This is going to be the post that gets me ostracized by my people. So be it. It is well with my soul. This place is not my home. My eternal brothers and sisters will understand. The truth must be told.
Barack Obama is an idol. He campaigned on hope and change. He got elected on hope and change. Jesus is the real hope and change. Obama is merely an idol, who did not, and cannot deliver on those promises of hope and change. Jesus is the only one who can ever deliver true hope and true change. Anything else is a poor substitute, an idol.
Black Christians knocking at my door. I am glad to see them. Then I realize they don't want to talk to me about Jesus. They want me to vote for Obama. Brothers and Sisters, I have been living in the same house now for 8 years. I have never had one Black person knock on my door and tell me about the Jesus of the Bible. I have had more than one Black person knock on my door and tell me about Obama. Let's get this sorted out. Christians must believe that Jesus is the most important thing. He is the way to eternal life. But they don't come to my door to tell me about Him. They would rather use their time and energy telling me about Barack Obama. To me that reeks of idol worship. Tell me God is happy with us going around telling the neighborhood about Obama, but we wont open our mouths to talk about Christ!
Our history in this nation has blinded many of us. We don't trust white people. We don't believe they have our best interests at heart. They have shown us time and time again what they think of us. So when a viable Black candidate arrived on the scene we got behind him. We would have our Black president to announce to the nation and the rest of the world that we have arrived. Unfortunately, if you ask the average Black voter why they support Barack Obama, they would be hard pressed to give you a substantive answer. And if they gave you one, it'd probably be one of those facts that have not been checked well. If you don't believe me---try it. So our best reason for supporting him is the hue of his skin, or so it would seem. Interesting that our people shed all that blood, sweat, and tears so that people would recognize us for more than our skin color; but we don't seem to be able to get past skin color ourselves.
So, instead of looking at Barack the brother, Barack the ball player, Barack the community organizer, Barack the dancer, Barack the orator, Barack the lover who married pretty Michelle, or Barack the father; I want to look at Barack the Christian man. He called himself a Christian, let's examine the evidence. You see brothers and sisters, I don't care about all of the public policy as much I care about how much further the next candidate will take this nation away from God.
I have a 17 year old boy, and a 6 year old boy. I love them dearly, and I pray that they are shielded from the ungodliness of this American culture as long as possible. While I am here, I can steer them through this terrain. But if I died tomorrow, would this ungodly place swallow them whole without them even knowing it? My sons cannot walk through a mall without having to to look at pornographic images in the store windows. They cannot turn on the radio without hearing the most blasphemous, ungodly things. Let's not get started on TV. As a Christian myself I must let my faith be my guide. So how Barack Obama measures up to word of God will inform me of all I need to know. I hope you will let it inform you as well.
Don't get me wrong. I'm no Romney supporter either. Mormon's are not Christians. The Christ in the book of Mormon is not the Christ in the Bible. So don't think I'm attempting to sway your vote in that direction. What I would like is for every Black Christian to know who they are voting for before they cast that vote. I've already decided not to vote at all this year. I cannot, without reservations, support either man. I wish there was someone else to vote for.
In my next post, we will examine Barack, the Christian.
Now that I have your attention, please check back soon for the 2nd installment.
Showing posts with label idols. Show all posts
Showing posts with label idols. Show all posts
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Black American Idols---Happiness, Idol or Not
Greetings Brethren,
I know it has been some time since I last posted. It was not for a lack of trying.
Today, I want continue our discourse about idols. Specifically idols in the Black American community, and in the Black American church. I don't wish to step on your toes, but if I do, you may want to take a moment to examine your thinking through a biblical lens. I have done so myself, and the more I think about my own thinking through the light of the word of God, I find myself lacking.
It's funny how things work sometimes. Twice this week I have spoken with different people who mentioned in the course of conversation that they do not believe that God wants them to be unhappy. It was the first conversation that led me to post about this very topic. It was the second conversation that confirmed it.
