If you are a person who believes in conservative values; financial, moral, Biblical, etc., then you probably know how difficult it is to voice the beliefs you cherish without a push back these days. The road for a conservative today is looked upon like a dirt road surrounded by interstates - out of date and only used by those out of date themselves. This road is tough and it is not going to get smooth quickly.
The liberal bias in all branches of the media around the globe aid in the conservative struggle. Love, compassion, intellect, and practicality seem to be captured only by liberals in our daily lives. A simple mention of cutting spending, lowering taxes, abortion being murder, marriage between a man and women, no living together etc., will probably result in strange stares from people you work and attend school with. The conservative values are easy to live out in this environment but are becoming increasingly difficult to share. And we have only just begun!
How do you share the values you hold dear? How do you promote these values to people who's lives are wreaking the consequences of their absence? How do you share the values of your life with people intolerant of those very values?
It is no secret that our national media has long supported values and principles that are defined as liberal. Yet today, our media is now joined by a growing young adult population, rapidly growing ethnic population, and locked in under 60 age population that share in their disdain for conservative values. America has changed much! We conservatives know we have poorly reached out to these other groups. And when a reach did occur, we simply told history and our views. We missed the opportunity to tell the conservative narrative with ties into peoples lives. A truth and consequence if you will without the judgement present. And this is the trap!
For conservative values to spread our approach of sharing must change. Our current population is obtaining information quickly these days and from sources not norm to many aging conservatives. When we jump into conversations with our values we must be sure of the illustrations being used and the statistics being quoted. We must also understand the limits of usefulness to our stories and statistics. People are not impressed. There is a need for connection. People long for a connection to be made before they will embrace or give thought to anything we share. And connecting we have not done. Conservative values are polar opposite what the vast number of people today have grown up with. And as is so often the case, our methods of sharing are outdated and filled with little to draw people to contemplate and study.
Here are some simple things that will assist in sharing these values:
1. Do not judge or be judgmental.
2. Listen much before speaking - you may learn more than you thought possible.
3. Don't tell your story, connect with other peoples stories.
4. Live what you share - people will see the difference and want to know more.
5. Admit failures in the conservative journey. Not all has worked perfectly.
6. Know that many view you and your beliefs as hostile to their freedom of beliefs.
7. Kindness will get you further than preaching and arguing any day of the week.
These are just a few things that will help as you seek to share your values with others.
In our next post we will discuss how to overcome being demonized.
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Showing posts with label Our Speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Our Speech. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
The Root of the Obvious American Problem
It is not wise for one to offer something as a sure fire answer to everything. A know it all type person has little influence in the lives of others. Much of the discussion these days relating to the vast changes occurring before our eyes in America fits this know it all baseline. If not that, it most assuredly comes across as holier than thou to those listening and reading. Yet ignored due to the preceding is the answer to the problem that we see and know is growing. What is at the root of it?
I will offer two areas that I think will assist us in seeing the roots that are allowing all of this change to occur.
First, we lost the battle on the homosexual issues by not understanding the homosexual agenda. The agenda put forth was one of being recognized as a minority. Since the late 1970's this idea has been allowed to fully develop without any challenge from those who differ. More so, the silence from true minorities has been a booster shot to the homosexual movement. By embracing the minorities, and the minorities embracing the homosexual agenda, the agenda has actually captured an apparent victory.
To qualify as a minority, one must reproduce the same. Homosexuals do not reproduce. Homosexuals are NOT a minority. They never have been and never will be, unless we change the definition of "minority"! Had we simply begun the discussion, and continued it with this principle of fact, the influence of the agenda would have been severely held back. We chose to argue and condemn and were thus easy targets to be labeled as hateful. The influence of a behavior group would have been easily slowed had we kept the discussion here. We should have been assisting the minority groups in their struggle while protecting them from this usurping. We failed.
And yes, minority groups allowed this behavior agenda to steal the day and they have lost much as a result.
