I’m rather tired of our political leaders trying to divide our nation between the “have’s” and the “have not’s”.  I don’t care who the politician is or in which political party they reside, when creating division between people becomes your strategy in order to maintain power, it’s despicable.  Over time it has become quite clear that one political party has chosen that course.  And sadly, President Obama has unashamedly chosen to lead the way.  There have always been circumstances in which those with means have taken advantage of those without, but there have also always been times when those without means have sought to inappropriately take advantage as well.  Greed isn’t reserved only for the wealthy.  We are brought down as a nation when our power hungry political leaders successfully pit certain groups of Americans against another.  I reject that and I believe many do.  I reject that every financial good fortune was ill gotten and every financial misfortune was someone else’s fault just as I reject that some people’s financial misfortune was of their own making.  I also believe many people, irregardless of their means, stand willing to reach out and help others in need.  This is not reserved only for those with greater means helping those with less.  It works both ways.  If you look for it, you can see it every day.  Rich, poor or whatever, I do believe in the good of people and I think we should.  We’re better when we do.  But a most important question is of what that good is motivated by. 

            Unfortunately, you find in some preaching that wealth makes it impossible to spend eternity in heaven, that heaven is only reserved for the poor.  On the other end, you find preaching that says wealth implies God’s favor, while poverty implies His disfavor.  The Bible teaches neither as these are both manufactured theologies.  Financial means are not the measure of how one will spend eternity.  God owns everything and needs nothing.  Though seemingly opposite, wealth and poverty present similar challenges.  In both cases, it has the potential to shift our focus away from God.  James addressed this very issue in his letter to those undergoing suffering and persecution.  He wrote to the poor, “Let the lowly boast in his exaltation” (James 1:9).  James was telling them to focus on their position before Christ and to boast in their heavenly reward to come.  To the wealthy he said be “rich in his humiliation” (James 1:10).  In other words, wealth passes away and is incapable of bringing the inner peace that only God can.  Sure James addressed the oppression of the poor.  It was wrong then and when it occurs today, it remains wrong, but are we better through division?  I don’t believe we are.    

            But there’s a bigger issue that the rich and poor need to be concerned with, a “have” or “have not” that really matters, and it has nothing to do with material wealth.  It’s the issue of whether or not you have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  That’s what truly matters.  Are you rich in His grace?  We should all want to be rich in this way.  All this other stuff is secondary.  Trust the sovereign hand of God to provide for your needs.  Don’t let material wealth allow you to take your eye off of the God who gave it to you, and don’t let your lack of it keep you from trusting His provision.  Remember, rich or poor, “have” or “have not”, His provision you can always trust.

            In its simplest form, grace is defined as getting something that we don’t deserve.  None of us are truly deserving of the grace that God gives.  It is a gift.  Then why is it that we are so determined to be the arbiter of who should get it?  I’m faced with question myself today.  Yesterday, John Edwards, former U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential and Presidential candidate was acquitted of campaign finance violations.  Charged on six counts, he was found not guilty on one account while the jury deadlocked on the other five.  He is unlikely to be prosecuted again on those five charges.    

            There are few politicians that I disagree with more than I do John Edwards.  I couldn’t be more opposed to the policies that he has supported, and personally, I never really cared much for him either.  I always felt he was arrogant and lacked the authenticity I believe is needed to not only lead our nation, but anyone.  I guess that proved to be true, at least in this case.   This was not your typical case as it concerns campaign finance abuse.  What created such an interest and media frenzy in this case was the purpose for which these charges resulted.  It was claimed they were motivated in order to cover up an affair which produced a child, all while Edwards’ wife was battling terminal cancer.  Who could be more undeserving of God’s grace?  Who could be more undeserving of ours?  As I watched the evening news and saw Edwards’ statements I was confronted with my own bias.  Is he due less of God’s grace or mine because of our political differences or my personal opinion of him?  Certainly not!  As the evening went on I began to feel more sympathy toward John Edwards.  His sins have been exposed in such a public way and he will forever reap their consequences.  King David was guilty of this same sin with Bathsheba.  He was publically exposed and suffered the consequences for his actions.  Yet David was a man after God’s own heart.  This should tell us something about the depth of our sin and the greatness of God’s grace. 

