I'm not going to lie, I've been reluctant to write this post as (contrary to what some may think), my goal is not to anger as many people as possible (especially other Christians). But three reasons compel me to forge ahead.
First: The Bible supports it
Second: I have lived it
Third: A movie we own emboldened me
The third reason requires some elaboration. It's "A Man Called Peter". Set in WWII America, it is the life story of preacher Peter Marshall. This is not going to be a movie review (my daughter does wonderful reviews on her blog), but anyone who loves Jesus should enjoy the movie. Anyway, there is a scene where a college age Catherine (Marshall's future wife), makes a speech at a youth rally. The crux of her talk is that women have lost much more than they have gained attaining "equality" with men. I don't know if the speech is authentic, but the content is tremendous in it's Biblical view of womanhood.
So, here we go. In a perfect world (i.e. Biblical), women would be content at home supporting their husband, raising a family; generally creating a loving environment. The home should be a Godly Haven (especially in these times), where a man can escape the strife of modern society. Creating this environment is certainly a full-time job. As the Bible tells us: the woman who can manage this is more precious than jewels. My wife has done this the near 20 years we have been married. Believe me when I say she is more precious than jewels (or newer cars, more toys, fancy vacations).
Of course there are exceptions due to life's circumstances; not just lifestyle choices. I believe these would fall into four main categories:
a husband can't work
a husband won't work
a woman is single
children have moved out on their own and husband agrees
In any of these scenarios a woman could enter the workforce to whatever degree it didn't adversely affect her primary responsibility as a homemaker (by the way, homemaker should carry more esteem than CEO. Women who are good at their job are far more common than women who are homemakers; let alone good ones!). There are shades of grey within these categories, but I don't have time to discuss them here. Suffice to say I understand some women must work.
Stating that, let me get back to why that should be the exception; not the rule.
The Bible clearly portrays this arrangement. Women are described as "weaker vessels". This is weaker as in delicate; as a fine porcelain object is more delicate than a common wooden object. This weaker vessel is to be protected and highly valued - not thrown out into our contemptuous world to battle it out with men providing for their families.
What women have mostly become emancipated from in this post-modern society is the pedestal they were on. Why should men "gaze up" to the woman on the pedestal? She's no longer there. She's next to him at work, at the bar, at the gym. Heck, she's sitting right next to him at the traffic light on her Harley (sporting her own tattoos, no doubt). All too often these days she's not the "fairer sex" offering God's counterbalance to men who generally trend toward the brutish. She's right there encouraging and participating in this behavior; whether it's laughing at smutty jokes or enjoying cage fighting. Women have come down to our level; that's not good. I've heard statistics indicating that women are not only earning degrees at rates surpassing men, but also suffering from heart disease and strokes. It sure seems like the trade-off is not worth it.
So why? Because over the last 50-60 years women have been sold a bill of goods; being a wife and mother isn't enough. Of course the unsaved weren't hard to convince, but even believers have bought into it. I know couples (speaking of self-described believers), who both work (often both high-paying jobs), for no other reason than to enjoy a higher standard of living. They could comfortably live on the husbands income if they would fore go some "luxuries" such as brand new cars, newer, bigger houses, expensive and/or frequent vacations, expensive clothes, toys, etc. Granted, luxury is a subjective based on income, but if you can't afford it on the man's income after paying bills and tithing; it could be a luxury.
The template we followed as a married couple was established in the early 1900's as people moved from farms and men started working away from home. Women stayed home and created that soothing environment that a husband could look forward to after "slogging it out" in the world of commerce and manufacturing.
As my parents, we started off in a small, older house, in a not-so-ritzy part of town. We drove used cars, didn't take many vacations, and had to adhere to a budget (especially after our first child). We were (and are), happy and wanted for nothing. A lot of people were surprised we were able to pull this off (and I bet they would have been shocked if they knew how little my income actually was).
