November Election: What is a Christian to do?

I wish, oh, how I wish a constitutionally solid, doctrinally sound, biblically motivated, genuinely converted man of God was running for president of the United States of America.  Words can’t express how I wish this were so, but it isn’t.  And, like it or not, our Founding Fathers designed a governmental system in which our current situation was made possible.  While these wonderfully brilliant and mostly Christian men likely never anticipated a day such as today in American history, they purposefully guarded against a system in which a religious litmus test would determine who could serve in government and who could not.  Many of them had left their homeland due to the oppression of a state “ordained” religion that was “required.”  Give clear attention to my next words…these God-fearing men created the documents that formed our type of government, purposely relying on the people to insert their values into the electoral process.  In other words, if the people nominate and elect Christian politicians, then Christians will give guidance to our country.  If they don’t, non-Christian politicians will lead our nation.  Rather than trying to force a theocratic government, the weight was placed on the people to determine what influence would guide America, Christian or non-Christian.  Don’t get me wrong, our forefathers unequivocally reflected the values of Christianity in civil government.  George Washington claimed “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports…And let us indulge with caution the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.”  Yet, Christianity was not given a place of legal standing.  The First Amendment insures that Christianity can be an unhindered influence on our nation, but also prevents it from being the law of the land.

So, where does this leave us?  Christianity has certainly influenced our government for years, but this is not a given.  If Christians fail to influence current culture, we surrender our effect and invite

secularist ideas.  In the words of Greg Koukl, president and founder of Stand To Reason, “The sad fact of the matter is that cultural authority was not stolen from us (Christians); we surrendered it through neglect.  Os Guinness pointed out that Christians have not been out-thought.  Rather, they have not been around when the thinking was being done.” When Christians in America abandon public discourse, intelligently defending Christian values and why they are necessary to a prosperous, harmonious and safe society, we cannot expect our beloved land to maintain its designation as a “Christian” nation.   The key to a “Christian” America is the same today as it was in the beginning.  This key is the exercise of Christianity from genuine conviction.  When true Christians begin to live out authentic Christianity in their everyday walk of life, inserting God’s truth in their lifestyles, jobs, pleasure, home life, voting activities and beyond, exercising a genuine Christian worldview, then, and only then, will the tide turn in our favor.

Understanding our previous discussion, where does this put Christians in the upcoming presidential election?  Neither candidate represents what most conscientious Christians desire in their Commander-in-Chief, but the reality is they represent who our nation has become.  When professing Christians fail to live out their faith and refuse to let it effect their decision making, we find ourselves with choices that are somewhat disconcerting.  As I’ve wrestled over and over with my responsibility as an American, who is a Christian, I’ve come to a conclusion that doesn’t inspire me, but makes sense at this stage in the game.  If the aim of genuine Christians is to exert our influence in American life once again, with hopes of regaining our cultural authority, we must vote for the candidate that will most likely become a “friend” to this ambition.  Christian or not, the person who will protect the ability of Christians to insert their faith into American life must be our choice.  Voting for a third party candidate or not voting at all, are not real options, in my opinion.  A third party vote for a candidate who has no realistic chance of winning is, in effect, a vote against your goal.  Not voting is also a vote against your goal.  While either choice might sound spiritually noble and assuage our consciences, they are not helpful to our cause.  The long-term goal of reestablishing Christianity into our culture must be our chief end and each decision made must keep this in mind.  I’ve become convinced that our upcoming election is more than a choice between two evils, as many have espoused.  It is a vote between two Americans, at least in a legal sense, with extremely different outlooks and goals for the US.  One vows that he will protect Christianity’s ability to exert influence in American life.  The other offers a very different view.  She maintains the belief that Christians must change their views on such issues as abortion and same-sex marriage.  Her political philosophy is not to provide opportunity for Christians to exert influence, but to suppress it.  The ultimate aim of her agenda is to “fundamentally change” America, as her predecessor, and this change is to rid our beloved nation of Christian values and morals for a progressive, and might I say, godless ideology.  With this is mind, the fog of indecision begins to clear and our choice comes into focus.  The aim at this point is not to gin up either candidate as a morally astute, conservative Christian for which to vote, as much as I wish that option were available.  Some well-meaning people, including Christian leaders, have tried this already with our current candidates and it has not been convincing.  Only our Lord knows the heart of an individual, but neither candidate gives convincing proof of genuine conversion as we observe their fruits.  In spite of this, our goal remains, which is to make decisive steps, as small as they might appear, toward regaining Christian influence in America once again.  We did not sink into the spiritual quagmire in which we find ourselves today, overnight.  Nor will we climb out of it overnight.  It will be a process, but one that must begin now lest we sink completely over our heads.  Remember, we are not voting on a savior, come November, who will fix every problem and solve all ills.  There is only one Savior and he is not running for office.  He is already the King of kings and Lord of lords.  We are voting for a leader who will move our country in the right direction, giving Christians the freedom to exert our influence in the land.  The Titanic could not turn on a dime, but she could turn.  America will not return to her Christian roots by one presidential vote, but she can return as we make one positive steps after another in the right direction and the first step begins in November.

