". . . no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God" (1 Peter 1:21).
You know, there's great drama in the failure of the human will---great literature and art and music have chronicled that spectacle over and over again. And there's emotional majesty when weak and anemic man overcomes. But, really, ultimately, who cares? I mean, really, who? Many in America now would say we all simply die and disappear into mindless, emotion-less dustiness . . . and live their lives on that premise---a subjective position that suggests that nothing is important other than our personal experience of life, hence, allowing for the many irresponsible, contorted behaviors of this day and time.
It seems today that tolerance and approval and minding one's own business are expectations for any and every situation. And, if one cannot operate under that protocol, then one is simply a bigot, hyper-opinionated and unworthy of further note. This mindset, this sentiment, seems most dramatic in cultural matters. One is either 'all for' or 'all against' something.
You know, there's great drama in the failure of the human will---great literature and art and music have chronicled that spectacle over and over again. And there's emotional majesty when weak and anemic man overcomes. But, really, ultimately, who cares? I mean, really, who? Many in America now would say we all simply die and disappear into mindless, emotion-less dustiness . . . and live their lives on that premise---a subjective position that suggests that nothing is important other than our personal experience of life, hence, allowing for the many irresponsible, contorted behaviors of this day and time.
It seems today that tolerance and approval and minding one's own business are expectations for any and every situation. And, if one cannot operate under that protocol, then one is simply a bigot, hyper-opinionated and unworthy of further note. This mindset, this sentiment, seems most dramatic in cultural matters. One is either 'all for' or 'all against' something.
I don't find myself fitting comfortably into the acceptable pattern. I believe, as the apostle Peter suggests, that all true inspiration for living man comes from some form of intercession by the Holy Spirit. To aggravate the matter, I believe that death is not a finality---a permanent dustiness. Good grief!
The first Jesus-disciples---common men and women---were completely and intensely convinced of His resurrection. Upon His return, they "saw" Him; they "heard" Him; they even "touched" Him---they experienced Him firsthand! So convinced were they of His non-death that they would give up their lives if it be necessary. I, too, believe in that resurrection---too often, I fear, however, in a simple, nonchalant, secondhand religious correctness.
Like Peter, I believe that prophecy and any genuine and ultimately significant truth comes through the Holy Spirit of God, not through human understanding. Therefore, in Him is my faith and trust---not in the human will in any ultimate form or shape. You? . . . believe whatever you choose or must---live however you wish. You are your own person, and I've been commanded to love you no matter what your sin(s) may be. I try, but often, very often, I'm afraid, I fail to be accepting and forgiving and compassionate for you. "When the helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about me" (John 15:26).
That amazing helper is mystically present in our lives once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you haven't, I invite you to invite Him into your life on that basis. Then, you'll become one who really "cares." The Spirit will then indwell you.
As a Christian, my main assignment is to tell other persons about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am commanded to love God and to love my neighbor. A tributary effort is to have a positive effect, then, on my culture. But, I am NOT ordered to be the janitor in a culture of narcissists---a fact I must remember, to protect myself, to avoid stress, frustration, and general distress. So . . . I pray that you will be accepting of me, as I will be of you as a person. But, never expect me to be approving of your self-focused, sinful actions.
Like Peter, I believe that prophecy and any genuine and ultimately significant truth comes through the Holy Spirit of God, not through human understanding. Therefore, in Him is my faith and trust---not in the human will in any ultimate form or shape. You? . . . believe whatever you choose or must---live however you wish. You are your own person, and I've been commanded to love you no matter what your sin(s) may be. I try, but often, very often, I'm afraid, I fail to be accepting and forgiving and compassionate for you. "When the helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about me" (John 15:26).
That amazing helper is mystically present in our lives once we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. If you haven't, I invite you to invite Him into your life on that basis. Then, you'll become one who really "cares." The Spirit will then indwell you.
As a Christian, my main assignment is to tell other persons about the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I am commanded to love God and to love my neighbor. A tributary effort is to have a positive effect, then, on my culture. But, I am NOT ordered to be the janitor in a culture of narcissists---a fact I must remember, to protect myself, to avoid stress, frustration, and general distress. So . . . I pray that you will be accepting of me, as I will be of you as a person. But, never expect me to be approving of your self-focused, sinful actions.
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