November 2, 2024

                 What’s In Your Heart?

“You have heard it said to our ancestors, ‘Do not murder,’ and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.”

– Matthew 5:21-22

Surely I’d misunderstood. I watched the clip again. No. I hadn’t misunderstood. Donald Trump really said it.

He said that Liz Cheney, former congresswoman from Wyoming, should be shot. Her great sin? She opposes Trump and has vowed to use her influence to keep him from being elected again.

Why am I surprised? This is a man who incited the January 6th assault on the United States Capitol. He says he admires Hitler. And he vows revenge on anyone who disagrees with him.

I will likely never understand how Christians can support such a candidate. I hear all the excuses. They claim they aren’t voting for the man but rather for the values and policies he represents.

How can anyone support a candidate who thinks that those who disagree with him belong in jail or in a coffin? That’s not from Jesus. That’s not about love or mercy or kindness.

I am appalled by Trump. I have been for quite some time. But what saddens me most are those people who attend church every Sunday and still believe Trump’s words and actions are acceptable.

One day we will all be judged by what’s in our hearts. What’s in yours? Do you think that those who disagree with you deserve death? Do you spew out ugly names toward those who believe differently than you do?

Donald Trump continues to divide our country and our churches. He does this because we allow it. Jesus said to love people. The Bible even tells us to love our enemies. We are to pray for those who persecute us.

I pray for Donald Trump’s soul. I also pray for you and me and for our great nation. Will we stand up for what Jesus truly said? Or will we fall to Satan’s lies?

Following Jesus isn’t about attending church on Sunday mornings. It’s about what’s in your heart. Your reaction to Trump’s words reveal what’s truly in your heart.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Mothers As Murderers?

The LORD said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: ‘Any Israelite or any alien living in Israel who gives any of his children to Molech must be put to death. The people of the community are to stone him.’” -- Leviticus 20:1-2

The news was horrific. A mother charged with murdering her 11-year-old son and attempting to murder her 15-year-old son. I’m sure the coming days will reveal more information. Police will search for a motive. Family, friends and neighbors will be shocked.

We all are shocked. We’ve seen this scenario played out in the media too many times in recent years. Mothers are supposed to love and protect their children. Not kill them. It’s beyond comprehension because we assume all mothers -- and fathers -- love their children and that’s just not the case.

We don’t look for it because we can’t wrap our minds around that type of horror. Talk to somebody with child protective services. I’m sure they could tell you a few stories. Assumptions are frequently wrong. And by not opening our eyes, by refusing to see what is sometimes in front of us, we may miss crucial warning signs that could save a child’s life.

We want to believe that parents we know would never harm their children. We go to church with them, see them at school functions, maybe even work with them. They live across the street or play golf at the same club. They’re like us. Except they’re not.

News Flash: Parents don’t always love their children. It doesn’t matter who they are in the community, where they live, what kind of car they drive or whether you like them or not. Otherwise good people sometimes really should never have had children.

I can’t imagine how this young survivor will cope in the coming days and months. It’s not just that he lost his brother. Or that he’s battling his own injuries. It’s learning to accept that the person who should have loved him most in this world is the person who tried to end his life. How do you trust after that?

You turn to God. I pray that young man is surrounded by people who will help him rely on God’s strength and wisdom to navigate this horrible journey. It’s the only thing that will keep him sane and lead him to some measure of peace with circumstances he couldn’t control and can never change.