Addendum: This blog was written before the unveiling of Donald Trump’s sordid tapes.  What this man said was lurid, morally repugnant and just plain wrong.  No excuse can be made, nor justification given.  Locker room talk or not, Trump took a gigantic, monumental step over the boundary of what is morally acceptable.  I make no excuse for him on this.  At the same time, one must not lessen Hillary Clinton’s unacceptable indiscretions in the midst of Trump’s dust up.  Mrs. Clinton defended her husband’s “alley cat” behaviors by seeking to harshly discredit those women who “outed” him, accusing them of being lying pawns of the “right wing conspiracy” to take her husband down.  The charges brought were obviously true, at least in part, due to the fact that President Clinton was impeached by congress.  Candidate Clinton unapologetically locks arms with Planned Parenthood, admitting the she is in favor of aborting the unborn, up until the point of birth.  As Secretary of State, she leaves a trail of illegal, incompetent activities that appear to have needlessly cost the lives of fellow Americans, not to mention scrubbing over 30,000 emails that were under subpoena by congress.  Clearly, Trump and Clinton have serious fatal character flaws that make them undesirable candidates for the presidency.  Yet, they are our choices (let’s be honest, no third party candidate has enough traction or time to make a viable run) and we must keep our goal of reinserting Christianity into the current culture at the forefront.  In my opinion, the vote is for much more than the particular candidate, but our freedom to practice and promote our faith in the public square, or lack thereof.  I am seeking to think of the future my children (and maybe grandchildren, some day) will be left to enjoy or endure.  If my vote merely involved the particular candidates, I would likely write in a name and forget about it, but so much more is at stake.  We are electing a future direction and governmental precedence, just as we have experienced the last eight years.  While some dear Christian friends will disagree with my assessment (and I am fine with that), I can assure that this conclusion has not come easily and is still a wrestling match in my soul.  Disagree, but please do not conclude that I have not weighed the options, considered the choices, searched my heart, prayed, listened to and read the opinions of Godly men and women, such as Drs. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and David Jeremiah, pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church, both of whom I greatly respect.  As a matter of fact, I will continue to seek my Savior’s direction, all the way to the ballot box.  I do not take this lightly and remain open to God’s leadership.

Justin Bieber and the Fatal Flaw

We’ve all heard the saying, “Same song, second verse” and that’s exactly what we’ve observed in recent days concerning pop-star Justin Bieber.  “The Biebs” has joined the ranks of childhood stars gone awry, following the footsteps of Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes and Miley Cyrus to name a few.  Media “professionals” seek to “psychologize” these child artists turned “bad-boys” and “bad-girls” ad nauseam, meeting with little success in diagnosing the real problems.  So, what are the plausible causes for once squeaky-clean kids turning into rehab residences?  I believe the answer lies in a few fatal flaws that typically begin early in the life of a young star.