            Who am I to take pleasure in the public humiliation of John Edwards because he’s different than me?  Too often, I think we’re tempted to reserve grace for those in which we are most alike, be it politically, socially or racially.  This is not a Christian understanding of grace.  Nor is it a proper Christian understanding of grace when we maintain a neutral opinion about what God has defined as sin.  Grace is never an advocate of remaining in sin, no matter the degree of that sin.  All sin is an offense to God.  The Christian faith is truly all about grace.  It is about the grace that God has shown in overcoming our sin through the person of Jesus Christ.  It is about the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, leading us to live in a way that both pleases and glorifies God.  

            As I listened to some of the commentary from the news media concerning the Edwards case, it seemed apparent that many were sorrowful, and rightfully so for what this has done to the Edwards family, particularly his children.  They are in need of God’s grace because they will always live with this.  But there seemed to be less sorrow and grace reserved for John Edwards himself.  Maybe he doesn’t deserve it, but neither do we.  From such a distance, we don’t know the true guilt or innocence of John Edwards, and we really don’t know if he is truly repentant for his sins.  In time we may, but we know this, God sure knows, and that’s what matters most.  In grace, we accept people where they are and pray that God continues to change them.  So, just as we pray for his family, we should also pray for John Edwards himself.  True repentance brings God’s forgiveness.  If God can forgive and bestow grace to him, why shouldn’t I?  Life events can often be a lesson for each of us.  This one made me reflect on God’s grace and who deserves it.  As an undeserving recipient of God’s grace, I must offer that same grace to others, even those with whom I have profound disagreement.  God often uses humiliation as a means to draw us to Himself.  In a statement after his acquittal, John Edwards said he didn’t believe that God was through with him yet.  Let’s hope not.  Let’s hope and pray that John Edwards has truly learned from what he’s been through and that in the days ahead, he will live a life that glorifies God.  While we’re at it, let’s pray that for ourselves as well.

            Differences in our society are not hard to see.  They may be economic, political, social or racial.  Too often, our differences are exploited for personal and/or political gain.  God however doesn’t see these differences.  He sees our hearts.  Regardless of the differences, we are all created in the image of God.  That makes us alike.  Below is a link to an article written by Eric C. Redmond, senior pastor of Reformation Alive Baptist Church in Temple Hills, MD.  As an African American, he offers a unique perspective on President Obama’s support for same-sex marriage.  While rightly expressing pride in his racial heritage, celebrating the election of our first black president, Pastor Redmond recognizes that in no way, does race supersede godly heritage.  Nor does it make an unbiblical view of marriage any less wrong.  Our likeness “in Christ” should be what we celebrate the most, and as such, mutual submission to the authority of the Word of God and obedience to His will should be our greatest priority.     

http://baptistpress.com/printerfriendly.asp?ID=37831

            A week from today, Kristin will officially be a high school graduate. One more summer is all that’s left before she goes off to college to begin a new chapter in her life. She has been a wonderful child and I know her time in college will be a great experience. Like most parents, I could see this day coming, but as it approaches, there are so many things running through my mind that I want her to know. Naturally, I want her to know how much Karen, Logan and I love her, how proud we are of her, and how much we will miss her being away from us. I’m sure as a parent, you share the same feelings about your graduate. As we get ready to let them go, I believe it’s normal to ask if we’ve done enough to prepare them. What more can be said that will serve to make this part of their lives as fruitful as it can be? I’m sure in all the advice I’ve given, I’ve left something out. I’m equally sure that Kristin had rather me keep some of it to myself, but there are a few more things I need to tell her. I would love to tell her that a college experience comes without any challenges. Sure, we know the typical challenges of time management, difficult classes and the usual distractions a college student faces. They’re a given. But there are other challenges as well, challenges that will test her faith in God. This is the purpose for the list below. Spiritual challenges are the most important challenges that Kristin needs to be prepared for. All of our children will face these same challenges. It’s not that their faith hasn’t been tested before,  it’s just that now, as a Christian parent you are not there to guide them as you have been. As parents, we are now at a point where we have to trust like never before and pray that they remain committed to the things they’ve been taught. With that said, here’s my list of things I’ve been thinking about and want Kristin to know. Maybe you want to share it with your graduate as well. 