But something occurred inside many churches that equally allowed for the changing thoughts on sin and other things in America. American churches became soapbox churches. We have those who rally around the Bible and shout about people NOT living moral lives while we ignore the sin within. We loved the shouting and failed to reach people with Jesus Christ. We also have those that were/are determined to reach people and began to offer a more pragmatic form of teaching that led to little discipleship and an embracing of little moral truth. These soapbox type churches are now a majority in America. One may find it difficult to hear any clear teaching on the simple things of life, including human life, for fear of offending. And when one finds truth, often it is wrapped in self righteous indignation and not in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
The soapbox approach has developed due to one simple practice among us preachers.
Most American Pastors have abandoned Expository Preaching and most Bible Study groups are more focused on felt needs! We we fail to teach the Bible from cover to cover, verse by verse, and so we produce little in discipleship. And what little is done, is extremely weak. I have found it amazing to teach through Genesis and discover the depth of truth about understanding creation and life that is so easy to see and equally applicable today. I don't have to go off on a soapbox. The Bible speaks for itself with grace and in love to all who will receive. And Genesis actually covers homosexuality!
And don't forget, the Bible even tells us the itching ears and the leaving behind of sound doctrine will occur as we approach the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be so surprised that we are seeing it.
We should also be quick to repent of the fact that we actually aided in the progression of such.
I will offer two areas that I think will assist us in seeing the roots that are allowing all of this change to occur.
First, we lost the battle on the homosexual issues by not understanding the homosexual agenda. The agenda put forth was one of being recognized as a minority. Since the late 1970's this idea has been allowed to fully develop without any challenge from those who differ. More so, the silence from true minorities has been a booster shot to the homosexual movement. By embracing the minorities, and the minorities embracing the homosexual agenda, the agenda has actually captured an apparent victory.
To qualify as a minority, one must reproduce the same. Homosexuals do not reproduce. Homosexuals are NOT a minority. They never have been and never will be, unless we change the definition of "minority"! Had we simply begun the discussion, and continued it with this principle of fact, the influence of the agenda would have been severely held back. We chose to argue and condemn and were thus easy targets to be labeled as hateful. The influence of a behavior group would have been easily slowed had we kept the discussion here. We should have been assisting the minority groups in their struggle while protecting them from this usurping. We failed.
And yes, minority groups allowed this behavior agenda to steal the day and they have lost much as a result.
But something occurred inside many churches that equally allowed for the changing thoughts on sin and other things in America. American churches became soapbox churches. We have those who rally around the Bible and shout about people NOT living moral lives while we ignore the sin within. We loved the shouting and failed to reach people with Jesus Christ. We also have those that were/are determined to reach people and began to offer a more pragmatic form of teaching that led to little discipleship and an embracing of little moral truth. These soapbox type churches are now a majority in America. One may find it difficult to hear any clear teaching on the simple things of life, including human life, for fear of offending. And when one finds truth, often it is wrapped in self righteous indignation and not in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
The soapbox approach has developed due to one simple practice among us preachers.
Most American Pastors have abandoned Expository Preaching and most Bible Study groups are more focused on felt needs! We we fail to teach the Bible from cover to cover, verse by verse, and so we produce little in discipleship. And what little is done, is extremely weak. I have found it amazing to teach through Genesis and discover the depth of truth about understanding creation and life that is so easy to see and equally applicable today. I don't have to go off on a soapbox. The Bible speaks for itself with grace and in love to all who will receive. And Genesis actually covers homosexuality!
And don't forget, the Bible even tells us the itching ears and the leaving behind of sound doctrine will occur as we approach the return of Jesus Christ. We should not be so surprised that we are seeing it.
We should also be quick to repent of the fact that we actually aided in the progression of such.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Double Standards Multiplying
Life is getting more and more complicated. Calls ring out for inclusion. Pleas are made for love and mercy, acceptance and equal protection. Standards once thought to be grounded in cement are now shown to sit atop sinking sand. What is taking place in America and American Christianity?
