Over the last two weeks, I have heard or seen into the lives of many students who are struggling. It has caused me to take an introspective look to see what my own life is reflecting as I see many of them, projecting the world.

These are young men and women who have been deeply committed to Christ, but who seem to be accepting a gospel other than that of Jesus Christ. They seem to have exchanged the truth of God for a lie. A lie that looks like truth, because it has at its edges the frayed ribbons of former glory.

They have taken on much that the world openly accepts and condones to be part of their "christian" experience, yet there is nothing Christlike in it.

Who can blame them. It gets old being the butt of everyone's jokes. Every time I hear or see statistics quoted, believers are on the ugly end of them. We are either being too judgmental, or we are not doing enough. There is no middle ground. Even as I write, I tend to display extremes in Christian behavior. Those who give their lives and those who won't even give their time.

Most of us reside in the middle somewhere. But if we are resting in the comfort of middle ground, then we are not doing what we should to draw others to the hem of His robe.

In Oklahoma, fewer people were baptized last year than in any year prior to record keeping, save the first one. What does that reflect? Is it important? Should it intensify our resolve to get serious about our relationship or should it be further fodder for the fact that numbers can be manipulated to reflect just about anything?

Who in their right mind would continue to follow a "Savior" that brought his followers to ridicule? Why would I share my faith with someone who will statistically reject it? Why risk it? There is enough rejection in this world without having to seek it out by openly living in defiance of all the world embraces.

Does it not make more sense to integrate kernels of deception from our world, into our faith practice so that it is more enticing to others? Would they not more willingly receive it if the price were less?

A "Holy Spirit" will dwell within you? Angels are real? Jesus rose from the dead? Anyone who doesn't believe in Jesus as the Son of God is bound for hell?

Who can accept these?

Let's dilute the truth of the Bible to fit any circumstance we happen to believe in the moment. This way, it will be less offensive. Let's deny what it actually says so that it will reach out an embrace others more readily. Less condemnation would be nice. I don't like being judged.

If I want to live a particular way, who and what is the Bible to say any different. After all, it was written before men and women were industrialized. It could have no concept of our lives today, therefore it could not have less bearing on who and what we are.

Another thing, let me interpret it to say what I need it to say so that I can do what I want, when I want, and not catch any more flack for it. That's a truth I can stand on.

Let there be no more false prophets that tell me what I want to hear to justify any action I choose to take. Let's just strike that part from the pages, or at least pretend it doesn't mean what it says. I could support that bible. Let's call them "preferential prophets." That is more "pc" anyway.

Let's rewrite the 10 commandments to be openly accepting of anything we deem appropriate. Certainly, more will be "saved" if fewer feel condemned.

You know, pornography is really not so bad, for that matter, "child pornography" should be okay in a few years if we can just warm up to the fact that certain people are simply predisposed to it. Let's make that ok.

Alcohol? Smoking anything of your choice? All should be fine. After all, they are refined from naturally occurring products, created by God.

Taking the Lord's name in vain? You know that is so yesterday's issue. Everybody does it. Let's say that is ok, too.

Sex is something all of the animal kingdom does when and where they want. They are just not intelligent enough to enjoy it like we do. Let's lift up shows that make any sexual choice we want to make okay for anyone to watch. It has no real impact on anyone. Their going to have sex at some point anyway. What's the big deal? Let's rewrite certain "scriptural" texts, to reflect our way of thinking.

Our new motto will be, "Absolute Truth is Gone, the Truth of Your Choice has Come."

The new commandment is this: Do what you want, when you want, anywhere you want. If you offend someone in the process? Oh well, it's always easier to get forgiveness than permission.

HAD ENOUGH?


We must recognize the difference between the sheep and the goats.

frustration and what i would like to believe is righteous anger, wells up in me at the realization that those the Lord has placed His hand upon, are embracing lies. i need to reach out in love, to them and to the lost. i cannot tolerate what the 'prince of this world' is offering as an alternative to Truth. i must do what i can to minister to those who are falling down, because surely, i am among them.

dad