“But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
A few weeks ago, I was interviewed by a reporter for the Framingham TAB. He did a story about bloggers from Framingham. The reporter asked me what I write about and I rattled off a list. If you read this regularly you know I write about anything and everything.
“So then, it’s secular stuff?” he asked.
I guess he expected every entry to be a Bible commentary or a sermon. I told him that while I usually include a Bible verse with each posting, 90% of what I write is strictly secular.
Well, today’s is not. Today’s is 100% evangelical Christian and Bible-based. I hope that doesn’t turn you off. This blog should show you that “born-again Christians” and ministers are just like everybody else. Sometimes our cars won’t start. Sometimes our toilets malfunction. Sometimes we get stuck in airports (like I did last week). Sometimes we’re in rotten moods, like I was on Monday. Most of us watch American Idol when it’s on. I’m not a big sports person, but I really like the Patriots. All of that stuff is what I’m about. The biggest thing I’m about is my relationship with God. I know that as soon as you say that, some people think you’re a fanatic or a nut. I think, however, a person is very foolish to NOT think about God and eternity.
One of the worst problems with Christianity (honestly) is the Christians! Some of them are real beauts! There’s a tall brunette woman about 55 from here in Framingham who looks mentally ill and shrieks “Praise you JESUS!” in public. Whether you’re a Christian, an atheist, or what, if you get cornered by her, it’s a pretty miserable experience. She’ll rattle off more Bible verses than the Apostle Paul, and try to convince you that you’re about to go on a toboggan slide to Hell. She’s done more harm to evangelism in MetroWest than anyone else I can think of! Then there are the Christian businesspeople who rip people off. I’m sorry to say, it happens. It gets very embarrassing. In spite of “God’s flaky puffs” as a pastor friend of mine used to call them, my experience is that at least 50% of born-again Christians are very sincere, authentic, positive, and good people. But that’s really not the point.
Recently a guy at a classic car show took a very flip attitude with me when he heard I was a minister. He flatly told me he didn’t believe in any of it. He’s one of those, “When you die, you die, and that’s it” types. He treated me with disdain. Oh, well. It happens. But think about it. What if death ISN’T all there is? What if there is something in the spiritual realm beyond the grave? What if we really do give an account to God?
Listen, it’s more than a “What if?”. I’ve witnessed amazing things done by God. For example, about five years ago, my sister and I were meeting with my tax accountant about settling my parents’ estate. He had just been through a bout with cancer. I asked him how he was doing.
“Not good,” he told us, “the cancer is back. As soon as I finish up you’re appointment, I’m going over to be admitted to the Norwood Hospital.” I asked if my sister and I could lay hands on him and pray for him. My motives were pretty selfish. I did NOT want him to die in the middle of this estate settlement procedure (which took over a year). We laid hands on him and prayed. A few months later, I called him to schedule my regular annual tax appointment. I asked him how he was feeling. He was very excited!
“I’m totally healed! I’m cancer free!” he said, and had no doubt he had experienced a miracle. If you doubt this story, contact me, and I’ll give you his name and phone number so you can check it out.
That’s only one of many stories. God is real. There’s a heaven to gain and a hell to shun. I challenge you. If you’re NOT a born-again Christian, pick up a New Testament. Start reading it every day. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. See what happens after a few weeks. I’m telling you SOMETHING will happen! If you ARE a born-again Christian but you’re just kind of wishy-washy and not really committed, well this is a good time of year to get with it. Put GOD first in everything you do. Take seriously the message of Psalm 1. Don’t walk in the counsel of the ungodly! Delight yourself in the Lord and His Word. Be faithful in personal devotions, in fellowship with other believers, and in sharing your faith.
Well, next time I’ll probably be back to the 90% secular talk, but I hope this has been a help and a blessing.
EMMYS 1966: The Dick Van Dyke Show (season 5)
4 years ago
2 comments:
After the last couple of blogs, I decided that I wasn't going to read your blogs anymore. I didn't need to "feed on" the anger because it put me in a very bad place. It caused me to stumble and I didn't want that kind of influence in my life. Yes, I put you on a proverbial pedestal which was wrong on my part.
I had to take a step back and look at this from different perspectives, as a business owner, as a consumer, as a Christian, and as just another struggling human being. You have the right to react and vent any way you choose. We all do. There is no doubt in my mind that you were mistreated and inconvenienced and possibly ripped off (not yet able to be determined until all is settled). I believe your anger is justified. What do we do with that anger? What should we do with that anger?
From a business standpoint, an angry, dissatisfied customer is the worst form of advertising. As a consumer, I should be able to count on the promises or warranties made at the time of a purchase, especially if I have the paperwork in hand. As a struggling human being, life is difficult enough without adding seemingly unnecessary hassles. For Christians, I think it is a little more involved. I don't think we should allow others to take unfair advantage of us nor do I think we should "get even". It's hard to know where the boundaries are and what the appropriate actions are. The flip side of all of this is, others (Christians and non-Christians) are watching us to see how we react and how we handle these difficult situations. I have to admit your actions and reactions regarding the airline and the repair shop did a number on me. Where does God fit in all of this?
I'm glad I didn't carry through with the decision not to read your blogs anymore. I was blessed and helped by this one. This is something to "feed on". &nb
Bob, I think you do a great job at being a christan, I admit that previously I had some ignorant views of born-agains. Like the crazy lady downtown or my sister's mother-in-law who goes on and on and on about Jesus when she knows it doesn't apply to us and feels exempt from getting a speeding ticket because she's a christian (she got pulled over and actually pointed to her cross airfreshener dangling from her mirror and told the officer "but I wouldn't break the law, I'm a christian!)
But reading your blog really has made me aware that born-agains aren't all like either of these people (and some others I've met) and I feel enlightened reading your blog.
Your story reminds me of when my aunt had such serious pnemonia that she was put in IC at Brigham and Womens. While she was unconcious most of her stay and given a grim prognosis, a priest came by and even though we're Jewish he asked if he could say a prayer, we said "sure, why not". He was saying some prayer and something about Jesus and my aunts eyes opened and she looked around and later the doctor looked at test results and said she may pull through, we were so relived. I remember thinking "if she lives I'm becoming a Cristian- I swear!" She died less than a week later and thought "what was THAT all about then?" I was anrgy, not at the priest or anything he said but I felt kind toyed with by life or whatever made her seem to get better and then pass away. I started wondering what was the point of that and doubted God or anything like that.
I guess I just have days where I think there MUST be something and oter days where I can't imagine there is anything that lets all the terrible things that happen in the world go on.
But, I see people that are so happy to have faith in something and if that makes them happy and happy to be a good person then all the better.
Sorry to ramble...Anyway, I think you're a good guy : )
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