July 16, 2023

 

Are You Willing?

 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

 

I was reading a devotional the other day about those who refuse to confess their sins. You know them. They refuse to take responsibility for their actions. They are forever pointing fingers and blaming others for their decisions. They don’t change because they don’t see the need to do so.

 

It really hit home with me because I love someone who is doing just this. He has destroyed his family and, likely, will eventually destroy himself because he won’t admit that he did something wrong.

 

We tend to think of people like this as drug addicts or thieves but that’s not always the case. Sometimes it’s someone who commits adultery. It might be someone who can’t manage money and bankrupts themselves and their family. It could be someone who always lies just because they can.

 

It can also be someone who is abusive. How often do abusers blame their victims? How many times do rapists say it wasn’t their fault?

 

Jesus offers us a lifeline. He beckons us forward to confess our sins. He promises to forgive us and help us to be different, to do different, if we will only draw near to our Savior. It might be the hardest thing we ever do. It will also be the best thing we could ever do.

 

In my loved one’s case, he’s still pointing fingers and blaming others. He’s angry and lashes out at those around him. He wants to be “happy” but he’s the unhappiest he’s ever been. No one can reach him. Jesus waits but for now He’s on the sidelines.

 

Do you know anyone like that? Maybe you are that person? Does anger consume you? Is everything bad that happens always someone else’s fault? Are you putting yourself before everyone you claim to love?

 

Jesus waits. He’s ready to help you. But first you have to confess your sins. You must accept responsibility. You have to lay down your pride and admit you don’t have all the answers. Jesus has the answers. He alone can free you and heal you. Are you willing to let Him?

October 2, 2018

Make A Different Choice

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

The party was loud and wild. Drunk teens stumbling to their cars. Disrobed teens scattered around the front yard. Young men using a decorative fountain as a urinal. And the police not responding because, well, no one wants to take on one of the town’s “elite” families.

Where were the parents? It’s an obvious question. No one seems to know. It wasn’t the first time such a party occurred. In fact, the party were back the next night.

Sadly, many of these kids are “Christians.” They were raised in church. They attend church. They have all the right clothes, gadgets and cars. They have every advantage but one: They apparently don’t have parents who supervise and hold them accountable for bad behavior.

Why? Another obvious question. It’s difficult to condemn what you do on a regular basis. Oh, they might not do it in public but the teens see the drunken revelry in their own homes. They hear the sexual comments. They know about the affairs, the parties, the driving when drunk.

I wish I didn’t know all these things. I wish it were something in another town, another neighborhood, another family. But it happened right here. It still happens. When will it end? How many lives must be destroyed before someone says enough?

Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

– Ephesians 6:4

Some of the parents are quick to point the finger at others. They demand that God be placed back in the schools. I can only shake my head. They need, first, to put God back in their homes. They need, first, to clean themselves up and be an example to their kids of how people of faith should live. They should be the example of upright living and not of debauchery.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12

But whether parents do their job or not, teens can and must rise above bad examples and live upright lives that are dedicated to God. Parents can learn from their children. They can see good and change. Kids shouldn’t have to lead the way but, make no mistake, they can.

This is a sad situation that plays out far too often in way too many towns. Teens, refuse to be sucked in by peer pressure. And parents, step up and set a better example. Stop blaming others when your kids get in trouble because they’re following in your footsteps.

Every day begins anew with a chance to take a different path. Take it.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Be Sensitive To Others

"It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." -- Romans 14:21

Alcohol is a big deal in the Deep South. There are those who argue vehemently that the Bible says don't drink. It doesn't say that but you'll never convince them. The other side is just as adamant. They argue that there's nothing wrong with drinking alcohol, especially in moderation.

Another big issue in this part of the country involves food. Lots and lots of food. We do church suppers like nobody else. If the table isn't groaning, something is dreadfully wrong. Desserts will line one long wall. Table after table after table of delicious concoctions. We all get a plate and get started. A taste of this and a taste of that and we're on a sugar high that won't end for a week.

Nobody ever suggests doing away with the dessert table. They'd probably kick you out of the church, and possibly the South, for even suggesting such a thing. We tend to ignore news reports about our obese nation and the health problems all that extra weight causes.

The Bible verse above and others in the same chapter are frequently used by those who oppose alcohol. They insist we shouldn't sell alcohol because some folks have a problem with it. We don't want to encourage drinking or tempt alcoholics. Certaintly, Paul warns against doing anything that would cause someone else to fall.

Where does that leave dessert? Everyone knows someone who is obese. Most of us are overweight. Many people are dealing with weight-related health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Where are the people intent on protecting others from bad influences? If they're going to condemn alcohol, surely cakes, cookies and pies deserve the same fate.

Wait a minute. I don't hear anything. You mean nobody wants to ban desserts from the church social? Are cookies and cupcakes forever going to tempt us as we move down the grocery store aisles? Remember Paul didn't limit his example to alcohol. He included meat and anything else that might cause your brother to fall.

I realize that to some people dessert and alcohol are nothing alike. Drunks can and do have car wrecks that kill innocent people. Overweight people usually destroy their own health. They also hurt their families and take a huge chunk out of all our pocketbooks. They suffer an addiction much like an alcoholic.

Each of us has different weaknesses, just as we have different strengths. We should help those around us as they struggle, whether it is with alcohol, food or anything else. That means don't drink in front of an alcoholic. And don't serve a rich dessert to someone struggling with weight issues. We should be sensitive to those around us even as we exercise our right to partake of something the Bible doesn't ban. Paul gave us sound advice. We should follow it.