Over the years, God has blessed us immeasurably, but the two constants have been the ability to provide for our family and a loving wife/mother who understands there is no higher calling for a a woman than to maintain a Godly home for her family. She could have chosen the common path, as she has a Bachelor's and could have made good money in the education field. Thankfully, God planted in us the desire for the eternal and imperishable rather than the temporal and perishable (i.e. stuff).
I am not saying Christians can't enjoy material pleasures or have to live in the seedy part of town and drive rust-buckets. I am saying that a husband and wife should fulfill their God-ordained roles first, then feel free to enjoy whatever material blessings the Lord allows them.
In addition, when a wife becomes a mother, the imperative nature of all of this is heightened. As children are gifts from God, raising them Biblically is a 24/7 responsibility for the parents - especially the mother. No component of this should be left to strangers (i.e. daycare). We have two teens that my wife has home-schooled, so not only have we controlled curriculum, we have been able to control environment and reinforce values until that inevitable time when they function more in the "world", but hopefully don't become more "of the world".
My desire is that this is an encouragement for those sharing our experience, or those who may be considering the option.
God made us man and woman to compliment each other, not compete against each other.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Hater? I Think Not
Based on views, I feel I should apologize for not posting sooner; based on comments I'm not sure it really matters. Being a husband, father (of teens), still working, along with taking care of the normal "stuff" and trying to keep myself in shape with recreation; it gets tough to carve out the time for a post. I like to think that my thoughts are shared by others, but with no comments, it's hard to tell - and a bit discouraging. A few brief comments would go a long way toward encouragement. Anyway, enough of the whining; on to the subject at hand.
As true believers, we don't hate anyone in the sense that the world means it. We truly hate the sin, not the sinner; whereas those of the world truly hate the sinner and usually couldn't give a fig about the sin. They hate those of different skin color, religion, economic/social status, music taste, clothing taste, etc. And since the whole unrepentant lot of them are sinners, it never enters the equation. Christians on the other hand, hate the sin that keeps the person wallowing in it from Christ. We want the best possible for everyone: a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I hate that there is way too much of the wrong hate in the world, and not nearly enough of the right hate. And that's because I love what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for me (and you).
I have been accused of being a "hater" when I express disapproval of those who conduct themselves contrary to God's Will. First off - I hate the word hater. We didn't need a new word. We already had critic, judge, cynic, complainer, etc. But even if I accepted the word used by others; it's not accurate. Definitions of hater indicate that the one "hating" has no real basis or reason for their "hate". Well, if I am using God's standard, how could there be a more solid basis? When the Bible uses the word hate it indicates God's direct disapproval or how a believer should react to anything in this category. Essentially, a believer should hate what God hates. So, that's where I'm coming from when I post about the general state of our society.
So yes, I hate it when the fruit of the spirit enumerated in Galatians 5:23 is scarce, but reprobate behavior is everywhere (most disturbingly in the churches). I don't expect to eliminate it as we are told in these times there will be mockers and those who only want to hear what they want to (certainly not what God says), but we can certainly refrain from participating.
I used to participate in the same revelries as most of society, but when I became saved the Holy Spirit convicted me that changes were needed. Inappropriate movies were disposed of (not just put away: trashed (gratuitous violence/sex/language is inappropriate for any follower of Christ - young or old), alcohol was removed from our house (a drink may be alright; a drunk is never alright), music promoting/lauding bad behavior was avoided, and similar type
conversation (especially gossip), was ignored. This is no small feat in this age. Even among professing believers, we have been considered a bit extreme. However debatable that may be, I would much rather err on the cautious side. Even as believers, we can never actually attain or maintain God's standards (try the Ten Commandments on for size), but by setting our sights on them we should come a lot closer than most do. So many live out the philosophy of seeing how close they can get to fire (sin), and not get burned. The prudent course is stay as far away as you can from the fire, then there is no doubt as to whether you're scorched or not. As 1 Thessalonians exhorts: don't even give the impression that you're involved in evil.
