Month: June 2013

Paula Deen and Same Sex Rights

These are the two big news items this morning.  Notice the approach to each of them.  Paula Deen was interviewed on the Today Show.  She tearfully begged anyone who has never committed a sin to cast the first stone.  So far the reaction has been one of outrage that she didn’t apologize for her offensive remarks, but seemed more concerned with defending herself.  What was the reaction concerning the Supreme Court ruling on same sex marriage?  Words like “victory,” “boost,” and “celebration” are being used.  We’ve been told this is a historic decision for America, and have already been reminded of the Gay Pride parade that will take place in San Francisco this weekend.

Is the media trying to lead viewers in moral matters?  We’re being told which sins are socially acceptable and which ones aren’t.  Paula Deen said some things that were wrong.  She’s been fired by Food Network, but the media is still demanding an apology.  People are outraged and speaking out against her for what she did.  Well, she should be held accountable.  The words we use matter, and we’re all going to give an account for everything we say (Matthew 12:36).  But there are other sins that can be committed by mouth.  Why is it okay for public figures to use curse words or take God’s name in vain?  And why wasn’t the same outrage displayed when the sin of homosexuality was publicly declared and embraced?

We don’t get to choose which sins can be tolerated and which ones can’t.  Even more basic, we don’t get to choose which practices are sinful.  God has already done that in His Word.  Our speech is to be pure (Ephesians 4:29), but our sexual activities are to be pure as well (1 Corinthians 6:9,10; Ephesians 5:3).  Trouble is in store for those who accept or tolerate what God calls sin.  “Woe to those who call evil good  and good evil…who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20-22).  May the Word only guide us in determining what is right and what is wrong.

Prayer for Today:  May we shine the Light ever brighter in our confused nation as we seek to glorify You.

Photo copied from HollywoodLife.com

Have Mercy

In the past week, we’ve been very busy trying to see how many people we can let down.  At least it has felt that way.  We’ve disappointed some and hurt some.  Oh, not in a sinful way, but in a painful way nevertheless.  As we geared up for the fallout, as we braced for the blows, we received…warm hugs, whispered prayers, supportive words, healing tears.  A generosity of patience and  understanding.  Lots of silent smiles conveying trust.  Multiple conversations revealed class acts and compassionate hearts.  I was humbled and so grateful.  I was surprised, but I shouldn’t have been.  This wasn’t the first time I’d seen mercy in action.  I’ve personally hurt others in the past, and in a sinful way.  When anger and rejection would’ve been justifiable, I was shown compassion and forgiveness.

I’m grateful for two things.  First, it’s wonderful to see Christians demonstrating God’s grace and mercy.  We saw firsthand a glimpse of the Father’s heart.  It’s been beautiful and faith-building, and I’m reminded once more of the blessedness of being in God’s Family.  Second, I’m grateful for the ways this has caused me to look closely at my own heart.  I’ve been forced to acknowledge that there’ve been times when I’ve been stingy with mercy.  There’ve been times when I’ve been too full of myself to be patient or compassionate.  There’ve been times when I did extend forgiveness, but a little too begrudgingly and condescendingly.  I’m challenged to be more merciful.  I want to give to others what has been so generously given to us.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).

Prayer for Today:  Oh God, help me show Your love and mercy to my family, my fellow Christians, and my sphere of influence.

Photo taken by Kristy Woodall