The first fatal flaw comes in the form of opportunistic parents.  In the case of Bieber, it is alleged that his father was part of the illegal drag racing entourage that paved the way for his DUI, resisting arrest, expired license and drag racing allegations (all charges which have been suspiciously dropped, save resisting arrest).  The claim of many insiders is that his father, who was basically AWOL for his entire pre-adolescent years, is now a big part of his life.  Rather than a responsible dad, he acts as a partying buddy who lives high off his son’s earnings.  Young Biebs’ mom, Pattie Mallette, is another story.  She gave birth to Justin after being encouraged to abort due to the fact that she was a messed-up 17 year old with no means to support a child.  Mallette chose life for her son.  For this, she is to be greatly commended.  Yet, the opportunism of Bieber’s dad finds its way to his mother as well.  A young Pattie divorced her husband at the ripe old age of 19, took notice of her son’s musical giftedness from early on and helped to launch him into the limelight.  Serving as a sort of manager during the early stages of his career, Mallette has undoubtedly prospered from Biebs astronomical pay.  Parents who seek to live their dreams through their children or even “relive” their adolescent years along side them, are using their offspring in a most immoral way.  Even more deplorable are parents who encourage their famous children to continue “plying their trade” while they physically and spiritually burn down.  And why would parents commit such a heinous act?  Because they are the financial beneficiaries of their children’s success!  Opportunistic parenting is such a far cry from the biblical admonition “do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4), or “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17).

The second fatal flaw is revealed in a false theology (the-ology – theos = God, ology = the study of) that claims an individual can have God in one hand and the world in the other, without contradiction.  This deadly belief conveys the idea that one can believe in Jesus Christ and receive Him, all the while continuing to clutch tightly the fleshly desires of the world.  The results of this “cheap” Christianity are clearly evident.  The adherent to this flawed doctrine usually makes public, verbal admissions such as “I believe in God”, “I love Jesus”, “I am a Christian”, “I have been blessed”, among many other such confessions.  Soon after these statements are recorded, the person in question engages in very “unchristian” behavior such as drunkenness, drug abuse, sexually immoral living, crude language like dropping the “F – bomb” and using the Lord’s name in vain, mockery of the law, showing disregard for others and various other questionable acts.  Justin Bieber’s fatally flawed theology is revealed in a statement by him some months ago.  It reads, "I love God, and I'm grateful for the blessings he has given me….at the same time, I'm young and I want to have fun. I don't think there is anything wrong with that."  Do you see the problem?  In essence, the young pop-star is saying, “I want to have God as some part of my life, but I am going to do what I want to do.”  This fails the test of biblical Christianity.  What did Jesus say to the rich young ruler?  “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Luke 18:22).  He did not say… “get someone to oversee your assets, take a vacation to Hawaii, get your stocks and bonds secured and come follow me (between your business trips).  Jesus also said to a group of “would-be” disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.  For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?”  The Christian life is not Jesus plus the world, it is Jesus minus the world.  The cross we bear is, in part, releasing the world from our grip when our flesh wants to hold on, but this cross, I must bear to be a genuine Christian.  Or, maybe a better way to put it is...I WILL bear this cross if I am a genuine Christian.  Anything less is not real.