The question on the floor is this: Is happiness an idol?
I see many television preachers selling happiness on TV, and I often wonder what happens when people send in their money and they do not receive the happiness promised. Why is happiness a goal for so many people? Should we be so focused on our own happiness? Does our preoccupation with being happy reveal a sort of selfishness within us?
Remember, our working definition of idol is bascially anything that replaces God in our hearts and minds, or anything that we 'worship.'
Many times I hear people say, if they just had this, or just had that then they would be happy. That a certain job, or relationship, or car, or degree would be the thing that makes them happy. And of course, if it makes you happy, then God must want it for your, because God wants us to be happy? Right?
Thus, we chase after the thing that will make us happy. Then we get it. Then we are happy. Then the thing gets old, or boring, or broken in some way and we are no longer happy. Then we fixate on something else to make us happy. Sound familiar?
Brothers and Sisters, if you are chasing after happiness, then happiness may be your idol. And it is a false idol, like all other idols. Like all other idols, happiness is temporary, and it cannot last into eternity.
I do not believe that God is concerned at all with our happiness. I believe that God is concerned with our salvation. Question, if everyone was happy all of the time, why would we ever need God? Why would we turn to God? Why would we seek his face, or his grace, if we were always happy?
When I think about my own salvation, it was due to me being very confused, very distraught, and very unhappy. That unhappiness was the thing that drove me into the arms of my lord and savior. To be completely transparent, when I am at my lowest points, I am closest to my savior. Read the following scripture written by Paul in reference to a 'thorn' in his flesh that the lord would not take away.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If Paul, who wrote most of the New Testatament, had an ailment that God refused to take away, so that God's power would be made perfect in Paul's suffering---what makes you think God wants you to be happy? Did you know that almost every apostle was murdered for Jesus? That they died horrible, terrible deaths, because they followed Christ? Was God concerned with their happiness? What about David? David spent a large part of his life running from his enemies. Was God concerned with his happiness? Consider Job, who was a faithful servant. Was God concerned with his happiness? Brothers and Sisters, God wants us to believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, and spend eternity with Him. If we must suffer for that to be accomplished then so be it. It would be far better for us to suffer in this life than in the next, because if we suffer in the next life we will suffer for eternity. I hope this is clear.
I hear too many Christians saying that God wants us to have life, and have it more abundantly. YES, HE DOES! What do we think that means? That means Jesus! It means Jesus came so we can have access 24/7 to the life that he gives---eternal life with Him. Read John 10:10 again, and see if it makes sense now. The life Jesus provides is Jesus, and communion with with Him, our savior. It does not mean we are going to be happy. It means that whatever is happening, we can always go to our High Priest with with it.
Lastly, I want to say this. A few chapters later, in John 14:6, Jesus says this: I am the way the truth and the life. You see, Jesus himself is what we need abundantly. He works all things together for our good. That is all things--happiness, sadness, poverty, prosperity, all things. So just because things didn't work out the way we planned--we know that we are being led to a good place by a good Sheppard; even if the way is rough.
I can say more, in fact I think I will next time. Until then, examine your thoughts, search the scriptures, and see what the word of God has to say about happiness. Maybe you are in a place where God wants you because he can work with you in this place. He can perfect you in this place. Maybe your trial is necessary to make you weak so his strength is perfected in you. Maybe we are too concerned with our own happiness and not concerned enough about His will. Remember, Thy will be done, not My will be done.
I know it has been some time since I last posted. It was not for a lack of trying.
Today, I want continue our discourse about idols. Specifically idols in the Black American community, and in the Black American church. I don't wish to step on your toes, but if I do, you may want to take a moment to examine your thinking through a biblical lens. I have done so myself, and the more I think about my own thinking through the light of the word of God, I find myself lacking.
