Destructive elements in Christian living. |
Pastor’s Sermon this morning exactly mirrored my prayer concerns over the last weeks. I saw a bear, huge, upright, very fluffy in a burnt honey shade. He looked so cuddly, but the warning was that he had sharp teeth. As I have been praying about it I had the thought that the bear was our culture which has permeated church communities and contaminated them to a major degree. The sermon spoke of flattery and flirting as very dangerous activities for Christians, as they involve a damaged self image and a desperate need for something in terms of recognition. I could add a lot of things to the list of problems with self-image, or an image that doesn’t co-ordinate with God’s image of us. They would be all the cultural distractions from the holiness of God – much of TV, radio, teaching in schools and businesses, certain programs accessed on computers, just as a beginning. But the whole question of self-image is interesting. Only man has it. There’s a bear in there! “ A bear? Where? Where?” “In church. See there?” “Can you see the bear?” “It’s a fashion trend With a flirty look. It’s a magazine With a gossip hook. It’s a leading man With an undead past. It’s a promise made That doesn’t last. It’s a lazy trend That wastes the time, And doesn’t relate To the heart sublime.” “I always said that We musn’t judge.” “But we must discern, Maybe give a nudge.” “But the Scripture says Take the beam out first.” “That’s exactly right, And so we must - But then we durst Turn a sinner back, Save a soul from death For His great love’s sake. Our lampstand must Remain in place. Sexuality May not seduce. Toleration and Compromise Bring death. Not there the White stone lies. Comfort Gospel (Jezebel’s whim And society’s ease ) Is a preacher’s sin. Earthly treasure will Close the eye so The Light is dim Where many go.” “But Jesus promised His healing hand, Great plans for our future We understand.” “You’re right, He did But the problem is It’s not in the carnal His purpose lies. It’s in character building Through struggle ,pain And sacrifice Again and again, Until His children Can submit To his greater plan In a perfect fit. Until they can get A handle on His vision for Life And eternity strong. Will you go there? With determined tread And a single mind His purpose read? Will you open your page In His blueprint plan And download a copy To your hard drive, (wo) Man? |