Fatal Flaw number three comes from a misunderstanding of the purpose and nature of our talents and abilities.  Any talent or ability given to an individual is the product of our creator…the very God of Heaven.  Whether it be making music, doing business, teaching a class of students, rebuilding a motor or catching passes in the NFL, every giftedness we possess comes from our Maker and was placed in us for a reason.  One might argue that our talents and abilities were given us so that we could make a living and care for our families.  And the answer is….WRONG!  That is a byproduct of our gifts, but not the primary purpose.  Another might chime in and add “we are given gifts to be a blessing to the world!”  And the answer is…WRONG!  Again, that is a possible byproduct in some cases, but still misses the main purpose.  “Talents are given by God to provide people with healthy entertainment!”  WRONG!  “Abilities are given to make the world a better place!”  WRONG!  In each case, the answer is wrong.  The byproduct of a person exercising his or her talent or ability might be to make a living or bless someone or to provide good entertainment or to help the world improve…but none of these are the primary purpose.  Are you ready???  The primary purpose of talents and abilities is to bring glory to God by serving others.  Listen to this statement: Talents are not for making stars, but making servants.  This is the fatal flaw that befalls so many professing Christian artists.  They see their talent or ability as a means to stardom.  In their notoriety, they “do God a favor” by claiming to believe in Him or acknowledge His blessings on their lives, yet the flaw is still very much present.  The giftedness with which they have been blessed is a means to fame and fortune, not bringing glory to God by serving His people.  And what seems to be the all-to-often outcome?  Allow me to share a few examples: Joe Jonas who has recently recorded a “not so innocent” album and questions why he submitted to wearing a purity ring early on in his career.  Randy Travis, a country super-star who was arrested more than once last year for public intoxication.  Katy Perry, who started her career as Katy Hudson singing Christian music, now records godless lyrics while dressed in the attire of a porn star and claims to still believe in Jesus as the Son of God, along with extraterrestrials.  Miley Cyrus, the “bring home to momma” star of Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, now a pot smoking, lose living twerker who appears to have adopted the belief that evolution brought about our world while tweeting “forget Jesus.”  Need I go on?  We are to employ everything, including our talents and abilities, for the glory of God by serving.  Isn’t that the message of Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”  “Reasonable service” can be interpreted as “reasonable service of worship.”  We actually worship God, thus bringing Him glory, when we serve.  I say it again, talents and abilities are not for making stars, but making servants.  If stardom comes as a byproduct, so be it…but the point is to serve.

Justin Bieber is not the only person susceptible to the three fatal flaws mentioned, all of us are.  The goal of parenting is to raise Godly children first and foremost.  Fame, fortune, success are all fleeting desires that do not impress God.  Dads and Moms must resist the urge to promote their children toward earthly glory.  Errant theology that claims God and the world at the same time is attractive to the unredeemed flesh, but nonetheless, is still error.  Man cannot serve two masters, Jesus tells us…because only one is actually in charge.  Finally, whatever giftedness we have been given is to be used for God’s glory, even if it limits our “earning power” or recognition.  In the end, the glory of God is all that truly matters!

Half-Time, Beyonce and Judgmentalism

Before the all-to-common accusation "you're being judgmental!" is hurled in my direction, let me make an unequivocal statement...I am no one's final judge.  The Bible is very clear that there is one judge and I am not it.  Now, while you exhale your great sigh of relief, allow me to share a truth that might interrupt your ease.  While I am not the judge, there is a judge who always makes the right judgement.  Along with this fact, the one who is judge has given us a criteria for His judgment called The Word of God or the Bible, if you will.  Certainly, the Bible is much more than a judgment book, but it certainly gives us the basis for our judgment by God.

As the living Word of God, the Bible tells us how God determines His judgment of us.  Matthew 7:21 says, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven."  Clearly, Jesus will judge that some who professed Him did not actually know Him.  How is this determined?  By whether or not the "professor" actually pursued living according to God's will...beginning with surrendering to Christ as Lord (salvation).  No one is birthed into God's kingdom by trying to accomplish God's will on his own...but those who have truly come into a relationship with Him will be seeking continually to do His will.  Again in 1 John, the Word of God gives us further criteria on how God will judge.  In chapter 2, verses 3-4, we are told, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."  According to God's criteria, a true believer is one who keeps His commandments.  This does not mean that we are prefect, but genuinely striving to walk in obedience to what God's has told us.  What does this have to do with the half-time show during the Superbowl?  

Various opinions of the half-time show featuring Beyonce littered the pages of Facebook.  Some were critical of her performance as being near to a striptease show while others praised her as giving great entertainment to watch.  While some expressed their dismay and disgust, others accused those of being judgmental.  So how do we proceed?  Who is right and who is wrong and how do we make this determination?  As we learned earlier, the Bible must be our criteria.  It is our measuring rod.  My opinion matters little, God's opinion matters immensely...so what does He say through His Word?  "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit."  (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8)  We are not to defraud our brother...meaning to take advantage for our own sensual gain.  Any person with a modicum of honesty would have to admit that there was a "whole lot" of defrauding going on in the half-time show...men and boys being exposed to sights that were immoral and alluring to the flesh.  Young girls seeing an example we can only hope they do not model.  And...the key to it all, Beyonce claims to be a Christian.  She says about her sensual dancing, "I honestly believe he (God) wants people to celebrate their bodies so long as you don't compromise your Christianity in the process."  God doesn't want us to celebrate our bodies, He wants us to sanctify our bodies and possess them with honor.  As one who professes to know Christ, the pattern shown causes reason for pause and concern.  Passing judgment, you say?  1 Corinthians 5:11 tells us not to share a meal with a professing believe who is sexually immoral.  This requires us to make a judgment according to the dictates of God's Word.  We don't know if the person is a true believer or not, but we are to make a judgment concerning our association and involvement based upon God's criteria...and based upon His standard, the half-time show was certainly anything but clean entertainment that edifies.