1. Be firm in what you believe about God because what you believe is likely to be challenged more than it has ever been before. 
2. With newfound freedom sometimes it’s easy to forget who you are. Remember not only who you are, but also who God created you to be.  
3. Influence can be a good thing, but it can also be harmful. God’s Word says there are things to run to and things to run from. Choose wisely. 
4. You were made to worship, both personally and corporately. Make finding a good Bible believing church a priority.  
5. Never will your temptation to stray from God’s will be greater than over these next years. 
6. It will take more than your best effort and self determination to fight against temptation. It will take the power of the Holy Spirit in you.  
7. Of all the books you read and study in college, the book that needs your greatest attention each day is the one written by God.  
8. Though I will not always be there to watch over you, your heavenly Father will be (Psalm 121:4). 
9. Prayer will be a powerful weapon for you to carry. Use it daily.   
10. Respect all people and be kind to them, but never let anyone tell you that a relationship with God comes any other way than through Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). 
11. As much as I love you, it pales in comparison to how much your heavenly Father loves you.
12. Remember that God is faithful. Trust Him, seek Him and love Him. After all, He loved you first.

            My God is colorblind. It is not that He doesn’t know our race. He knows everything. It’s that He doesn’t care. Skin color is not His concern, hearts are. Whether black or white, what God sees are men and women created in His image. He doesn’t see a black or white man, He sees a man. He doesn’t see a black or white woman, He sees a woman. Why can’t we? Over the last several weeks, I’ve watched with interest the firestorm surrounding the tragic death of Trayvon Martin. It is no doubt a sad story of a senseless death of someone too soon.  In this case, it is of the death of a young black man.  

            On April 6^th, I traveled back home to Birmingham, Alabama from a meeting in Tampa, Florida. On most occasions when I fly, I bring plenty to do and keep to myself. On the connection that day from Atlanta to Birmingham I was seated by a young military soldier named Reggie.  Reggie was from Birmingham, but currently stationed in Germany and soon to deploy to Afghanistan. He was home visiting his family for nine days. His wife’s name is Brittney and he has a son named Reggie III. Brittney is pregnant. Reggie has some big plans while home, a lot to do in a short period of time, particularly considering that when he leaves he may not see them again for over a year. I hope that turns out not to be the case. Reggie and I talked about a lot.  He was a high school athlete and competed against the school where my kids attend, so we talked about that. We talked about Alabama and Auburn, plans for his career and our families.  We had some things in common. But one of the things we didn’t have in common was skin color. Reggie is black, and yes, I noticed that just as  I’m sure he noticed that I’m white. But it didn’t matter. As we talked I thought about the Trayvon Martin situation and wondered if being stationed in Germany had shielded him from awareness of the case. I certainly thought the media exposure had to be less. Just that morning, I had seen an article in USA Today about how differently blacks and whites perceived the role race played in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. I wondered what Reggie thought, but I didn’t ask. The best part of our conversation on that trip was not about high school recollections, Alabama and Auburn or even about future plans, but about faith. Reggie asked me my favorite Bible verse. I told him 2 Corinthians 5:21.  His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13. 

            Unfortunately, there are many sad stories like Trayvon Martin’s throughout our country each year, but this one has taken on a life of its own because of the irresponsible actions of a relative few. I reject the notion that the majority of people in our country, regardless of race, see race as the cause for this tragedy. I’m not naïve; racism was certainly part of our past, a shameful and sinful part and it occurs today, and where it does, and in whatever form it takes, it is still shameful and sinful. Over these weeks I’ve watched as media, Hollywood celebrities, athletes, so-called Reverends, various organizations and even our local, state and national leaders have done nothing but inflame this situation. I’ve watched as a tragic event has been used for political purposes to stir and spread fear. We live in a country of laws, and justice should be sought in this case as it would in any other similar situation. In fact, Zimmerman has been charged and this case will move forward in a court of law where the facts will be litigated.  I’m not for those who seek justice for Trayvon Martin or George Zimmerman in this case, but I am against people seeking to serve up punishment, whether by threatening bounties or hateful, divisive speech, all disguised as a call for justice. This wasn’t a call for justice; this was hate and nothing less. Even now, “haters” from all sides are gathering in Florida to fan the flames of this racial divide. Why is it that so often, attributes of God, His wrath and His justice are attributes we like to deny Him, but can’t wait to pour out on others? We should thank God that He is not that impatient with us.    

            I know that I will never be able to live Reggie’s experiences and he can never live mine, but for what made us different, race among them, cannot compare to what unites us, faith in Jesus Christ. It’s impossible for us not to see race when we look at others, particularly when we are bombarded daily by various groups and a media that seem to thrive on disunity. It’s also impossible because all too often we see only with our eyes and not our hearts. The problem in our country is our relationship with our Savior. As great as some want to make the racial divide, this one is greater. Healing the divide between God and man could go a long way in healing all other divides. I am convinced that if we would see more of Christ, we would see less of color.