When self-proclaimed Christians "hang out" with unbelievers, they have to be extra careful to be set-apart; to be salt and light, not just go along to get along. Some situations are just going to be off-limits. Yeah, you can (I have), go with unbelieving friends to a place that serves alcohol (I personally gave up alcohol 5 years ago; I want to always be able to give Jesus my best, and I don't want to be a stumbling block), but you better be real sure how to conduct yourself. There is no way to justify (knowingly), going to an inappropriate movie, or anyplace that allows or promotes that kind of behavior. You won't often find the fruit of the Spirit in environments such as these. If you find yourself in one; you better exhibit the fruit.
So yes, I hate it when the fruit of the spirit enumerated in Galatians 5:23 is scarce, but reprobate behavior is everywhere (most disturbingly in the churches). I don't expect to eliminate it as we are told in these times there will be mockers and those who only want to hear what they want to (certainly not what God says), but we can certainly refrain from participating.
I used to participate in the same revelries as most of society, but when I became saved the Holy Spirit convicted me that changes were needed. Inappropriate movies were disposed of (not just put away: trashed (gratuitous violence/sex/language is inappropriate for any follower of Christ - young or old), alcohol was removed from our house (a drink may be alright; a drunk is never alright), music promoting/lauding bad behavior was avoided, and similar type
conversation (especially gossip), was ignored. This is no small feat in this age. Even among professing believers, we have been considered a bit extreme. However debatable that may be, I would much rather err on the cautious side. Even as believers, we can never actually attain or maintain God's standards (try the Ten Commandments on for size), but by setting our sights on them we should come a lot closer than most do. So many live out the philosophy of seeing how close they can get to fire (sin), and not get burned. The prudent course is stay as far away as you can from the fire, then there is no doubt as to whether you're scorched or not. As 1 Thessalonians exhorts: don't even give the impression that you're involved in evil.
When self-proclaimed Christians "hang out" with unbelievers, they have to be extra careful to be set-apart; to be salt and light, not just go along to get along. Some situations are just going to be off-limits. Yeah, you can (I have), go with unbelieving friends to a place that serves alcohol (I personally gave up alcohol 5 years ago; I want to always be able to give Jesus my best, and I don't want to be a stumbling block), but you better be real sure how to conduct yourself. There is no way to justify (knowingly), going to an inappropriate movie, or anyplace that allows or promotes that kind of behavior. You won't often find the fruit of the Spirit in environments such as these. If you find yourself in one; you better exhibit the fruit.
As true believers, we don't hate anyone in the sense that the world means it. We truly hate the sin, not the sinner; whereas those of the world truly hate the sinner and usually couldn't give a fig about the sin. They hate those of different skin color, religion, economic/social status, music taste, clothing taste, etc. And since the whole unrepentant lot of them are sinners, it never enters the equation. Christians on the other hand, hate the sin that keeps the person wallowing in it from Christ. We want the best possible for everyone: a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I hate that there is way too much of the wrong hate in the world, and not nearly enough of the right hate. And that's because I love what Jesus Christ did on the Cross for me (and you).
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Pipe Down, Will Ya
Not that I didn't already have more material to cover than time to cover it, but thanks to the United States Supreme Court I now find myself joining the homosexual (not gay), marriage fray.
First, let me make some things very clear so as to make my following rant easier to follow:
Moving on.
Here's the deal. Homosexuality is a sin. So is adultery, fornication, stealing, and many other things - with me so far? The fact that I declare such does not make me a homophobe; any more than declaring my distaste for adultery makes me afraid of or hate those who cheat on their spouses. Radical homosexuals use this tact and many others to force affirmation for their sinful lifestyle and the silencing of all who disapprove.
