing that, recently. Forget the “bulls” and the “bears” at the stock market. Everything is getting so crazy I wouldn’t be suprized if apes and dogs take over soon. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

The Example

Early one morning, just a couple of days ago, my wife and I went out to run some errands. For fun, so he wouldn’t have to stay home alone, we took Nugget along for the ride. The moment we decided to order a biscuit Nugget knew exactly what was happening. He would not be denied the opportunity to place his own order.

 The Order

"No, I don't want a steak biscuit...I would like to have Chicken...And please hurry...I'm a hungry dog...and I like eating chicken."

 

"Woof...I mean Thank You!...But you can keep the biscuit...or give it to my mom, er, owner...is it supposed to come through the that box?...Drive around? OK."

 

"What are you people doing in there? I did what I was supposed to...now where's my food. Woof! Can you see me? Am I not cute enough for you?"

 

"She said she won't give it to me unless you give her money...What is money?...Can you please hurry?"

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by | August 5, 2011 · 4:39 pm

Beware the Boycott

I don’t want to take too much time addressing this issue, but it does need some clarity.

An Effective Boycott?

Recently, in a conversation that had the potential of causing irreparable damage to my reputation of being nice, I was accused, once again, of being, for lack of a better term, a “liberal.” Why was this accusation (although the term “liberal” was never used) thrown up to me? Simply because of the fact that I went to Disney World.

The History. Back around 1996, the American Family Association (decent group of people) called for a boycott of Disney World and all Disney products. On the heals of this decision, in 1997 Southern Baptists voted to boycott Disney. The reason for this was something called “Gay Days.”

For a couple of years I went along with the ban (which was overturned in 2005). We didn’t go to or buy Disney movies, nor did we go to the theme park in Florida. My wife and I felt that the boycott was justified because we wanted to send a message. We wanted Disney to know that many of their patrons (traditional families) were upset with their decision to have a special day set aside for, and promoting, homosexuality.

The only problem with this particular boycott is that it was unfounded. It was based on faulty information spurred on by indignation. Simply put, the Christians got the facts wrong. Sadly, too many are still refusing to face the facts – Disney does NOT now, nor did it ever, have a “Gay Day.”

What, then, is the true story? In 1991 the gay community in Orlando decided to band together and select a day in which they would all go to Disney world wearing red. What started out as a single day of solidarity turned into a week-long event that now makes up “Gay Days.” Totally apart from Disney, the LGBT community started this. Now, it is a big celebration that takes place all over Orlando. Disney has absolutely nothing to do with it. [Click here for a link to the “Gay Day’s” actual site.]

When it became clear that Disney did not set aside their parks for a day to promote the LGBT lifestyle, I was very happy to ride Mission: SPACE and eat at the Crystal Palace. I was free to purchase Disney DVD’s for Christmas. Finally, I could travel the World Showcase at EPCOT without feeling like I was supporting same-sex marriage. Getting the facts straight (pun intended?) was liberating, and it didn’t make me a “liberal.”

Get the Facts, NOT the Rumors.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 KJV – “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”

It is so embarrassing when Christian groups boycott something based on erroneous information. All it does is send a message that we don’t know what we are talking about – that we’re crazy – that we’re misinformed. When we can’t even do a little research into what is so obvious, what does that say to the unbelieving world about our theology? Have we really studied God’s Word, or are we just going on false assumptions based on the rants of a prejudiced preacher?

  • BTW, another business that is still being boycotted by Christians is Proctor & Gamble.  [For more info on the Proctor & Gamble story, click here.]

What to Do?

It is this simple: unless you never spend any money, you will never be able to keep all your dollars out of the hands of unbelievers who believe differently than you. In case you haven’t noticed, we live in a fallen world full of fallen people. So, what is the answer? There is no perfect answer for every individual. Just try to abide by the following suggestions…

Use good judgment.  If you feel like you are supporting something ungodly in a direct way with your patronage, then stop. Boycott it. On the other hand, if you are not sure, do your homework.

Don’t be unrealistic.  When you are driving across the country and you come to the last gas station for another 200 miles of sand, fill up your tank! It would not be a smart thing to keep driving in hopes that God would drop a fuel can beside a cactus, all because you don’t feel right about buying fuel at a place that sells alcohol. Get real!

