As we audition and choose the voice that fits us, God's love words offer counsel.
FATHER OF LIES
Recently a Presidential candidate mentioned "the father of lies". The outcry was "outlandish!"
The 2,000-year-old book and best-seller of all time speaks of an eternal struggle between good and evil. The one in the black hat is Satan and the book calls him "the father of lies". So what exactly was outlandish? Thinking the struggle exists? Thinking Satan is the father of lies? Believing the book? Speaking truth?
In today's world, disregard for the love words may cause them to appear unfamiliar.
THE AUTHOR OF SUCCESS
The best-selling book declares the plan for marriage and healthy living. It sets out marriage as being for a man and woman and sex as being for marriage. The Author of that plan is a gentleman, not a bully. His book offers a path to success with optional compliance. Do the voices which demand different choices have the right to buck His words? Sure. But who bucks success? Our Father weeps at the choices that take us far from Him.
PROTECTING THE HELPLESS
One thing the book explains is that man has a dark heart. Nowhere is that seen more clearly than in the issue of abortion. Some voices hear the love words "before I formed you in the womb I knew you" and they take great comfort. Other voices demand a cruel option.
For just a moment, set aside thinking about the ones pulled out of the womb and only consider the ones who survive abortions. Think of the multiple times a former Illinois State Senator voted "present" rather than vote to protect babies born alive. Think how that process of not coming to the aid of a living baby would play out. Who is extreme in this issue?
UNREASONABLE
When the argument is made for Iran to have nukes, some say that they are a sovereign nation with the right to arm themselves as other nations do. But not all nations are the same. Predatory haters whose stated purpose is to wipe others off the globe...GIVE UP their option of a seat at the table with reasonable people.
God loves all people equally and the book proclaims His offer of another kingdom to ALL. But not all take Him up on His gracious offer. In third grade if you don't play well with others, your name goes on the board. Lately the board is full of names.
If the love words come into conflict with the government, what happens? We can see clearly in Iran today.
A man named Youcef Nadarkhani read the book and believed. For that he is sentenced to be put to death soon. He was given a chance to recant Christ, but refused. Youcef's resolute spirit withstood the arrest and imprisonment of his wife, separation from his boys, as well as his own three year imprisonment.
The words which saved Youcef also inspired and structured our government with liberty and freedom. That's a terrific application of the love words...and the polar opposite of a theology that operates under the letter of the law.
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF
Prevailing wisdom regarding public faith seems to be don't ask or tell; faith needs to be private. Is that what the love words say?
No. In fact, the book says we were made for the PRECISE purpose of telling others about Christ.
A famous Christian spoke of going to heaven and taking as many with him as he could. That's a far cry from Youcef's story because this believer wasn't putting a gun to anyone's head. But this Christian's freedom and assurance are so precious to him, he wants others to get in on it. Jesus said if He be lifted up (spoken of) He would draw men.
THE HELP
There are many self-help books on every subject under the sun. Amazingly, the Bible addresses all of our issues and then guides us home. What a TREASURE to be opened daily. As our nation seeks her national voice, it seems reasonable to listen to the voice auditions with an informed heart. The Lord's ancient love words are true. May He open our hearts to hear.
Holy words, long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home.
Ancient words, ever true
Changing me, changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart.
(song lyrics by Michael W. Smith)
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