Celebrity Christianity and the Modern Church

We are definitely in the day of the celebrity.  Take a quick stroll through the TV programming menu and you are likely to find titles such as...Celebrity chef, Dancing with the Stars, Celebrity Fit Club, Celebrity Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice and on it goes.  Entire shows are dedicated to tracking the lives of the celebrity famous so we can get the "scoop." The Oscars, Emmys, People's Choice Awards, Grammys, American Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards all pinpoint the "best" in the business and further solidify celebrity status.  We are told how the famous think and what they believe, their tastes and styles.  We tour their homes and travel with them on vacation via camera and satellite.  Our culture idolizes celebrities.  One fourth to one half of the 100 most influential people of 2012 were celebrities of one stripe or another.  I think you get the point.  We are enamored with the rich and famous and they certainly contribute to the shaping of our modern culture. This "writer" contends that fascination with celebrities is detrimental and has helped create a narcissistic generation.  These idolized individuals live by their own rules, conveniently escape laws required for everyone else, carouse in opulence and wealth and lead "the masses" to believe this is the way it should be for us all.  Their lives are not reality, yet are presented as what should be reality.

As troubling as the idolization of secular celebrities is, equally troubling is a new trend within the modern church.  This trend is the making of celebrities within Christianity.  Some have entitled it "Celebrity Christianity."  A number of "young gun" pastors and ministers have adopted the "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality when it comes to reaching the current generation.  The church sanctuary has been replaced with a media savvy auditorium that would rival the local theater.  "Relevant" sermon series geared to the interests of the people are packaged in catchy titles that have human appeal.  These "communicators" are no longer the proverbial "men of the cloth," but young styled professionals complete with skinny jeans, v-neck pullovers, untucked button-ups, sock less slip-ons or tennis shoes and the most modern of eyewear.  Passionate preaching has been mothballed as confrontational and offensive.  Sermons are given as "talks" in a low-key, conversational tone.  Verse by verse exposition of scripture is passé.  Certain passages are determined to be overly controversial, therefore avoided.  New social ills have been adopted as the "cause" the church must address, while other biblical issues have become strangely silent...such as abortion and homosexuality (new "ills" must be addressed, but not to the exclusion of others).  Amazingly, topics like homosexuality are strongly avoided so as not to make those involved feel "unwelcome."  In their attempt to reach "all men," these "mod" ministers are simply appeasing them with a gospel that gives meaning and happiness to life, but requires no repentance or death to self.  Many of these "Celebrity Christians" have gained rock star appeal among their congregants and the media.  No longer are these men "the voice of one crying in the wilderness" or ones who "convince, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and teaching."  They are trend setters who want to make "Every Day a Friday." I contend that "Celebrity Christianity" within the church is reinforcing the narcissism in society, with a religious twist.  Now, lest I be misunderstood, I do not believe God is more "drawn" to a suit coat and tie over a pull-over and slip-ons.  An auditorium with a great sound system is not "less spiritual" than the one that cracks and pops.  What does concern me is the ideology that the church must mimic the world in order to reach it, lest we become irrelevant.  The Word of God is ALWAYS relevant and when preached correctly and thoroughly, will ALWAYS be controversial and confrontational.  Our job is not to make a name for ourselves or our church, but to make the name of Jesus famous.  It's not about being "hip", but being holy.  What we need today is not "Celebrity Christianity", but a revival of Selfless Spirituality.  