             I don’t know if I’ll ever see him again, but I was a blessed to meet Reggie Marshall. It was a twofold blessing because in meeting him, I got to know a brother, not a black brother, but a Christian brother. It was also a blessing in the sense that it reinforced to me how great and loving our God is in knowing that when He looks at Reggie or at me, He doesn’t see His black or white child. He sees only His child. My God is colorblind and I am thankful that He is.

            Many universities across the nation have long been filled with liberal professors with socialist views and atheistic beliefs.  Over time, the advocates of these views have become more aggressive in implementing within the institutions themselves political correctness and a postmodernistic view that denies Christian truth and liberty.  A recent example of this progressive war on Biblical Christianity came as Stony Brook University in New York decided to no longer cancel classes for major Christian and Jewish holidays.  In response to this decision, Charles Robbins, vice provost for undergraduate education claimed it was to, “increase the level of respect for everybody”.  He went on to say that it was an effort to try and be “inclusive, not exclusive”.  This is a typical response when a decision is made that discriminates against Christianity.  All of these efforts to be inclusive or increase the level of respect, intentionally or not, end up disrespecting Christianity.  Here we see that effort progressing within our nation’s university system.  This sort of anti-Christian march has gone on for some time, but the step taken by Stony Brook University is a new phase of the assault. 

            In August, my daughter will begin her freshman year of college.  Between now and then I know there will be a great deal of advice I feel I will need to disseminate; things to do and not to do, things to be aware of that may help her or things that might harm her.  I guess in all this advice, now more than ever, I need to make her aware of the discrimination she may face from her own educational institution due to her Christian faith.   This is a sad state we now live in.  What years ago used to be great institutions regarding faith have in many cases, now become strong defenders of God hating liberalism.  We live in a world where people hate God.  And this hate exists at all levels within in our higher educational institutions.  Hate may seem a strong word, but there is no neutral position here. 

            As parents, we have way too long relied on our educational system to teach our children reading, writing and arithmetic and we’ve way too long relied on our churches to educate them on matters of faith.  They are to support what is being led in our homes.  We cannot continue to be hands off concerning either of these areas, but particularly concerning matters of faith.  This problem will only get worse and Stony Brook’s decision to no longer cancel classes for Christian holidays will only embolden other universities to do the same.  So I would have to answer yes as to our institutions of higher learning being enemies of the Christian faith.  Therefore, it is more critical than ever that while legal challenges regarding this case or others of this nature run their course, as parents, we help to prepare our children for the ensuing battle.  Our best resource of course is prayer and the power of God.  We need to encourage our children to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20), armed with a strong set of Christian beliefs that will enable them to stand firm as the enemy continues the attack. 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/25/state-university-will-no-longer-cancel-classes-for-christian-jewish-holidays/

            When you see the title of this article (link below) and its reference to the British Government, you may be tempted to say, “Why should I worry about that.  That’s not happening in America?”  My answer, not yet!  In Britain, two women are set to argue their right to wear crosses in their workplace in spite of the government arguing against that right.  They claim that they were victims of discrimination when they were barred by their employers from wearing these symbols.  Personally, I’m not overly interested in the legal basis the government has for its case, but more interested in some of the other details of the article.  One such detail is that a group of Christian ministers are set to testify on behalf of the government.  They will argue for the employers’ right to disallow an employee from wearing a cross because it is not a requirement of the Christian faith.  I find the actions of these ministers unconscionable.  Now, I don’t believe that any Christian symbol or Christian picture can adequately describe all that God is and has done, and I personally don’t wear a cross.  But for a government to attempt to dictate and for ministers to support them is both inappropriate and sad, no matter the legal argument they make.  We can no longer remain naïve and think this sort of thing happening in the United States is impossible.  All we have to do is consider what has already happened, and how many of our Christian liberties have already been trampled on.  So what is the cause for this bias toward Christianity or any expression of it?    

