Truth--Man's or God's?

Derision for followers of Jesus growls around every corner of our nation like a rabid dog. Foolishly, plenty of Christians provoked the puppy behind the pickets with their careless Christian sticks. But the whelp is growing into adulthood. He has broken through the slats, and is on the loose barking wildly. The time is coming when many will feel his fangs.

Rampant with blinding viral hatred, some even deny the historicity of the man Jesus. Undeniable historical evidence cannot muzzle such insanity.

Others find it useful or trendy to quote selected words from the mythical Man. Looting a single jewel from an entire treasure of truth. Satisfied with pocket change. Neglecting life-giving treasures of truth. How convenient to use a piece of God, insisting upon independence from Him? Running on His authoritative words, but fleeing His authority. Palming a pearl to stroke a pet agenda.

Who will fearlessly stand for the resurrected King and Creator of the universe while the mad dog closes in?

"The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. They blindfolded him and demanded, "Prophesy! Who hit you?" And they said many other insulting things to him."

“No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” Jesus

Pride, Peril, Perspective

In my biz I hear many stories of homeowners who are in desperate straits. An experienced sailor would not be uninformed about the perils of sailing between narrow land structures where waters can suddenly rise and fall due to the larger tidal masses outside. But what human hasn't entered an inviting course of life which turned out to be other than what he thought going in?

Too often the tide turns unexpectedly and we find ourselves being carried away by forces we cannot control. The human soul wants to be in control. "I chart my own course." "I lift my sails wherever I please."

Sometimes the waters we're on recede so quickly that it seems impossible to traverse the perils which loom on every side. Even the bravest and most optimistic of souls can lose heart in such dire straits. Some throw all restraint to the wind because it's too late to do anything to save us now. Just try to find as much excitement as possible until the impending collision stops the ride.

Some cope with life by vowing to never even approach anything that could be dangerous. Fear prevents them from enjoying many of life's beautiful adventures. Others, freshly emboldened by their last narrow escape, go boldly charging into whatever allures them in the moment.

Wisdom loves to counsel us of how to navigate life's thrilling adventures--to be aware of certain dangers, as well as how to trust One who knows all and can see us safely through. Certain things are absolutely unmovable in earth and time. They are fixed. The wise will live life to the full by trusting in Wisdom.

"Watch out or your hearts may be weighed down by reckless abandon, drunkenness, and the anxieties of life; and that Day will close on you suddenly like a trap. Be alert so that you may escape...and so that you may be able to stand before The Man." Jesus (Luke 21:34ff)

Caveat Venditor--"Let the seller beware."

"Let the buyer beware" and, conversely "Let the seller beware" describe cultural attitudes regarding persuasion in commerce. Governments at the federal, state, and local levels attempt to protect the public from those who profit through exploitative advertising.

Medical products are tightly regulated because of their potential danger to those who might unwisely purchase medications they are not sufficiently informed to self-prescribe. Cosmetics, on the other hand, can be sold with the wildest claims of benefits. (although the ingredients are still highly regulated)

What we put in, or on, our bodies on a daily basis is very important. We institute authorities who watch over us, lest we unknowingly use something that is dangerous to our well-being.

But what about ideas and beliefs? It appears that these are not nearly so important. We each are our own authorities about the merits of this or that belief system. Currently, Truth is of so little consequence that you can have your truth and I can have mine.

My Teacher disagrees. "It is impossible that destructive persuasions do not come. But let the one be fully warned who convinces vulnerable people to bring harm to themselves. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with an anchor tied to his neck than for him to convince a vulnerable person to bring harm to himself. So, beware!"

What about my opinions which I freely hand out over coffee or a meal? Am I aware of what is really at stake if someone takes into their mind and heart what I'm "selling?" What about you? What are you promoting regarding how people treat each other? How freely do you give advice? And what kind of warranty do you provide for your unwise counsel?

What might be different about our world if we all treated other's minds and hearts as sacred? What if we protected our innocent little ones with a little more time to develop keen and informed consciences? What if we took to heart the most important matters of faith, mercy, and justice in view of an eternal day where there will be a reckoning for our counsels?

"You have neglected the more important matters God requires-- justice, mercy and faithfulness." Jesus