Absolutes

This week I found myself as part of an online discussion concerning homosexuality. As I read through the bulletin board postings, I became more and more troubled that everyone seemed to avoid the term "SIN" when describing same sex behavior. While I had a chance to speak my peace concerning the Bible's teaching on homosexuality, I realized we are combating a much greater enemy. There is a deafening mantra that advocates tolerance of anything and everything and wars against the idea of absolute truth.

In addressing my concerns I appealed to the Bible's express teachings (Romans 1) and the example's given (Sodom & Gomorrah) concerning homosexual behavior. The problem is that many on the discussion board had a different standard of authority. Here are a few examples:

* God wouldn't make people that way and then condemn them.
* God gave us a mind and free will and respects our right to use them.
* I believe in a higher power, but can't believe he (or it) would condemn someone.
* We are not supposed to stand in judgment on others.

The problem is simple - there is a lack of an absolute standard. Without an understanding of right and wrong; good and evil; we are destined to continue down a road of decreasing moral values. We allow a mother to take the life of an unborn infant and now we are rapidly moving towards same sex marriages, legalized prostitution and a host of social ills that will bring down our nation.

I am troubled when I hear our politicians and those of the world defending the moral malaise taking hold of our nation, but when our brothers and sisters in Christ defend the undefensible I really begin to worry.

I believe it was Edgar A. Guest who said, "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." We are long over due fighting these more battles. In many cases we have surrendered before a shot is ever fired.

Meet me at the checkout.

It always makes me laugh when someone asks me dating advice. I guess that is the curse that comes with writing a book. People assume because you were gutsy enough to put something in print that you must be some kind of expert.

One of the ways I do research (and entertain myself at the same time) is to read the postings at Christian singles bulletin boards. It is tremendously insightful what people reveal about themselves on a public forum. One interesting discussion recently centered on how or where to meet people. I wrote in my book that it seems that some people are just waiting for FEDEX to overnight their life partner.

If you want to make friends, you have to create a social network. Online dating has become a multi-million dollar industry, but at some point in time you still have to make personal contact. I think there are two simple strategies for meeting other people with like values and interests. First, get involved in local activiites you enjoy, tennis, boating, chess club, or volunteer at a charity. Second, get over your shyness. Say hello to the woman in the produce section and ask her how she selects a good pineapple, or smile when you walk up to the teller at the bank and say, "You must be having a great day today - your face is just beaming."

I am not suggesting that you develop a set of smooth lines, just be friendly, sincere and open to making contact with people in your community. Most importantly, make sure you are attending church regularly. You have a better shot in church on Sunday, than you do at the local watering hole on Saturday night!!!

Waiting on God

I was never a very patient person - so waiting on God is always a challenge for me. It is especially difficult when the answer seems so obvious to me. "Alright Lord, I need one more account to meet my budget this month, wrapping that up by Friday would be great." Wouldn't it be nice if it worked that way.

Last night I was reminded of how many people out there are waiting on God to answer their prayer for a Christian partner. I was asked during our prayer service to pray for all those who are lonely and seeking a Christian mate. An interesting paradox isn't it: wait on the Lord, or seek a mate? I believe the old proverb, "God helps those who help themselves." It is the law of sowing and reaping. If we want a harvest, we have to sow some seed.

I know a lot of singles who are sitting at home, waiting for God to FEDEX their knight in shining armor. I tried a search on E-bay, but she wasn't their either. Loneliness is a terrible thing because it can debilitate people. Their negativity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. They never find the love of their life, because of apathy and inactivity.

This may sound a little harsh, but if you are lonely, get off the couch - throw on a little make-up and visit a singles class at church, or volunteer at a local charity, maybe even get back to working out at the YMCA occasionally. Guys, you need to shave, put on a clean shirt, brush your teeth and put on a little deoderant.

Since we are all waiting on God to bring us that special someone, we might as well use that time to prepare ourselves for the next great thing He pours into our lives. A wise man once said, "Success is where opportunity meets preparation." You take the time to get prepared and an opportunity will present itself.

Right or Wrong

I attended a parent / teacher meeting at my daughter' school tonight and I continue to be impressed with the focus and emphasis the school places on teaching the students to make solid moral decisions. While discussing the role of Humanities in their curriculum, the founder stated, "Our goal is not to teach your children the difference between right and wrong, our goal is to teach your children the difference between right and almost right."

That is a very powerful distinction. I know individuals who have lived their entire lives under the shadow of the cross and never learned that lesson. We live in a world filled with situational ethics and justifications for every form of immoral and ungodlly behavior. It is refreshing to find a school where the objective is to shape a child's thinking and not simply monitor their behavior. Thank you FCS.