A Child-Like America

We were watching home videos last week and “getting a kick” out of the humorous antics of our children when they were quite young.  On one particular “episode”, the video captured a family tradition we held for a number of years…cutting down our own Christmas tree.  In the recording, Karen was filming our family members as we strolled through a Christmas tree farm looking for that “right one.”  Sarah was just a toddler and was content to be walking around with toys in her arms.  Nicole was being helpful, scouring the lines of trees with daddy, seeking the symmetrical, well-balanced cedar.  Joshua was being the typical “wildman” that he was in his younger years.

At one point in the video, Joshua is enjoying a candy sucker.  While the film is rolling, he takes a bite of the sucker, then decides he no longer wants the responsibility of finishing it.  He moves toward Karen, holding the sucker out to her and says, “I don’t want this anymore”, hands it off and takes off running to play.  He gave no thought to the fact that more sucker was left on the stick or that he might want it later.  Five or ten minutes down the road was never a consideration, but simply what he wanted to do right now.  Why did he act this way?  Because he was a child and children don’t think ahead.  Children give little thought to tomorrow or next week or next year, much less ten or twenty years in the future.  They only give consideration to what they want in the here and now.  This is the nature of a child.  Children do not understand the adage “play now, pay later.”  They only understand…play now!...coming from the foolishness that is bound up in their hearts.

The recent presidential election revealed a growing cultural shift in American thinking.  Whereas my great-grandparents, grandparents and even parents understood that life in a free, democratic society requires much hard work, the supporting of my own family and conscientious planning for future responsibilities and opportunities, current generations have adopted a “child-like” mentality.  The modern American sees the government like “mommy and daddy” who provides what I want and need…WHEN I WANT IT!  No thought for tomorrow.  No thought for the coming years.  It’s all about satisfying my wants and needs NOW.  We see this shift in thinking displayed when Americans are saddled with a 16 trillion dollars debt that is climbing by the second and don’t seem to care.  When President Obama entered the presidency, the debt was around 10 trillion.  In less than 4 years, his administration has added 5.4 trillion more, yet he was reelected.  This debt will be passed on to our children and grandchildren and beyond, but the majority of Americans seem unmoved by this fact.  Many college and university students voted for the current administration for one reason…they have been promised free or nearly free education.  No thought to the fact that funds needed to operate an institution of higher education must come from somewhere, if not tuition…and that “somewhere” is taxes leveled on the middle class income earners.  What happened to working your way through college, as I did, or taking out loans and actually paying them back?!  Many reelected the president and his associates due to “Obamacare”, which promises healthcare to all.  No thought given as to how this is going to be paid for when thousands will be added into the system who have no ability to contribute.  No thought to the rationing that WILL come.  No research into countries that have already tried this system and watched it miserably fail (ever wondered why many Canadians come to America for their healthcare?).  No thought to the financial burden it will lay on the backs of the already “over taxed.”  Abortion was another massive issue in this election that was carefully reported by the liberal media, so as not to overly arouse the pro-life conservatives, but to energize the pro-choice (pro-death) crowd.  Sadly, many in America want the “right” to extinguish the life within them so as not to be burdened with an “unwanted pregnancy.”  No thought to the life of the child.  No thought to the many who desperately want to adopt…just give me what I want and give it NOW!  America has become a nation of child-thinking people who want the federal government to be their nanny… “provide for me, give to me, do for me.”  Reminds me of Proverbs 30:15, “The leech has two daughters— Give and Give!”  Friend, unless Americans move away from this childish mentality and grow up, we are headed to destruction as a nation.  We will become like another European country…broke with no way to climb out!       

A Meeting with the President

Suppose I was awakened this morning by an official call from a government representative of our United States of America.  This official told me that I had been granted a one-on-one audience with the President tomorrow morning at 5:00 a.m. for breakfast.  How would I reply?  “Thank you for the offer, but 5:00 a.m. is really early.  I need my sleep, so I’ll pass this time.”  I think not!  Though I certainly don’t agree with most of our current President’s decisions and values, I would not pass the opportunity to meet with him and express my views and opinions as an American citizen.  Some opportunities are just too valuable to dismiss.

