How Far Is Too Far?

Psalm 11:3

…while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

This week – I’m shamed to say – a UMC clergy person gave the opening prayer for congress and besides offering prayers to all sorts of idols and fake gods – closed his prayer with amen and awoman. I couldn’t believe that someone would go that far to fit into the politically correct crowd. I couldn’t believe that someone would be so ignorant of what amen means (uttered at the end of a prayer or hymn – meaning so be it) that they would turn it into a PC statement. How far with the left – the progressives go? Are there no truths for them? Are there no absolutes?

One of my favorite all-time shows is The Andy Griffith show. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – Aunt Bea and the Mayberry crowd. Times were good and even the unchurched were fairly moral people and they had good values in Mayberry. The setting for this show was the late 50’s and early 60’s – just a few states south of us. I’m not suggesting we could ever return to these times – nor should we strive to for sure – but it was a time when absolutes were accepted – even among the unchurched. Oh – there were things wrong – and they were not perfect – but their preacher would never end a prayer with amen and awoman.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry (and Mayberry wasn’t perfect for sure). Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child – and thinking my world was like this show. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society (and church at times – watch the news to see my point)? It seems that there are some in our society today that are trying to call sin – acceptable. They are trying to change established truths. I know – much about us needs to change – and over time – much has changed – but I ask – are there no absolutes?

Does Your Worldview Have Absolutes?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

One of my favorite shows comes on at different times and different channels most days – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on (or tape it for viewing later). The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many in Mayberry and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in town. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s – just a few states south of Maryland.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here and feeling safe. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. I remember doors without locks and a feeling of love and safety.

How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society? A 1994 survey conducted by Josh McDowell’s ministry team showed some startling results (even for 26 years ago). The study showed that among churched youth from 11-18 – within the last three months: 66% lied to a parent – teacher – or another adult; 59% lied to one of their peers; 36% cheated on an exam; and 23% intentionally tried to hurt someone. Additionally it showed that 55% have engaged in sexual behavior by age 18; 50% say they are stressed out; and 55% say they are confused. Remember – these were the churched youth! And only 26 years ago!

Grief is Real

Genesis 25:8

Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.

Yesterday I went with a family – some friends from younger years at another church – to spend some time with the body of their 30 year-old son who died Sunday – on Mother’s Day – in a car accident. As I stood with the family and tried to hold back the tears – my thoughts went to my nearly 30 year old daughters and eventually to my mom and my dad’s passing.

I was reminded of today’s passage – as I thought of my dad’s passing nearly 6 years ago. When dad passed – my dad was 84 – he would have bene 90 this summer. I would have loved to have had him around another 16 years or so – yet he was at a good old age when he died. He was ready to meet his Maker – even though he would have loved to stay around to be with a family that he loved and who loved him. One of the comforting thoughts I cling to even today is that as much as he loves us – he wouldn’t trade a moment of heaven for another moment with us. He is in God’s glory!

Are There Any Absolutes?

Matthew 7:26-27

Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

My favorite show comes on at different times – but as often as possible I try to be in front of the TV when it comes on. The Andy Griffith Show is one of my favorite all-time shows. I grew up watching Andy – Opie – Barney – and Aunt Bea. Times were good for many and even the unchurched were fairly moral and had values in Mayberry. This show took place during the 50’s & 60’s just a few states south of us.

I wish that the troubles Opie had would be the troubles our youth would get into today. Unfortunately – our youth – and our society as a whole – are far beyond the sins of Mayberry it seems. Our communities used to resemble Mayberry’s morals and values. I can remember growing up near here. As a matter of fact – I can remember watching Mayberry as a child. How did we get to the place we are today? How have we become so corrupt and sinful as a society?

Grief Needs To Be Processed

Genesis 25:8

Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people.

I ran across today’s passage again this week. It reminded me of my father who was 84 and although I would have liked to have had him around another 16 years or so – he was at a good old age when he died five years ago. Before he died he told me he was ready to meet his Maker – even though he would have loved to stay around to be with a family that he loved and who loved him. One of the comforting thoughts I cling to is that as much as he loves us – he wouldn’t trade a moment of heaven for another moment with us. He is in God’s glory!

As I processed and dealt with my father’s passing – over the next 4 plus years my siblings and I faced the passing of our mom as well. Dealing with death is not easy dear readers. I ran across the five stages of grief according to the Kubler-Ross model. Those five stages are 1) Denial, 2) Anger, 3) Bargaining, 4) Depression, and 5) Acceptance. A link to more information about these five stages of grief can be found here.