Keep things in context.  What is most important? Sometimes we will put our personal crusades ahead of the welfare of our own families.

Want an example? Have you ever avoided the better product or medicine and selected a known inferior, therefore subjecting your children to the possibility of further infection and/or pain? I have. Why? I didn’t want the Devil to get a dollar. Never mind that my child might have died. Never mind that I drove to the other side of town on gas that funds the persecution of Christians in Saudi Arabia, thereby giving the Devil about 25 dollars, all in the hunt to find non-devil-supporting medicine.

Make it Clear.  In other words, make what you are doing clear to the one your boycotting AND the one you patronize. If you never let the business you’re boycotting know about it, what good is it? They need to know why you’re choosing to withhold your money.

Home Depot mascot at Chicago Gay Pride parade.

Recently, we had to make a major purchase involving building supplies.  I made it perfectly clear to the manager from which I did purchase the materials that I chose his place over another. I made it clear that until The Home Depot changed its activist-like policies supporting and promoting the LGBT agenda, I could no longer give them my money, a portion of which would be donated  to LGBT causes (click here for more info). The manager of the competition promptly gave me an additional 10% off.

Be gracious. You don’t have to be a self-righteous jerk to make a point or stand up for what you believe. If you feel there is Biblical support for your stand, make your stand in a biblical, Christ-like way. Don’t bring reproach to the name of Jesus and His church by acting hateful.

Keep This in Mind

If you feel like you must make a stand, do so with all your heart (Col. 3:23). Don’t let intimidation keep you from speaking out for what is right. On the other hand, keep in mind where you are. You are not in heaven, and this is not the Promised Land or the New Jerusalem. Don’t expect unbelievers to always act like saints. When you boycott a decent, secular business for not acting like the Church, you run the risk of alienating the very ones you’re called to reach. Consider the following words of Paul:

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 KJV – “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”

Should we never go to the mall because the owner of the property is possibly an adulterer? Should we quit buying fuel because most providers are Muslim and hate Christians? Should we never buy clothing because the designer used half-naked models in a Paris show? Maybe, but where would it all end? Paul made it pretty clear in the above verses that there are times when it is necessary to “company with fornicators.”

The sad reality is that the very ones we should be boycotting may be IN the church, not outside. If we choose to boycott the world, it might be advisable to first determine if we are being hypocritical. Hypocrites make terrible evangelists and worthless boycotters.

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by | August 4, 2011 · 7:54 pm

A Given Example

“For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done unto you.” – John 13:15

Every Christian has a particular place of influence. God has chosen to place me within a 35,000 lb. rolling metal box full of children. Sometimes I have wondered “why?” The answer is pretty simple, “For I have given you [as] an example…”

In the above verse it was Jesus who was telling his disciples that He was showing them how to act, how to serve. Jesus had just washed their feet in an act of true humility and grace. What was His point? If the King of Glory can be a servant, so can we.

But not only has Jesus set an example for us to follow, He has given each of us the responsibility to be an example. He wants us to do as He has done unto us.

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Spirit, told Timothy, “be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Why is it so important to be an example? Because others are always watching.

As a Christian bus driver, I am always being watched. I am being watched by not only students, but also parents, teachers, and co-workers. Because I am being watched, it is important that I mirror the humble example set by Jesus. As a matter of fact, my example in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity, and humility is the only way to witness when I can’t speak openly of my faith.

One thing that may be hard to understand, but should be encouraging, is that no matter where the Christian goes, so also goes the Holy Spirit. It is our very presence that can make a difference in the lives of others when we do the humble, mundane activities of life in a Christ-like way. The lost can “see” Jesus in us. I pray these kids see Jesus in me, even if I’m not allowed to speak of Him.

Each new year I look at all the empty seats and wonder, “Who will sit here?” Every seat represents a soul. Every seat represents an eternal future known only to God. And here, alone in the bus, I ask God to make me an example…one that somehow makes a positive impact on someone now, and for eternity.

.

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by | July 27, 2011 · 12:36 pm

Where Do You Stop When You Start to Slide?