The clear visual for us today is seen in the uprising over Chick Fil A. The owner of the company, a private company, speaks his mind about what he believes to be true, and mainstream media outlets go ballistic. People who practice the freedom of speech suddenly want to attack the owner of a successful business for doing the same. A boycott is called for of the chicken serving establishments. City officials are pressured to rule these establishments as unwanted in their cities.
So what has happened to free speech?
I think this is an honest question. America has been under attack for years from the homosexual community. No doubt that much has been gained by there attacks. But how can this community of people use the rail of free speech and equal protection while denying the same to people who speak opposite. Important in the thought process is understanding that Chick Fil A has never NOT served a homosexual. They have never been accused of showing bias on any level.
This double standard is the result of compromises made over the years to the homosexual community. It is a price that we will now have to pay and somehow work through. We allowed a small group to gain a foothold in our decision process. Chaos is now an everyday norm. And there is not found a visible end anywhere down the road. Honesty is passing from the Christian community. In some circles today, what was once called homosexual activity is now passed as only battles due to previous life events. When Christians accept the double standard, the path to deliverance and true freedom are lost. When we allow this double standard to exist, we join the attack on the Gospel of Jesus and His Word.
How do we move forward?
I serve in a community that has one of the highest homosexual populations in all of Tennessee. Homosexuals attend our services weekly. I do not soften the Word of God as to the sin of homosexuality nor do I compromise limits for their involvement. Yes I have been questioned on this. Yes I get an occasional letter or email. Once I even got a visit to the office. But never have I ever been called unloving or homophobic for my beliefs and how those beliefs are taught and lived out on a daily bases.
People talk of building bridges these days. We must remember that we cannot build anything of substance on sand. Sin will not uphold the truth of God's Word. Sin allowed and justified cannot a bridge of biblical ministry support. Teaching the truth in love will drive a wedge often between people. The bible says of itself that the Gospel is an offense. Rants are not needed. But neither should compromise be found in this discussion. Many have come out of the homosexual lifestyle because of the work of God in their lives. And this will continue to be the case if we keep the Word of God out front in this discussion. The "if" is the key.
How long will Chick Fil A hold out? Will they cave in to the pressure? I pray NOT! For more is at stake than one mans right to speak publicly about his beliefs. The whole foundation of allowing the Word of God to speak and direct on this subject is on the line. If we lose this fight, we lose the path of sharing the Gospel to the American community as a whole - we lose our own credibility. And that my friends will be disastrous.
Double standards multiplying are more serious than many think! And the homosexual community is NOT the only place that this is occurring.
The clear visual for us today is seen in the uprising over Chick Fil A. The owner of the company, a private company, speaks his mind about what he believes to be true, and mainstream media outlets go ballistic. People who practice the freedom of speech suddenly want to attack the owner of a successful business for doing the same. A boycott is called for of the chicken serving establishments. City officials are pressured to rule these establishments as unwanted in their cities.
So what has happened to free speech?
I think this is an honest question. America has been under attack for years from the homosexual community. No doubt that much has been gained by there attacks. But how can this community of people use the rail of free speech and equal protection while denying the same to people who speak opposite. Important in the thought process is understanding that Chick Fil A has never NOT served a homosexual. They have never been accused of showing bias on any level.
This double standard is the result of compromises made over the years to the homosexual community. It is a price that we will now have to pay and somehow work through. We allowed a small group to gain a foothold in our decision process. Chaos is now an everyday norm. And there is not found a visible end anywhere down the road. Honesty is passing from the Christian community. In some circles today, what was once called homosexual activity is now passed as only battles due to previous life events. When Christians accept the double standard, the path to deliverance and true freedom are lost. When we allow this double standard to exist, we join the attack on the Gospel of Jesus and His Word.
How do we move forward?
I serve in a community that has one of the highest homosexual populations in all of Tennessee. Homosexuals attend our services weekly. I do not soften the Word of God as to the sin of homosexuality nor do I compromise limits for their involvement. Yes I have been questioned on this. Yes I get an occasional letter or email. Once I even got a visit to the office. But never have I ever been called unloving or homophobic for my beliefs and how those beliefs are taught and lived out on a daily bases.