Well, I did not receive that call this morning, nor do I expect such an offer to come my way.  While I may never have the opportunity to meet the President face to face, I have an opportunity that is much greater than a breakfast date.  As a citizen of this great country, I have been given the wonderful privilege of voting into office the “Commander-in-Chief” of the United States of America.  In Romans 13:1, Christians are instructed by the Holy Spirit, through the pen of the Apostle Paul to “be subject to the governing authorities.”  This simply means that in whatever form of government a Christian finds himself, he is to obey that government, as long as he is not asked to violate the clear teachings of the Word of God.  A Russian is to obey his governing authorities, a Japanese is to obey his governing authorities, a South African is to obey his governing authorities, and on it goes around the world.  As citizens of the United States, our form of government is a democracy, allowing us the freedom and privilege of electing our leaders.  It is part of our responsibility as Americans.  Some might argue that, as Christians, we are no longer citizens of this earth, but of heaven.  In a spiritual sense, that is correct.  In an earthly sense, we are still here, living out our lives for God’s glory.  As a reminder, in Acts 25, Paul used the privilege of his Roman citizenship to gain an audience with Caesar upon being falsely accused and facing a death sentence.  He used the privilege afforded him as a citizen of an earthly government.  If I am to be subject to my governing authorities and these authorities give me the privilege of voting in and voting out leaders, based upon my values and beliefs, then I am to avail myself of this opportunity.  To refuse, in my opinion, is gross dereliction of duty.  It is reported that only about 50 percent of Christians in America are registered to vote.  Of those, only 50 percent show up at the polls, meaning 75 percent of all Christians are not taking advantage of one of their greatest privileges.  I find this statistic hard to swallow.  Edmund Burke was correct when he said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

Tomorrow morning, you will not likely be awakened with a phone call offering a meeting with the President, but something even greater.  You will have the privilege of voting.  Don’t decide to pass, but do your duty as a Christian American.  The future direction of America depends on it!  

Appreciating My Pastors

The church I have been privileged to serve for 9 ½ years, Fellowship Chapel, graciously honored her pastors tonight during our evening worship service.  Any minister of the gospel who has been favored to partner with believers who love the Word of God and soak in its preaching, who care for one another in word and deed and support the work of Christ at home and abroad…that minister is truly a blessed man.  I am such a one.  The precious people of Fellowship Chapel are a pastor’s breath of fresh air.

While pondering the encouragement I experienced, my thoughts turned to pastors who indelibly influenced my life through the years.  Some were instrumental in leading me to Christ, while others were disciplers, eventually resulting in my call to ministry.  While contact with most of these men was lost years ago, I hope to honor their lives by mentioning my memories of them.

Andrew Rushing was the first pastor I can remember.  He was a motorcycle riding minister that preached hard, but enjoyed life.  He liked to laugh, cut up and be with his flock.  Andrew was influential in my parent’s early life in Christ and was a great friend to our family.  As a joke, we even named a family pet dog after his wife…Dixie.  They were not offended, but thought it funny and laughed along side us.

Dan Allen was a singing preacher.  With guitar in tow, Bro. Allen sang in our small church with a tone comparable to Elvis.  He traveled with a gospel singing group before surrendering to the pastorate.  Dan was fairly “no nonsense” and preached straight.  If my memory serves me correctly, he volunteered with the fire department and was called out of services on occasions.  While Dad was at school for his work, Mom was forced to wrestle with rowdy boys.  My brother back-talked Mom after church one Sunday and Bro. Allen happened to overhear.  He got my brother’s attention and proceeded to inform him that if he back-talked my mother again, he would personally whip his backside in my father’s stead.  He made believers out of us and we didn’t misbehave in his presence again!

I vaguely remember Bro. Gill.  He was a big man whose suit coats were always too short for his muscular, long arms.  Gill played a little pro-football for the Browns, was a brown belt in Karate and taught self-defense in the military.  His testimony is what I remember the most.  Upon being called to ministry, he ran from the Lord and His calling.  On a family outing, Pastor Gill dove from a boat and hit his head on a submerged rock…paralyzing his body.  As he was sinking in the water, unable to move, two blonde haired boys swam to him, took his arms and brought him to the surface.  He awoke on the bank to the frantic calls of his family members.  He informed them of the two boys who saved his life only to find that no blonde haired boys were seen anywhere in the vicinity.  He was convinced that God sent angels to rescue him…and he submitted to God’s call to pastor.