I should have known I couldn’t keep my mouth (keyboard) shut for a week. Who was I kidding? But, in order to keep things in perspective, I will make this short….no pictures or fancy editing….no thinking of just the right words to express my thoughts…I’m already taking too much time.

 Slippery Slope Argument

For years it has been argued that once some aberration (the fact or an instance of deviating…from a moral standard or moral state) is allowed to be accepted as the norm, then there exists a danger for society to continue down an ever-increasing slope. This “slippery slope” argument has been debated and maligned by others who say that rather than a slope, it is a “straw man” or “red herring.” Those who would challenge accepted cultural norms in Western society would say that it is not a “slope” into perversion, but a ladder to heaven. I tend to disagree.

I believe that the “slippery slope” argument is perfectly valid in this case, even when many of the doom-and-gloom forecasts are not entirely accurate or timely. The fact is that when one has a moral standard that is dashed at one level, it falls down to the next. Each concurrent level then bears the weight of the upper levels, thereby making each still holding that much weaker.  Eventually, all moral standards fall through the floor like a multi-storied building with no inner support.

Still, others who would differ with me say that the redefining of societal standards is a progression in understanding and tolerance. I guess that all depends on where you’re standing and how you define up, down, backwards, and forwards. If one only has “self” and “desire” as his guides, then one man’s slope could be another man’s ascent into paradise.

My Standard

The standard by which I judge morality and what is to be considered acceptable behavior is based on objective truth. I do not try to make my own truth, but rely on the Word of God to set the standard of behavior. My selfish desires based on what I want for myself may change with the direction of the wind, but God’s Word never changes. It is the highest standard of morality from which every perversion is a slide downward and away.

With that being said, I came across a news story when I was checking my email. It caused me to want to write because it struck so close to home. The story is about a lesbian who was told, as she was entering Dollywood (a theme park in Nashville), to turn her t-shirt inside out. Why? Because park officials thought it might be too offensive to other patrons in the park. What did it say? It said, “Marriage is so gay.” (click here for article)

To make a long story short, the lesbian couple is going to take Dollywood to court over this. They are probably going to win, along with make a lot of money. She and she will probably go back to the park with matching t-shirts that say “Marriage is so gay…and Gay is soooo profitable.”

Where will it end?

Without getting into the whole argument over whether or not the definition of “family” should be changed to reflect male/male or female/female couples, I would just like to ask “where will it end?” This is where the “slippery slope” argument comes into play.

In the above article, Ms. Tipton said, “Families come in a wide range of definitions these days and we were with our family.” OK, so fine, that was YOUR family, Ms. Tipton; but what about other definitions? Should we just stop with gay, lesbian, and transgender families? If we are going to redefine marriage and family, as so many want to do, would it not be equally unfair to exclude every other form of perversion? In other words, if not traditional marriage, then does anything go?

Not long ago I saw a special documentary about people who were in love with inanimate objects such as – no kidding – amusement park rides (click here for more info – caution, though).  As a matter of fact, a woman married a particular ride after “courting” it for ten years and 3,000 rides. Sadly, this woman has been called “sick.” She has been diagnosed with objectophilia. But why is she sick? What is so wrong with her? She should be allowed to wear a t-shirt. “Families come in a wide range of definitions these days…”

Oh, some of you are reading this and calling me ridiculous; but seriously, where do you draw the line when you say that perversion of the norm is acceptable? Without objective standards, such as is the Bible (the document on which most moral standards in Western culture are founded), where do you go but down a slippery slope? How can you justify allowing one perversion, and not another?

My Prediction

I know, it is dangerous to make predictions, because if they never come true it make’s one a false prophet (but tell that to the ones in Hollywood). On the other hand, let me make a prediction about the future of this country. If people don’t wise up and see the fallacy of their anti-slippery slope argument, the following things will almost certainly become acceptable, if not promoted as the new norm- polygamy, polyandry, pedophilia, exhibitionism, bestiality, etc. If not, then t-shirt-wearing activists everywhere should be ashamed for their hypocrisy.

 

Romans 1:24-25 NLT – “So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other’s bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.”

 

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