Legalism Gone Secular

How far is too far in regards to the federal or state government legislating our lives?  After reading this article, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090929/ap_on_re_us/us_baby_sitter_backlash_mich,  I was forced to ask myself why we have ever allowed so many laws to entangle our lives with endless red-tape and bureaucracy?

The case in point, a woman watches her neighbors’ children while they wait for a school bus is being told that she cannot continue to help in this capacity without being licensed by the state to do so.  Apparently, there is a law in Michigan prohibiting any non-relative from watching children for more than 4 calendar weeks.

Why do we need to legislate my parental rights?  Do I need the government to tell me how to be a father?  Evangelist Bob Pittman stated in a recent message that America is one of the most legislated countries in the world, and also one of the most irresponsible in keeping said legislation.

Why do we need so many laws to ignore, avoid, and break?  I truly believe that this country would be much better off with weaker government and stronger moral convictions.  Don’t get me wrong, I am proud to be an American.  I am forever indebted to the men and women who have fought, bled, and sacrificed in order to protect and serve my family.  However, I do not believe that soldiers and law enforcement have sacrificed to create a stronger government.  I believe they and their families have shed tears and blood because they love their neighbors and see it as their calling to protect others.

Friends, the government exists to support the people, however it appears more and more that the people exist to support the government.

If I close the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on My people,  and My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

-2 Chronicles 7:13-14-

CSB

To Treat or Not to Treat, That is The Question….

Every year many struggle with the same question, “Should a Christian celebrate Halloween?”  I will attempt to give you my opinion in as simple and straight-forward a manner as is possible…yes and no.

I believe we must look to 1 Corinthians 8 for an understanding of how Christians should celebrate festivals.  In this chapter, Paul is specifically addressing the practice of eating meat that has been offered to idols.

Paul states in verses 4 through 6 that the Christian has a knowledge which says, “‘an idol is nothing in the world, ‘ and that ‘there is no God but one.’ For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth–as there are many ‘gods’ and many ‘lords’–yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we for Him;  and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we through Him.”

Paul is saying that these false gods do not exist and therefore there is no harm in the Christian, who knows there is only One God, in eating this meat.  He continues this thought in 1 Corinthians 10:25-26, “Eat everything that is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake, for the earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it.”  Paul is discussing the Christian’s liberty to live free from written law or legalism and, instead, answer only to God.

From these statements, I feel that I have a freedom to celebrate this holiday with my family by eating candy and dressing up in silly costumes.  However, there are lines that we must not cross.  For every liberty Paul writes about, he has a warning of the limitations of that liberty.  Essentially in 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10, Paul seems to indicate that our liberty is limited when it has a negative affect on others.

1 Corinthians 8:7 states, “However, not everyone has this knowledge.  In fact, some have been so used to idolatry up until now, that when they eat food offered to an idol, their conscience, being weak, is defiled.”  Verse 9 continues, “But be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block to the weak.”  Essentially, our witness can cause others to stumble.  Chapter 10 verses 27 and 28 say, “If one of the unbelievers invites you over and you want to go, eat everything that is set before you, without raising questions of conscience.  But if someone says to you, “This is food offered to an idol,” do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake.”

What is the difference between partaking and refraining?  The other person’s conscience.  How can this be addressed during Halloween?  Firstly, most, and I would assume a vast majority, see Halloween as a simple state holiday, not a worship service for Satan.  Secondly, the Christian can celebrate every state holiday in freedom, however it should be done in a way that recognizes God.  1 Corinthians 10:30 states, “If I partake with thanks, why am I slandered because of something for which I give thanks?”  He recognizes that the meat comes from God and that imaginary idols have nothing to do with it.  Finally, and in congruence with the previous point, we do what is in our conscience to do.  Romans 14:14 says, “I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean.”  So we must answer to the conviction of our conscience as well as the conviction of the Spirit.

So, how do we celebrate Halloween in the Byrd house-hold?  We don’t, but we participate in festivities with our church family through Trunk-or-Treat, watch the Charlie Brown special, and eat a lot of candy!  We don’t dress up like monsters or demons, but we try to be creative.  Last year, Stefanie was a lion and Anna was a giraffe while I was on safari!  The year before that, Stef was a pig and Anna was a lamb on my farm.  Nothing scary, but definitely lots of fun!

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.

-1 Corinthians 10:31-

CSB

When I Grow Up….

Stefanie and Anna were driving home the other evening when Anna declared, “I want to hurry and grow up!”  This startled Stefanie, who asked, “Why do you want to grow up?”  So, why would a three year old want to grow up?  “So I can sing Love, Love on the stage!”  Love, Love is a song she has learned recently that states, “The Gospel in one word is love.”

Stefanie was a little bit taken back, but she told Anna of the increased responsibilities of growing up and assured her that she didn’t want to grow up too fast.  Stef then went on to tell Anna that God already had plans for her and had given her talents to and gifts to do what He had called her to do.  Anna sat quietly for a moment, then said, “Oh God, how nice!  Thank you for the gifts!”  Stef said that a few minutes later she heard Anna praying, “Thank you God for the gifts you’ve given me, but I really want to grow up and sing Love, Love on stage.”

I wish I were more like Anna and could thank God for the gifts He has given me, instead of worrying about the gifts He has not.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…

-Colossians 3:23-