They equate their "struggle" with the civil rights issues of the past (and yes, I have talked to a Black person about this). Oh really? Black Americans had to deal with real intolerance due to their race, not a sinful lifestyle choice. "...but we were born this way!" NO YOU WEREN'T - and that's science, not religion talking! I'm sure some develop same-sex attraction due to outside factors or even a biological tendency toward same-sex attraction, but this is not born "that way" in the sense of immutability. But just as an alcoholic has to fight every day for sobriety, or an ill-tempered person has to constantly work on that, or a man has to wrestle with his desire for other women other than his wife, the person with same-sex attraction has to find a way to avoid that temptation. But let's get away from the psychology here and discuss the sociology.
The societal model (the affirmation of homosexuality, if not celebration), being promoted as new and enlightened is really the issue. There always have, and (until Jesus returns), always will be homosexuals. And they, like any other fallen sinner (that would be all of us), should be allowed to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. But NOT at the expense of others. What I mean is this: We can all agree that people should be allowed these pursuits as long as they don't infringe on the functioning of a polite society (let alone a Christian one). Therefore we don't run around like we're in a theocracy, smoking out adulterers, fornicators, blasphemers, etc., and throwing them in lock-up. As long as they pay their bills and drive on the right side of the road, we can pretty much co-exist. Their problem is with Christ; not me and you. But here's what sets the homosexuals apart: they are forcing (trying), us to applaud their sin. Last I checked, adulterers, fornicators and blasphemers weren't running around (not yet anyway, maybe their waiting to see how the homosexuals do), forcing everyone to affirm their crummy choices.
We're getting more shows, commercials, events, all the time that are promoting this lifestyle. And frankly (in the words of the immortal Capt. Binghamton), "... I could just scream!" Well - we should scream. As Christians we should be "screaming" in our actions. Whether it comes up in conversation, or how we spend our money or our votes; we should be bold in standing against this onslaught. I know we're not going to win the fight, but Paul doesn't call us to win, but to fight. We have to focus on winning the right to object to this abomination as strenuously as they hail it. At the end of the day, I don't care whether homosexual unions are deemed marriages or not (heck, there are plenty of heterosexuals who are joined civilly - not in the eyes of God, and we call it marriage), because these declarations by men mean nothing. Would I prefer another word for these "situations", absolutely. Call them unions, partnerships, agreements; just let us keep marriage (and don't forget to give back gay, queer, and rainbow). What I really care about is being able to not only disapprove of your lifestyle, but to call it sin as God does.
Really, just get over yourselves. Life is not one big "Gay Pride" float where you're all dancing around in your underwear. If you are living as a homosexual, authentic Bible believing Christians have better things to do than worry about your choice. You're just another sinner that needs Christ. Your need is no greater than the heterosexual sinner; you have no special bulls-eye that Christians are aiming at. Stop bringing the fight to us and we will co-exist just fine.
Finally, let me state that it's safe to say not every homosexual is behind this radical agenda. I'm sure there is a wide range, from those who just want to continue in their choices and be left alone to those who are uncomfortable in the life, but aren't sure what to do. We Christians are to love all; including homosexuals. What this means ultimately is to desire to share Christ with them. It does not mean accepting their choice as legitimate.
We have to agree to disagree, with love - not malice.
.
First, let me make some things very clear so as to make my following rant easier to follow:
- Tolerate: to allow (something that is bad, unpleasant, etc.) to exist, happen, or be done - Merriam Webster definition
- Gay: going back to the 14th Century; it meant happy, gleeful, bright and beautiful. Sometime around the early 50's homosexuals started using it as a substitute for the word homosexual; stop using it for your dysfunctional lifestyle. In fact while we're at it, stop misusing the word queer.
- Affirm: to express dedication to - Merriam Webster
- Marriage: Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh - God
- The rainbow was originally created by God to represent his covenant with Noah (a good thing). Subsequently, most people (especially children), enjoyed rainbow representations as associated with fun, whimsical, and harmless events and things (seems, especially t-shirts). Subsequent to that, homosexuals decided to hijack the rainbow in all myriad of representations to be practically the "trademark" of their lifestyle (a bad thing). Find something else to plaster all over your stuff.