It's funny how things work sometimes. Twice this week I have spoken with different people who mentioned in the course of conversation that they do not believe that God wants them to be unhappy. It was the first conversation that led me to post about this very topic. It was the second conversation that confirmed it.
The question on the floor is this: Is happiness an idol?
I see many television preachers selling happiness on TV, and I often wonder what happens when people send in their money and they do not receive the happiness promised. Why is happiness a goal for so many people? Should we be so focused on our own happiness? Does our preoccupation with being happy reveal a sort of selfishness within us?
Remember, our working definition of idol is bascially anything that replaces God in our hearts and minds, or anything that we 'worship.'
Many times I hear people say, if they just had this, or just had that then they would be happy. That a certain job, or relationship, or car, or degree would be the thing that makes them happy. And of course, if it makes you happy, then God must want it for your, because God wants us to be happy? Right?
Thus, we chase after the thing that will make us happy. Then we get it. Then we are happy. Then the thing gets old, or boring, or broken in some way and we are no longer happy. Then we fixate on something else to make us happy. Sound familiar?
Brothers and Sisters, if you are chasing after happiness, then happiness may be your idol. And it is a false idol, like all other idols. Like all other idols, happiness is temporary, and it cannot last into eternity.
I do not believe that God is concerned at all with our happiness. I believe that God is concerned with our salvation. Question, if everyone was happy all of the time, why would we ever need God? Why would we turn to God? Why would we seek his face, or his grace, if we were always happy?
When I think about my own salvation, it was due to me being very confused, very distraught, and very unhappy. That unhappiness was the thing that drove me into the arms of my lord and savior. To be completely transparent, when I am at my lowest points, I am closest to my savior. Read the following scripture written by Paul in reference to a 'thorn' in his flesh that the lord would not take away.
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If Paul, who wrote most of the New Testatament, had an ailment that God refused to take away, so that God's power would be made perfect in Paul's suffering---what makes you think God wants you to be happy? Did you know that almost every apostle was murdered for Jesus? That they died horrible, terrible deaths, because they followed Christ? Was God concerned with their happiness? What about David? David spent a large part of his life running from his enemies. Was God concerned with his happiness? Consider Job, who was a faithful servant. Was God concerned with his happiness? Brothers and Sisters, God wants us to believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, and spend eternity with Him. If we must suffer for that to be accomplished then so be it. It would be far better for us to suffer in this life than in the next, because if we suffer in the next life we will suffer for eternity. I hope this is clear.
I hear too many Christians saying that God wants us to have life, and have it more abundantly. YES, HE DOES! What do we think that means? That means Jesus! It means Jesus came so we can have access 24/7 to the life that he gives---eternal life with Him. Read John 10:10 again, and see if it makes sense now. The life Jesus provides is Jesus, and communion with with Him, our savior. It does not mean we are going to be happy. It means that whatever is happening, we can always go to our High Priest with with it.
Lastly, I want to say this. A few chapters later, in John 14:6, Jesus says this: I am the way the truth and the life. You see, Jesus himself is what we need abundantly. He works all things together for our good. That is all things--happiness, sadness, poverty, prosperity, all things. So just because things didn't work out the way we planned--we know that we are being led to a good place by a good Sheppard; even if the way is rough.
I can say more, in fact I think I will next time. Until then, examine your thoughts, search the scriptures, and see what the word of God has to say about happiness. Maybe you are in a place where God wants you because he can work with you in this place. He can perfect you in this place. Maybe your trial is necessary to make you weak so his strength is perfected in you. Maybe we are too concerned with our own happiness and not concerned enough about His will. Remember, Thy will be done, not My will be done.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Black American Idol 4: BET Awards--Really Christians?
Brothers and Sisters, I know some of you think I'm just here to steal everyone's joy. To the contrary, I believe I must do this to increase everyone's joy---in the lord! Keep in mind, what I say I say out of love.