My recollection of Bro. Jenkins is quite limited except that his pastorate taught me something very important.  This lesson lay dormant in my mental banks until God called me to ministry and I began serving in churches.  It was then that the principle modeled took on meaning.  While Bro. Jenkins pastored our church, he was forced to deal with a difficult situation that threatened to split the church.  He made a hard decision as biblically correct as he could.  A number of families, most of them kinfolk, were offended and eventually left the church to start a split off congregation.  Before leaving, these disgruntled members were determined to come against the pastor with all their might in hopes that he might pack his bags and leave.  My dad had a decision to make and his decision was to stand beside the pastor.  Dad concluded that as long as a pastor preached the Word accurately and kept himself morally clean, he should not be “run out of town.”  I physically observed my father being unfairly chastised by these petulant “brothers and sisters” in Christ.  He was addressed in such spiteful and unchristlike ways that these confrontations are still etched in my memory.  Bro. Jenkins’ pastorate taught me that a pastor must make hard decisions as biblically correct as possible, even when they have potential to cause him great criticism.  I also learned that believers should stand with their pastors unless they have good reason not to do so.  If a pastor preaches the Word rightly and maintains integrity of character, members should support him, no matter what may come.

Dr. Don Dunavant, better known to me “back in the day” as “Brother Don” had an enormous impact on my life and call to ministry.  My family moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas while I was in junior high school and we quickly found ourselves uniting with Fisher Street Baptist Church.  Several things drew us to the church, but one of the chief factors was Dr. Don’s preaching of the Word.  Church has been my life all of my life, affording the privilege to sit under the ministry of numerous pastors.  In most of our previous churches, we enjoyed the preaching of men who loved the Lord and did their best, but Don added a new element we had never experienced.  While he preached with great passion and conviction, his sermons reflected deep study of biblical doctrine, along with practical application.  His sermons were well prepared, easy to outline and anointed.  I grew more under his ministry than ever before.  I can truly say that we feasted on the Word in each service.  Don’s ministry was also marked by a passion for making disciples.  Numerous people came into our church during those years, not to mention a huge influx of college students.  Many of these were new converts who were won and discipled by Dr. Dunavant.  A significant number of these followers were called to full time ministry.  My calling to ministry actually took place under Don’s leadership after coming back to our church some years later as interim pastor.  I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Dr. Don Dunavant for modeling a true preacher of the gospel and pastor before my eyes, preparing me for what was to come.  An educated guess would lead me to believe that Don had no idea what a tremendous influence he was having on my life…a good lesson for all of us to remember.  And, he’s still very much “at it” today.  Kudos, “Bro. Don!” 

Last, but certainly not least, how could I mention pastors who helped shape my spiritual life without mentioning one of my dearest friends in all the world, Scott Price.  As a “fresh out of seminary” greenhorn young minister, Scott and Leighton Baptist Church in Alabama called me to be their second, full-time staff member.  With a head full of seminary learned knowledge and an empty bucket of experience, Scott took me under his wing and showed me the ropes.  I grew under his preaching, learned from watching his interaction with the congregation and was deeply impacted through the awareness of his prayer life.  It was under Scott that I learned how to study for a sermon, how to outline a passage, how to seek useful illustrations and how to preach with passionate urgency.  This young “Timothy” needed a “Paul” and God gave me one in Scott.  While ministry is a very serious calling that requires its shepherds to be sober minded, Scott also taught me that ministry can be very joyful.  We have cried many tears together, but we have also cleansed our lungs with much laughter.  With incredible gratefulness, our Lord is allowing our “Timothy/Paul” relationship to continue to this very day.

As you can readily see, many pastors invested in my life.  I am who I am, in part, because of the influence of these men of God.  While my involvement with most has been nonexistent for a number of years, I still want to give a “shout out” to them all and say “thank you” for giving of themselves to the work of the Master.  My life is a constant reminder that their labor was not in vain.