Living in light of eternity

I have recently noticed a tendency among many Christians. I would call it "moralizing". The Collins Essential English Dictionary defines this as "to discuss or consider something in the light of one's own moral beliefs, esp. with disapproval." Certainly we, as followers of Christ, are called to be moral. But I wonder if we are called to "moralize". I think we fall into "moralizing" when we interpret almost everything in light of its moral meaning. Many things in life should be interpreted through a moral grid, but not everything. There is white, there is black, and there is gray. Not everything in life is either black or white. And just because I deem something as black, doesn't mean I necessarily need to speak out about it or criticize others for not seeing it my way. Job's counselors could be described as moralizers. They could perceive all Job's faults, but could offer no real help. They could speak for human cond...

I recently had an interesting experience talking with a young 5th grade teacher. She had just graduated from a university in Texas and secured a good teaching position. In today's economy, that's quite an accomplishment. She liked the students but was extremely frustrated. I asked her what the problem was. After very little thought, she said, "I just want to reach people for Jesus Christ." As she shared these thoughts, she started to cry a bit. I was listening intently and I got teary eyed also. I know that passion. Frankly, I was thinking, " I remember feeling that way." It was so moving to see a person with a compassion for the lost, and a passion for sharing Christ; that deep concern you feel when you consider the destiny of someone who does not know Christ and the future that awaits them if they don't rectify their situation. I believe that deep feeling of compassion is one of the hallmarks of the Spirit-filled life. Matt 9:36 36 When h...

This time of year my mind always goes back to the 6T Ranch and Charles and Anne Towery . Charles passed away on January 1st, then several years later Anne went to join him on January 29, 2003. That particular New Years day was one I'll never forget. We got the call that Charles had passed. We were invited to come up to the ranch. So we loaded up our three children and headed up the Katy Hockley Cut-Off. Several friends of the family were there, and Anne greeted us in an unusually warm and gracious manner, considering she had just lost the love of her life. Although "lost" is not exactly accurate. After a bit Anne asked, "Do you want to see Charles?" At first I didn't understand what she meant until Nona whispered, "He's laid out in the sunroom ." I don't normally like to go to funerals, and "viewings" even less. There is something about a dead person laying at the other end of the room. But this was different. Anne escorted our f...