November 10, 2018

Your Choice

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. – Galatians 5:1

We are blessed to live in this country. We are blessed by the many freedoms we enjoy. We have the freedom to worship as we choose. We have the freedom to speak freely. Do we use that freedom wisely?

I spent the early years of my career as a journalist. That’s right. A newspaper reporter. In Mass Communications classes, we studied how tabloids can use words to manipulate the truth. It seemed so clear. In reality, it wasn’t. That’s why so many people bought tabloids filled with lies that were bolstered by tidbits of truth.

It breaks my heart to see that happening in such a widespread way. I know. People love it. They buy into the lies. In our deepest parts, we love gossip and the drama that it brings. But it is just so wrong.

The press corps has become filled with people who are out to make a name for themselves. They will report almost anything just because they can. It’s all about being first rather than being right. It’s that mob mentality that turns frenzied at the first sight of its victim.

President Trump fuels that. He’s good at it. He always has been. Except this isn’t reality television where ratings determine your success. This is real life, real people, real events. It’s not okay to use your power and platform to condemn at random and to spread lies when it’s convenient.

Christ died to set us free so that we could live like Him, not so that we could implode in a field of lies. We don’t get to pick and choose which parts of the Bible we believe. Either you love Jesus as He is or you don’t.

That means loving people, including people you disagree with. That means tempering your words, being kind and forgiving and merciful. It means standing up for what’s right, even if it steps on your own political toes. It’s not about you. It’s not about me. It’s about Jesus. When did we lose sight of that?

It’s hard these days to determine fact from fiction. There are some really good reporters out there who deserve respect from everyone. They try hard to get the story right. That means stepping on toes. That means upsetting everyone. Because when you’re walking that line of truth, no one is happy with you.

It would be far easier to gather a bunch of folks together, call them reporters or news anchors, throw out a few “facts” and let them hash out their opinions. Label it news and watch the ratings skyrocket. Most folks don’t bother to check out what they’re hearing or reading to make sure it’s truth. I suppose if something is said enough times people stop doubting its validity.

Christ didn’t set us free to spread lies and hate. Every time we watch a “news” channel that does that, we are betraying Him. Every time we “share” something without making sure it’s true, we betray Jesus. We spread hate and discord because the drama feels good. Otherwise, why would we bother to listen or read something that upsets us?

Lies beget lies. Hate begets hate. Jesus? Well, Jesus is all about love. You have the freedom to choose who you will follow. Will it be the world with all it’s anger and hate? Or will it be Jesus, who beckons us to love and care for others? Your choice. I pray you choose wisely.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Christ Lives Within Us

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. -- Galatians 2:20

Folks are beginning to think about Easter. The ladies are shopping for a new dress with shoes to match. The kids eagerly anticipate the Easter bunny and all the chocolate they can imagine. Family gatherings are planned for after the required church service. It will be a glorious day.

Too bad we don’t spend as much time and effort remembering the days leading up to that empty tomb. We forget that sacrifice, rushing past it’s agony and moving on to the glory. But there can be no glory without the cross.

My cross. Your cross. The cross Jesus willing died on to pay for my sins and yours. We like to think of that in general terms. He died for all humanity. He died for everyone. It’s somehow easier than looking in the mirror and saying, “Jesus died for me.”

Some days I imagine myself in His shoes. I think about the whip, with nails entwined in the strap, coming down on my skin again and again. I imagine trying to carry that heavy cross beam, that scholars estimate weighed at least 75 lbs. Then the cross itself. The nails going in. The hours of agony as it becomes harder and harder to breath.

For me. He did it for me. He paid for my sins. His agony was because of me. And I died right there with Him. His victory over sin gave me life. So now I live anew, with His heart within me.

How does that change me? Do I still want what I want or do I yield those desires to the One who gave up everything for me? Do I still worry and fret over things I cannot control or change or do I give them to the One who defeated death? Because He lives within me, my life rests within His almighty hands.

It changes how I view life. It changes how I view others. Problems seem smaller when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. People seem different when I see them through the eyes of Jesus. I look out on a world that seems so dark and yet there is light. Hope. A chance of forever with a Savior who gave all He had to save you and me.

It’s fun to get all dressed up on Easter. It’s great to celebrate and gather with family and friends to share joy and great food. But let us never, ever forget the cost.