"Conundrum"

First Julie's Keyboard:

This week as I was studying in the book of Numbers, it seems a serious lesson was impressed upon me in regard to "murmuring and complaining."  It seemed so strange that after God provided for His chosen people (Israel) over and over again,  they would cycle around again to this atrocious  sin.  Yet, it's often easy to notice that "problem belonging to someone else, or that speck in their eye," and totally fail to see the relevance to our own circumstances.

How easy it is to slip into complaint mode when the least little issue upsets our flesh in any way whatsoever.  What's happened to us, as His people?  How can we complain with all the provision that has been afforded us through Jesus Christ our Lord?  Could it have anything to do with the company we keep?  Have we let the cares of this world shape our appetites and determine the level of comfort we should be granted?

Well, as you may have guessed, these are questions I must ask myself often to avert this dangerous little imp of "murmuring and complaining."  This type of behavior is very contagious.  One can simply walk into a conversation and take one negative comment and build a mighty fortress of pessimism thereon.  As kings and priests, we really should have higher thoughts and pursuits. 

I suppose this is one of those areas that tests our level of discipleship.  As I bring these thoughts to a close today, this passage of Scripture seems to speak to the issue at hand:

Philippians 2:14,15 "Do all things without murmurings and disputings:  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;"

Are we "shining" or "whining?"

Have a blessed week,

Julie

******************************
http://spiritualheritage.blogspot.com

"Conundrum"

I was reminded of our religious conundrum again this week.  New York Mayor Bloomberg decided to exclude the clergy and religious prayers from the 911 ceremonies this year.  One prominent evangelical leader Dr. Micheal Youssef agrees with him.  You can read Dr. Youssef's view at http://www.onenewsnow.com/Perspectives/Default.aspx?id=1422360

The conundrum for most of us is that the ideal of what Mayor Bloomberg has decided strikes at the core of our beliefs, yet when you read Dr. Youssef's view it grabs at the same core beliefs. 

Our 1st Amendment no longer carries it's original intent and has taken on a meaning of interpretation depending upon one's personal views.  It seems to mean now according to most government entities, that they must avoid any reference to religious views or it will appear to be endorsing a particular religion, which will run crosswise of the establishment clause (using their current interpretation).

In reading the establishment clause of the 1st Amendment of our U. S. Constitution, I must say that it appears to support the idea that all religions have equal status when existing within the borders of this nation.  Therefore if Mr. Bloomberg did allow the clergy to speak and prayers to be made, one must conclude that all clergy be allowed and all prayers to all gods be allowed as well. Thus the point Dr. Yussef is making.  {This of course would not be the understanding of our Founders.}

I think you  may be beginning to see a bit of conflict now, say for instance if a Muslim Imam wanted to speak and offer an Islamic pray at such a sensitive site it could create some emotional affects that one would want to avoid.

Conundrum, Conundrum, Conundrum!  What are we to do?  How did we get here?  Can we ever get over it?  Conundrum!

Our problem arises because we as a people have basically abandoned our Christian roots as a nation.  Oh, we still profess our Christianity in a personal way, attend our Churches and mostly are content to keep our religious expressions confined to our personal lives.  Even our politicians are working hard this election season trying to find a way to appear strong in their faith and yet not offend to broad spectrum of their constituents. 

Pundits are constantly pointing us to our Constitutions of government and our Founding Fathers for support of separation of religion and government, and to the diversity of religious views and tolerance.  The problem with this is the Founding Fathers did not agree, as our current government and media outlets would have to believe.

Sure constitutional scholars who have studied the documents in questions for years, and are certified experts in their field.  But in all their studies they have come to a different conclusion than that of our Founders, but they are scholars and experts, so surly we must conclude they are right! Right?

John Witherspoon, a signer of the Declaration of Independence said, "Those who pay no regard to religion and seriousness in the persons whom they send to the legislature of any state are guilty of the greatest absurdity and will soon pay dear for their folly."

But our experts have concluded that a persons religious views are personal and have no place in our politics, I wonder if payday is coming?

Benjamin Franklin, signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States, during the Constitutional debate said, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.  I firmly believe this; I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of babel."

Well, the experts have concluded any reference to Franklin's God mentioned here is unconstitutional in any public square, the afore mentioned 911 ceremony included.  I wonder if any of our labor is in vain?

Benjamin Franklin also said, "History will also afford frequent opportunities of showing the necessity of a public religion and the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern."

Our experts have concluded our Constitution places all religions on equal footing, yet the Founders of that Constitution deemed the Christian religion above all others, I wonder what History will afford to us?

Our Conundrum is not the issue of Constitution principles, our Conundrum is "We the People" have abandoned our faith and pluralized our views until nothing is clear anymore.  We are divided and confused about who we are and what we are to be about.

We cannot sustain our society on division and confusion, either our people will experience another religious awakening that will renew us to the faith and principles of our Founders, or we will continue to decline in our chaos until another form of government arises or another one overtakes us.  It is my prayer it will be the former.

May God bless each of you,

David