Admittedly, many of my posts could be construed as being rather cynical and sarcastic. I readily own the sarcasm, but would take some issue with the cynicism. Exposing the futility and hypocrisy in Christendom is not cynicism - it's realism.
Be that as it may, let this "positive" post be my gift to all who read it. Rest assured however, I will be ladling out healthy portions of "cynicism" soon enough.
Fortunately, the Christmas season still has a "magical" feel to it, and this feel has nothing to do with buying and selling stuff. It has all to do with family, memories, goodwill, and deference to our Lord and Savior: Jesus Christ. It is only through these blessings that we recognize God's love toward us. Blessings such as family, friends, food, music, visits, snow (where applicable), and church take on more meaning during the this season.
The "magic" is especially sweet for believers at this time of year; even the unsaved can get caught up in it (often, in spite of their own ignorance). The "magic" I refer to is the dynamic of thinking of others first and the spirit of giving that blossoms during the Christmas Season. The ignorance I refer to is of not understanding the genesis (pun intended), that spurs these "glad tidings". It's not tradition, or how you were raised, or the true "goodness" in people surfacing (you're kidding, right?!). It is that God has not allowed man to totally push him out of the picture, and therefore, Satan does not have free reign. He certainly roams, but he does not reign.
Most of the year God demonstrates his Grace and Presence via believers who live according to his commandments. During the Christmas Season he lets unbelievers in on the act. Obviously, not everyone gets into it. We're not in Paradise yet, so "...yes Virginia, there really is a Grinch." But you have to admit, the overall tone is much nicer.
We've all heard "...God so loved the world...", but during Christmas we get more of the "world loving God". Much of it may be posturing and based on sentiment more than anything else, but I still enjoy the vibe! So, tell someone "Merry Christmas", but remember that we all can claim the most awesome gift ever given: Jesus Christ. All we have to do is receive Him. If you haven't, ask, and start reading the instruction manual (it's called the Bible).
Friday, December 25, 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Thing's Aren't Always As They Seem - Pt 4
As Dolty discovered, some of these folks were headed to restaurants for lunch. He thought it odd that they would patronize a business operating on the Lord's Day, let alone behave as they did. The group he followed complained about everything, from the wait to be seated, take the order, bring the food, bring the check, pick-up the check, and bring the receipt. They also didn't like the waitress, condition of the utensils (water spots), or the food itself. As we've learned, Dolty is no Rhodes Scholar, but even he could see the irony in this situation. Shouldn't God's people be thankful for even the bare essentials, let alone the blessing of being able to enjoy luxuries in life - like dining out?
"Hah, Dolty mused, "they're upset by spots on their silverware, wait till they come see me!"
As he continued observing the different behaviors, the one constant thread that kept emerging was how people spent the rest of the day. Many of them disconnected from any semblance of it being the the Lord's Day as soon as they left the church parking lot. There were no more thoughts of holiness as they went off eating, shopping, visiting, or enjoying some kind of entertainment. Maybe they went home to do chores or watch movies or TV. Many families went off in different directions to pursue their own interests. Making things even better in Dolty's eyes was what the self-proclaimed Christians were doing and watching. They were cussing and using the Lord's name in vain, being selfish, angry, watching and listening to things promoting all things worldly such as illicit sex, profanity, covetousness, immorality, violence; generally behaving no different than non-believers.
So, Dolty learned, as they say, "statistics are for losers." The polls may indicate that you can't turn around without bumping into a Christian, but in reality it's more likely you can't turn around without bumping into a hypocrite.
Sorry folks, forgot to indicate this was the conclusion of the story. Thanks for indulging me. I'll be back posting per usual very soon.
"Hah, Dolty mused, "they're upset by spots on their silverware, wait till they come see me!"
As he continued observing the different behaviors, the one constant thread that kept emerging was how people spent the rest of the day. Many of them disconnected from any semblance of it being the the Lord's Day as soon as they left the church parking lot. There were no more thoughts of holiness as they went off eating, shopping, visiting, or enjoying some kind of entertainment. Maybe they went home to do chores or watch movies or TV. Many families went off in different directions to pursue their own interests. Making things even better in Dolty's eyes was what the self-proclaimed Christians were doing and watching. They were cussing and using the Lord's name in vain, being selfish, angry, watching and listening to things promoting all things worldly such as illicit sex, profanity, covetousness, immorality, violence; generally behaving no different than non-believers.
So, Dolty learned, as they say, "statistics are for losers." The polls may indicate that you can't turn around without bumping into a Christian, but in reality it's more likely you can't turn around without bumping into a hypocrite.
The End
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