A Better Question In This Culture

The US Supreme Court has struck down a law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman only, in a landmark ruling. The court's 5-4 vote said the Defense of Marriage Act, known as Doma, denied equal protection to same-sex couples. The decision means that legally married gay men and women are entitled to claim the same federal benefits available to opposite-sex married couples. Opinion polls show that most Americans support gay marriage. Twelve US states and the District of Columbia recognize gay marriage, while more than 30 states ban it. Last year, President Obama became the first sitting president to publicly endorse same-sex marriage. Accordingly, Kent and Diego Love-Ramirez (who live together in Lansing, Michigan with their two-and-a-half year old son) were invited by Mr. Obama to the White House for a Father's Day event.

How should believers respond to the increasingly aggressive gay agenda? Perhaps we respond best by asking a different question. A better question would be--how may each of us influence those around us toward biblical principles.? According to Jim Denison of the Denison Forum, the biblical answer that comes immediately to mind comes from the conclusion of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount:

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash" (Matthew 7:24-27).

Presumably, both houses were constructed from the same materials according to the same plan and similar storms struck both homes. The one that stood "had its foundation on the rock," while the one that fell was built "on sand." The "rock" is the teaching of Christ; the sand is the teaching of culture. If we want our families to withstand the storms of our day, we must teach them to think biblically and live obediently. Our first question in every circumstance should be, What does God say? Our second question should be, How can I obey his Word now in my immediate context?

Our greatest impact in this culture comes not from angry reaction but consitent proaction. We see this in certain high-profile individuals: Mariano Rivera, the New York Yankees' all-star closer, may go into pastoral ministry after he retires. Brazilian soccer star Kaka pulls off his jersey whenever he scores a goal to reveal t-shirts which proclaim his love for Christ. Albert Pujols, the perennial all-star, says, "My life's goal is to bring glory to Jesus. Baseball is simply my platform to elevate . . . my Lord and Savior."

But we also see this as ordinary folk like you and I choose to live out our faith positively and consistently in our own circles of influence. As we walk upon a foundation that is rock solid, we influence others to evaluate the stability of their own lives. What is your life's influence today?

Endorsements

I received electronic notice this morning that a colleague has "endorsed" me on Linked In for certain skills supposedly I possess. While I appreciate the sentiment and gracious intent, I know myself much too well to feel flattered by the gesture. Too well I identify with the Apostle's self-deprecating assessment--"There is nothing good in me."Some may protest such honest evaluation as undue criticism or harmful self-condemnation; however, I deem it simply facing facts, admitting harsh truth at face value. The key to growth, in my opinion, is not in the acknowledging but in the adjusting. As I confess my short-comings, I stand on the edge of potential improvement. God's Word never upholds inward judgment for the sake of judgment; instead, evaluation is always for the purpose of development. Don't get me wrong--endorsements are nice, but in the end what matters most is a productive response to honest self-examination.

Am I Refreshing?

Late yesterday evening I went for a walk along a sultry bayou near Hot Springs, Arkansas. An evening walk is nothing unusual for my wife and I, but this time I was walking with a colleague at the close of a staff retreat. We walked for exercise and relaxation, but the humidity and heat made it anything but refreshing. That is, until we approached a secluded dock near the boat launch. Quite unexpectedly, it was like walking through a curtain of cool, a tangible wall of refreshment. Humidity and heat evaporated in an instant and we were transported to a cool oasis, an island of chill surrounded by a desert of mugginess. We tarried and enjoyed the spot as long as we dared and sighed remorsefully as we walked back through the curtain into sweat.

As I reflect on the experience, I cannot help but wonder about the effect I have on people with whom I come in contact. Do people walk away from our encounters with a sense of being refreshed? Do I encourage or drain? Am I a rejuvenating factor or a stress-producing strain?

Father, remake me into a blessing just waiting to happen. Create in me a clean heart and allow the contentment I find in you to be contagious. Transform me into a curtain of refreshing.

Reflections

An early walk this morning to the edge of Lake Catherine near Hot Springs, Arkansas, reminds me of an important spiritual truth. Standing on one bank while facing the other, and in between is a watery reflection of the picturesque scenery opposite me. Admittedly, the reflection is not as distinct as the actual trees and sky I see across the way, but the resemblance is unmistakeable. In a similar fashion, each of us is designed to be a reflection of the Father. We are not identical (that would be idolatry), but we are purposes to be so closely akin that the family resemblance is unmistakeable and avoidable. Father, live through me today so sharply that my life is a mirror image of Yourself.

Symbol of Hope

The June 1 headline reads "Rebuilding of house a symbol of hope for West." The article by Waco Tribune writer Stephanie Butts describes the importance of an image of restoration being raised before a hurting community.

"Although most of the homes destroyed in the West fertilizer plant explosion are still shells, hope is budding in the hearts of residents as rebuilding gets 
underway.
A home on North Ridge Circle, only blocks away from the April 17 blast site, is framed up and should be completed by the end of summer, homeowners Steven and Stephanie Kucera said. It is one of the first residential sites where construction has begun, West Mayor Tommy Muska said, and he sees it as an encouraging start to the rebuilding process that involves many of the town’s residents. The home’s thin frame now stands as a symbol for them.

'They see things moving and they know it’s coming for them, too,' Stephanie Kucera said. The Kuceras’ neighbor, the Rev. John Crowder, lives a few homes down and is thrilled to see the construction on his street.

'There's a sense of hope and excitement,' said Crowder, pastor of West First Baptist Church. 'We've been looking at devastation and rubble for a month and a half, and now we’re beginning to see the signs of a new beginning, the assurance that there will be a tomorrow for our town.'"

When reading thus encouraging story, I couldn't help but think of the ultimate symbol of restoration and hope--the cross of Christ. Whether adorning elaborate stained glass in the grandest cathedral or hanging in silver from a delicate chain, the cross stands as a constant reminder of ultimate and imminent victory and hope that's ours in Christ Jesus. Death and Hell cannot conquer us and difficulty and pain will not defeat us. "We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus our Lord." Thank God for giving the residents of West something that inspires hope, and praise God for giving believers a constant reminder through the cross that we will overcome.