Christians! Be Careful What You Say

Recent statements heard by ME.

Statement: You must give to receive
Fact: Jesus came and stated that all that is necessary for salvation is to " Believe and be Baptised." Even this four word statement has been interpreted many ways, but giving has never been a prerequisite.

Statement: Give so that you may store up " treasures in heaven. "
Fact: There is NO pecking order. Jesus loves those with the least as much as anyone. The only TREASURE Jesus wants is US.

Statement: Give and you will receive abundantly.
Fact: Goodness is sometimes rewarded, and just as often is returned by unpleasant circumstances.

So, in my opinion, what is the reason to give? The answer is one, very simple basic four-letter word. LOVE. In our human-ness we have sinned, are sinning, and will sin in the future. There is no cure for this state of sinfulness, and yet there was a precious gift. The one who never should have been punished for wrong doings, the one who never did a mean, evil, rotten thing -- ever -- died by a horrible, tortured death after being accused of wrong.

He gave his life for another--for many. Just as someone who dies during a heroic act to save the life of another, Jesus did it for us all--and never held us accountable. " Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Unconditional, selfless love. It may be likened to a baby's affection even when abused. It is as a mother or father who loves a child despite mean words and bad acts.

And what will be our motivation for giving? Will it be to buy our way into heaven and then closer to the throne of glory? Will it be because we have to? Or, will it be for an altruistic reason, just as Jesus' death was, which was pure, unconditional love?

Then, what will be given--time, skills, money? As you are motivated, give. This certainly doesn't mean that a reminder of needs is wrong. It is the words that place guilt or give unrealistic promises--these are lies. Giving may or may not bring happiness, opportunity or good cheer, but the pleasure of a gift given with no thought of return for the good of others should be reward enough.

The Christian Controversy of Death

I am in a quandry about death. As a Christian I am supposed to look forward to my new life to come after death, even desire it. Yet, I am also supposed to cherish life, make life worthy, and cling to it with all my being for as long as possible. Personally, I hate death--the act of death to be exact. I hate the results and consequences feasted not upon the person who has died, but for all the people who have a connection with who is dead. There is no control over it. In a five-year time span one person will know no one who has died, yet another person will know multiple people. Of this multiple group of people there can be many who are very close in relationship with the die-ers.

Maybe I don't hate death as much as I am weary of it. In the last five years there have been many--some young and tragic, and some old yet missed. I find it curious that one of the first questions asked by others when I announce a death is the age of the die-er. Is my grief for one whom I loved so dearly expected to be in direct relationship with their age? Maybe every year that passes should lower my grief level by one percent. Thus, if someone I know dies at the ripe old age of 100 there should be no time of grieving. When my Aunt Anna died in the 103rd year of her life it follows that I should have had a party and whooped it up!

For the young and tragic, there is sorrow over what might have been. I can't deny that. For the old I am happy that they are well again. I can't say there have been many middle-aged deaths around me recently. I guess when someone is in that period of life it should be said, "She had a life half well-lived." Hmmm.... a new category of die-ers. Now that I have thought it I can't take it back, and that's too bad because I don't want to start a new trend.

It's time for God to turn off the fawcet. It is time for death to take a rest rather than for the dead to be at rest, because I who am still here wish some respit from the onslaught of sorrow that overwhelms me when another that I love has died.

So, God, I know you are listening because you always do and I am telling you that I need a rest. I was not ready for the last five or six+ to leave me, and I am not ready now for the one who is very sick to join you. The only solution then is for you to make her better. Get busy, please.

Hymn

Through the green leaves of the trees I look up to the sky
And consider God, the artist who created from on high.
I think upon the splendor in this glorious world of ours,
Comparing it to conflict here at home and distant shores.

Confusion reigns within my heart for God is peace, not war.
Souls forget the love within, humanness comes to the fore.
Emotions flare and reason flees, all thoughts of love are tossed
Where are the speakers for the dead—who shudder at the cost?

The speakers are not silent, they cry out to Him above
Who is our only hope for peace, and some day it will come
When all the Saints will ever live within the light of joy
And cries of happiness, not pain their voices will employ.

Glory! Hallelujah! …that God is still the one
That gave the chance for calm to reign because he sent his Son.
To Him who listens patiently to all our fervent prayers
He’s always present, never failing us because he cares.

When the focus of our eyes upon the world that we can see
Is this old earth of toil and woe, then look up and through the trees.
Set your heart to what can’t be seen, to what only God can give
The peace that passes understanding because our Savior lives!
Mary Katherine May
August 9, 2006