People talk of building bridges these days. We must remember that we cannot build anything of substance on sand. Sin will not uphold the truth of God's Word. Sin allowed and justified cannot a bridge of biblical ministry support. Teaching the truth in love will drive a wedge often between people. The bible says of itself that the Gospel is an offense. Rants are not needed. But neither should compromise be found in this discussion. Many have come out of the homosexual lifestyle because of the work of God in their lives. And this will continue to be the case if we keep the Word of God out front in this discussion. The "if" is the key.
How long will Chick Fil A hold out? Will they cave in to the pressure? I pray NOT! For more is at stake than one mans right to speak publicly about his beliefs. The whole foundation of allowing the Word of God to speak and direct on this subject is on the line. If we lose this fight, we lose the path of sharing the Gospel to the American community as a whole - we lose our own credibility. And that my friends will be disastrous.
Double standards multiplying are more serious than many think! And the homosexual community is NOT the only place that this is occurring.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Calling Out the Discord Sowers
I have been preaching through the book of Nehemiah. This is my fourth time in 22 years. I never grow tired of the lessons contained in this great book. In fact, I am learning more this time than ever before as we walk through each verse and each chapter.
The story of Nehemiah is awesome. How God used this little man to do God size things is so encouraging. This current series has brought home how easy it is for God to work and how purely apathetic we American Christians have become. When I think of the task Nehemiah accomplished and then look at what little we do today - it is pathetic for us. And yet Nehemiah had challenges.
The past two weeks we have been hanging out in chapter 4. What a chapter it is. It dawned on me tonight as I prepare to close out chapter 4 and move in to chapter 5 next weekend that Nehemiah faced discourage rs like so many of us do every day. It also hit me that the leaders of the discourage rs were the "religious" leaders. How ironic.
I think it is time for us today to call out the people of our day who discourage and wreak havoc on the work of God. I understand that things in life and ministry need the critique of others - it can be helpful if done correctly. But what is NEVER helpful is when people attack and attack some more just to take cheap shots at some person or group. And there is much of this taking place today.
Our families are plagued with the sin of discord. Our churches are becoming crippled by discord. Conventions and Denominations have more than their fare share. Discord is growing without an end in sight. Just read the blogs! I wonder when if ever on earth, we will finally realize that this type of petty human focused griping NEVER accomplishes anything spiritual at all. It spreads the sin of discord more rapid than a forest fire and it exalts self more than it exalts the one true God.
So here is my challenge: Call out the sowers of discord in your life. Label them and stay away from them. Spend your time encouraging and exhorting those who God places in your life's path. Build up the people you encounter each day in person and electronically.
Proverbs 6 reminds us that God hates the sowers of discord among the brethren. In fact, he calls those people an ABOMINATION! I do not want to end up in that group!
Do you?
The story of Nehemiah is awesome. How God used this little man to do God size things is so encouraging. This current series has brought home how easy it is for God to work and how purely apathetic we American Christians have become. When I think of the task Nehemiah accomplished and then look at what little we do today - it is pathetic for us. And yet Nehemiah had challenges.
The past two weeks we have been hanging out in chapter 4. What a chapter it is. It dawned on me tonight as I prepare to close out chapter 4 and move in to chapter 5 next weekend that Nehemiah faced discourage rs like so many of us do every day. It also hit me that the leaders of the discourage rs were the "religious" leaders. How ironic.
I think it is time for us today to call out the people of our day who discourage and wreak havoc on the work of God. I understand that things in life and ministry need the critique of others - it can be helpful if done correctly. But what is NEVER helpful is when people attack and attack some more just to take cheap shots at some person or group. And there is much of this taking place today.
Our families are plagued with the sin of discord. Our churches are becoming crippled by discord. Conventions and Denominations have more than their fare share. Discord is growing without an end in sight. Just read the blogs! I wonder when if ever on earth, we will finally realize that this type of petty human focused griping NEVER accomplishes anything spiritual at all. It spreads the sin of discord more rapid than a forest fire and it exalts self more than it exalts the one true God.