I've seen many Facebook comments about the BET Awards. Some saying they liked this performance, or they liked that performance. Some saying a certain performer looked like a 'hot mess.' I say, if you watched that idol worship, that work of the devil, then you need to repent. Yes You! Many of the same people who watched that mess post comments every week about going to church on Sunday.
The bible clearly states that you cannot serve two masters. You cannot worship the world and God. So what, then, 'Christian' are you doing watching the BET Awards? It is nothing but the world celebrating itself. If you are a 'Christian' why are you participating in the world celebrating the world, when you are not supposed to have anything to do with the world besides being salt and light to the world.
That's right, I said it. Call me to complain. But you so-called Christians are wrong and someone needs to say it. Those people on that show worship the world system, and many who idolize---yes idolize---those folks are being drawn into their world view. What's worse is that Christian adults are sitting back watching it with their children teaching them to be world worshippers too. I say don't support people in their wrong doing. But as usual, Black folks, even so-called Christian black folks love to look at the spectacle so they can run their mouths the next day. Yes, I said, because it needs to be said. You all can hate me all you want, I don't answer to you. And you know in your heart I'm right. I didn't have to watch the awards to know what they are all about. You didn't either. Are you mad? Good. So am I.
Think about this the next time you even consider wasting your God-given time on that mess. God gave all of those wonderfully talented people on the BET Awards incredible gifts. Those same people have taken those gifts and used them to advance the kingdom of God's enemy. Talk about a slap in the face. To add insult to injury, God's people are sitting up watching his enemy's team perform their work and loving every minute of it. If you don't think those people on the BET are doing the devil's work for him, print out the lyrics and compare them to the word of God. I dare you!!!!
Christians, and so-called Christians, the next time you want to look at that mess, think about what Christ did for you. The intense suffering he willingly endured for you, so you can have eternal life. After you have thought on that, then try to turn around and applaud while His enemy wins an award. C'mon folks, you know in your heart it is wrong, so stop. You have 500 other channels to watch.
I've seen many Facebook comments about the BET Awards. Some saying they liked this performance, or they liked that performance. Some saying a certain performer looked like a 'hot mess.' I say, if you watched that idol worship, that work of the devil, then you need to repent. Yes You! Many of the same people who watched that mess post comments every week about going to church on Sunday.
The bible clearly states that you cannot serve two masters. You cannot worship the world and God. So what, then, 'Christian' are you doing watching the BET Awards? It is nothing but the world celebrating itself. If you are a 'Christian' why are you participating in the world celebrating the world, when you are not supposed to have anything to do with the world besides being salt and light to the world.
That's right, I said it. Call me to complain. But you so-called Christians are wrong and someone needs to say it. Those people on that show worship the world system, and many who idolize---yes idolize---those folks are being drawn into their world view. What's worse is that Christian adults are sitting back watching it with their children teaching them to be world worshippers too. I say don't support people in their wrong doing. But as usual, Black folks, even so-called Christian black folks love to look at the spectacle so they can run their mouths the next day. Yes, I said, because it needs to be said. You all can hate me all you want, I don't answer to you. And you know in your heart I'm right. I didn't have to watch the awards to know what they are all about. You didn't either. Are you mad? Good. So am I.
Think about this the next time you even consider wasting your God-given time on that mess. God gave all of those wonderfully talented people on the BET Awards incredible gifts. Those same people have taken those gifts and used them to advance the kingdom of God's enemy. Talk about a slap in the face. To add insult to injury, God's people are sitting up watching his enemy's team perform their work and loving every minute of it. If you don't think those people on the BET are doing the devil's work for him, print out the lyrics and compare them to the word of God. I dare you!!!!
Christians, and so-called Christians, the next time you want to look at that mess, think about what Christ did for you. The intense suffering he willingly endured for you, so you can have eternal life. After you have thought on that, then try to turn around and applaud while His enemy wins an award. C'mon folks, you know in your heart it is wrong, so stop. You have 500 other channels to watch.
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