- I have always tolerated homosexuality (see above). I have friends who are homosexuals (and friends who are heterosexuals - let's just be clear)
- I will never affirm homosexuality
- Homosexual marriage is an oxymoron
Moving on.
Here's the deal. Homosexuality is a sin. So is adultery, fornication, stealing, and many other things - with me so far? The fact that I declare such does not make me a homophobe; any more than declaring my distaste for adultery makes me afraid of or hate those who cheat on their spouses. Radical homosexuals use this tact and many others to force affirmation for their sinful lifestyle and the silencing of all who disapprove.
They equate their "struggle" with the civil rights issues of the past (and yes, I have talked to a Black person about this). Oh really? Black Americans had to deal with real intolerance due to their race, not a sinful lifestyle choice. "...but we were born this way!" NO YOU WEREN'T - and that's science, not religion talking! I'm sure some develop same-sex attraction due to outside factors or even a biological tendency toward same-sex attraction, but this is not born "that way" in the sense of immutability. But just as an alcoholic has to fight every day for sobriety, or an ill-tempered person has to constantly work on that, or a man has to wrestle with his desire for other women other than his wife, the person with same-sex attraction has to find a way to avoid that temptation. But let's get away from the psychology here and discuss the sociology.
The societal model (the affirmation of homosexuality, if not celebration), being promoted as new and enlightened is really the issue. There always have, and (until Jesus returns), always will be homosexuals. And they, like any other fallen sinner (that would be all of us), should be allowed to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. But NOT at the expense of others. What I mean is this: We can all agree that people should be allowed these pursuits as long as they don't infringe on the functioning of a polite society (let alone a Christian one). Therefore we don't run around like we're in a theocracy, smoking out adulterers, fornicators, blasphemers, etc., and throwing them in lock-up. As long as they pay their bills and drive on the right side of the road, we can pretty much co-exist. Their problem is with Christ; not me and you. But here's what sets the homosexuals apart: they are forcing (trying), us to applaud their sin. Last I checked, adulterers, fornicators and blasphemers weren't running around (not yet anyway, maybe their waiting to see how the homosexuals do), forcing everyone to affirm their crummy choices.
We're getting more shows, commercials, events, all the time that are promoting this lifestyle. And frankly (in the words of the immortal Capt. Binghamton), "... I could just scream!" Well - we should scream. As Christians we should be "screaming" in our actions. Whether it comes up in conversation, or how we spend our money or our votes; we should be bold in standing against this onslaught. I know we're not going to win the fight, but Paul doesn't call us to win, but to fight. We have to focus on winning the right to object to this abomination as strenuously as they hail it. At the end of the day, I don't care whether homosexual unions are deemed marriages or not (heck, there are plenty of heterosexuals who are joined civilly - not in the eyes of God, and we call it marriage), because these declarations by men mean nothing. Would I prefer another word for these "situations", absolutely. Call them unions, partnerships, agreements; just let us keep marriage (and don't forget to give back gay, queer, and rainbow). What I really care about is being able to not only disapprove of your lifestyle, but to call it sin as God does.
Really, just get over yourselves. Life is not one big "Gay Pride" float where you're all dancing around in your underwear. If you are living as a homosexual, authentic Bible believing Christians have better things to do than worry about your choice. You're just another sinner that needs Christ. Your need is no greater than the heterosexual sinner; you have no special bulls-eye that Christians are aiming at. Stop bringing the fight to us and we will co-exist just fine.
Finally, let me state that it's safe to say not every homosexual is behind this radical agenda. I'm sure there is a wide range, from those who just want to continue in their choices and be left alone to those who are uncomfortable in the life, but aren't sure what to do. We Christians are to love all; including homosexuals. What this means ultimately is to desire to share Christ with them. It does not mean accepting their choice as legitimate.
We have to agree to disagree, with love - not malice.
.
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