Please no more e-mails about stem cell research. I misspoke the other day in saying I think “stem cell” research is a sin. I should have said that I believe embryonic stem cell research is a sin because it destroys a life which I believe begins at conception. Other forms of stem cell research that do not destroy babies is great. God gave us a brain and we should use it to find ways to combat disease and that is an encouraging tool. My dad has Parkinson’s and we would like to see someone come up with a cure for that and other devastating diseases and stem cell research just might do that. Bravo!
Okay now for today’s word…
Every week or so someone writes and tells me that they cannot get over how I can relate practically everything back to the Bible. I view that as a big compliment, because the Bible has become my personal handbook for success and although I cannot always live up to its divine ideals, it certainly keeps me aware of where I need to be and what I should be doing. I refer to it numerous times throughout the day and in fact I can truthfully say that its content never leaves my mind in any situation, (yes, even when plagued by dark thoughts or actions that sometimes get the best of me). It’s like a handy reference book that points me in the right direction in every situation.
Yesterday I spoke to some business people at a Chamber of Commerce business-person function and I was asked how I manage my belief system as a CEO in the workplace. My answer was that I just try my best to act normally when it comes to my faith. God got me where I am today and I’m not about to turn my back on Him now that I’ve enjoyed some success. If it were not for His transformational power in changing my life I would be dead, or in prison, (probably on death row), or in an insane asylum. Instead I’m enjoying a peaceful, joyful life including a great marriage, family, rewarding career, friends and beautiful Honey Lake Plantation. I give Him the credit; I love Him; and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
That is not to say that I wear religion on my sleeve, or use my belief system as a litmus test for hiring or interacting with others. In fact I like to be around people that are struggling with their belief system, because I’m hopeful that I can be a positive influence on them and introduce them to Jesus, whereby they too can enjoy His peace and joy in life. If they choose another route, then that is their God given prerogative that the Bible calls “free will”. I pray for them, but don’t judge or condemn anyone because that is far above my pay scale and job description.
For sure I have the Ten Commandments posted in our office. I also have an open Bible on my desk. It’s not there for display; it’s there because I refer to it often throughout the day. I’m not embarrassed for being a believer in Jesus Christ, in fact I’m very proud of that fact. People often come up to me in a public place and nervously look around and when they are sure that they will not be overhead they whisper that they enjoy my daily devotionals or one of my talks and I bellow out at the top of my lungs: ” I LOVE JESUS TOO!”
Yikes you would have thought I kicked them in the groin to see them recoil. My question is WHY? I think the answer is that we’ve been beaten down by a society that seems to be dominated by a minority of loudmouth liberals that think that Christianity is not inclusive enough. Apparently they have not read the same Bible that I’ve read, because it states in 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance . The prophet Ezekiel relayed a message from God in this regard: “Say to them, ‘As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways!”
That is about as inclusive as God could make it in practically pleading for us to come to our senses and turn to Him in order that we don’t force Him to judge and condemn us. The rest is up to us. If we get invited to the party and don’t go, it’s kind of dumb to get mad at those who decided to accept the invitation and ended up having a fabulous time/life.
My suggestion is to take pride in being a follower of Jesus Christ. Granted some might not like your belief system, (or you), because of it; that kind of nonsense doesn’t even phase me. Most are pseudo intellectuals that are miserable because they don’t have the peace and joy that believers enjoy. I don’t hate them like they hate me; I feel sorry for them and wish they could come to know the Lord.
I’m exceedingly proud to be a follower of Jesus and I hope you are too. Don’t sneak around hoping no one will notice that you love Jesus today. On the other hand don’t flaunt religion like some hypocrite either. As usual the Bible gives us the perfect advice as to how to act whereby someone will see our light and want what we have; namely Jesus Christ in our lives…Just act normal.
Matt. 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.