So here is my challenge: Call out the sowers of discord in your life. Label them and stay away from them. Spend your time encouraging and exhorting those who God places in your life's path. Build up the people you encounter each day in person and electronically.
Proverbs 6 reminds us that God hates the sowers of discord among the brethren. In fact, he calls those people an ABOMINATION! I do not want to end up in that group!
Do you?
Thursday, July 15, 2010
When Critics Go To Far
Many years back a song was circulating around called "Chunkin Rocks". The song tells the story about Christians who love to blast others with words and more just to put them down. It was so many years ago that I cannot find the lyrics to the song nor have I been successful in locating them on the internet. Maybe I will soon.
I have never been able to comprehend the bashing that some Christians do towards others. It has become clear that the majority of Christians do not fit in this model of behavior and I am grateful for that. But the few who do, do so with such loud and screeching noise that it gives the appearance that there are more. The level that one must lower themselves to in generating the bash is staggering. And we are told that the over riding mission in chunkin' rocks is to self elevate. We tear down to build up and yet our tearing down actually destroys us.
Have you examined your speech lately? Do you find your relationship with others drenched in edifying communication? The Bible speaks so clearly on this subject. Notice the words:
I have never been able to comprehend the bashing that some Christians do towards others. It has become clear that the majority of Christians do not fit in this model of behavior and I am grateful for that. But the few who do, do so with such loud and screeching noise that it gives the appearance that there are more. The level that one must lower themselves to in generating the bash is staggering. And we are told that the over riding mission in chunkin' rocks is to self elevate. We tear down to build up and yet our tearing down actually destroys us.
Have you examined your speech lately? Do you find your relationship with others drenched in edifying communication? The Bible speaks so clearly on this subject. Notice the words:
Col 4:6
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(NKJ)
6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(NKJ)
Even in times of correction, the word "always" clearly does away with much of the excuses that one hears for violating the truths of this verse. When a person makes mistakes, correction is important. Correction that follows the truth of God's Word will produce fruit. When correction moves outside of this truth, the result will not be a fruitful one. When we seek to literally play the role of God and His Holy Spirit, we easily move away from correction. To sin while trying to point out the errors of another is not Biblical. it produces nothing Godly.
May God raise up many more Christians who understand the power of speech and who live a life of redemptive speech with other people. Should you discover a lake or stream of water, a rock is great to chunk (fun actually). But to throw a rock at people is to destroy one's own life and testimony. No good comes from chunkin" rocks at people!
Now if I could just find the lyrics to that song!
May God raise up many more Christians who understand the power of speech and who live a life of redemptive speech with other people. Should you discover a lake or stream of water, a rock is great to chunk (fun actually). But to throw a rock at people is to destroy one's own life and testimony. No good comes from chunkin" rocks at people!
Now if I could just find the lyrics to that song!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Words Worth Remembering
The human brain has the ability to memorize and store more than we can ever imagine. And at the same time the human brain can suffer clutter and distortion resulting in loss of memory with little to no warning. We can forget the simple things and yet recall the complicated. We can put things out of our mind and yet get things stuck. God created an incredible thing when developed the human brain.
Our memorization of God's Word is so important to our daily lives. In fact one of the most remembered versus from Vacation Bible School back in the 70's was Psalm 119: 11 "Thy word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against thee." Funny how I still remember it in KJV! In fact it struck me today as I was looking at the summer schedule and studying for Adult VBS in July, that this verse is the one I most remember from my every year attendance at VBS. Other than the snow cones, this verse is about all I remember.
During a phone conversation today another verse was jogged out of my memory. A verse that really hits home in so many circles and situations. Rather than elaborating on it and sharing mere human thoughts, I am simply going to post it knowing that we all could do well to head the words written:
Titus 3:1-11
Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,
2 to speak evil of no one , to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
3 For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.
4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,
5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.
9 But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.
10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition,
11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
NKJV
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