            I believe this is one step in a process that has been taking place for some time.  Make no mistake; liberal theologians have a problem with the cross.  They have a problem with the fact that God would give His own Son to pay the penalty for sin.  Theologically, their problem is with the doctrines of atonement and propitiation.  The atonement is the work that Jesus Christ did in His life and death to restore our broken relationship with God resulting from our sin.  It is where Jesus propitiated, or took upon Himself the wrath that we deserved, wiping away our sin and turning that wrath to favor.  Many people do not want to accept this Biblical truth.  They deny that God is wrathful toward sin and that salvation comes only by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  The exclusivity of Jesus Christ taught in Scripture offends many and any reminder of Him is thereby offensive as well.  This is what we get in a postmodern world characterized by tolerance and a lack of belief in absolute truth.  The irony is that postmodern thinkers fail to tolerate Christianity precisely because of the absolute claim it makes regarding salvation.  God’s Word says we are not to fear these people, and we don’t fear them, but we do need to be more aware and prepared as we encounter the subtly in which secularism progresses.  At times, that progression is not so subtle and unfortunately, as in this case, there are instances in which some in the church side with the secular argument.  It is important for us to know what God’s Word says about Christ in order to stand against those who would deny Him. 

            The cross is necessary.  No, wearing one is not a requirement of the Christian faith.  But it is a reminder of our Savior.  It’s a reminder of what He went through for you and me.  The best part when we think about the cross is to remember that Jesus is no longer on it.  He conquered the cross and now sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for you and me, sovereign over all.  So we do not fear as the battle proceeds, but instead continue to pray and love an unbelieving world with the Truth of God’s Word as revealed in Scripture.  The real truth is that the battle has already been won and all that is left now is for God to rescue the prisoner’s.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/do-christians-have-right-wear-cross-crucifix-british-government-trial-case_n_1339460.html?ref=religion&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D143089

             Last week, actor Kirk Cameron appeared on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight show.  Cameron, an evangelical Christian was asked several questions related to his beliefs.  I have included two links below, one of Cameron’s comments, the other, a later conversation between Morgan and comedian, Lewis Black.  Both are short but quite instructive.  When asked about homosexuality and gay-marriage, Cameron didn’t flinch, “I think it’s unnatural.  I think it’s detrimental, and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.”  He went on to say that he believed marriage was defined by God, as one man and one woman for life and that he did not support the idea of gay marriage.  Immediately, the arrows began to fly with gay advocacy groups criticizing Cameron for his views.  Then of course Hollywood weighed in with their criticism of his comments.  One thing is certain, when Hollywood weighs in against you on whatever the issue; chances are, you’re on solid moral ground.   

            Scripture speaks directly about sexual sins, including homosexuality (see previous article Same-Sex Marriage: Letting God’s Word Speak).  Cameron’s larger point was that each of us submits to a standard of morality for our lives and his choice is to abide by the one set by God.  Others choose, and have that right to choose a standard that is not of God.  An example of this type of standard was expressed by Herndon Graddick, a spokesman for GLADD, a gay rights group who cited how an increasing number of states had begun recognizing gay marriage, as if that makes it right.  The criticism that Cameron received was described as an “anti-gay” rant, but when you see the interview, it was anything but that.  He spoke directly about the issue and he also spoke about his own sinfulness, saying that he was “at the top of the list” of those in need of a Savior.  His comments were an accurate reflection and recognition of the holiness of God in understanding that, were it not for God’s grace, even the slightest transgression deserves condemnation (first link).  Contrast that with the complete ignorance in which Piers Morgan and Black spoke about Christianity in a later conversation discussing Cameron’s comments (second link).

            This is the world in which we live and standing upon God honoring convictions will only get more difficult.  But be encouraged that we have a sovereign God who will undoubtedly uphold His own character.  A proper Christian perspective sees the sin of homosexuality as it does any other sin such as adultery, murder, gossip, slander, etc.  They are all offenses against God and homosexuality receives no special privilege of being less so.  But a proper Christian perspective also recognizes the power of the gospel to overwhelm sin, including homosexuality.  This sin is not beyond God’s grace, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).  So what can change hearts and minds?  God can!  And that should be the hope and prayer of every Christian.  Though it is often accused of being so, the belief in such moral absolutes is not arrogance.  How much more arrogant could one be than to say God is wrong?  There is but one standard that matters; God’s standard.  So for those who would support gay-marriage or homosexuality, or any other issue contrary to what God has said, I’ve got news for you.  Your battle is not really a battle with Kirk Cameron or any other Christian who would desire to honor God in their lives.  Your battle is ultimately with the Almighty God Himself and you, “need not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).  Christian, continue to pray and to love, just as God has loved you in spite of your sins. That love is expressed, however, not by caving to the pressure of unbiblical views of some in our society, but by lovingly telling the Truth and then leaving the rest to God.      

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xS4OqDvhprA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXRNogFkM8k

            I understand why a candidate running for President of the United States, when asked about whether or not the sitting president is a Christian would want to stay away from the issue.  Presidential candidate, Rick Santorum was asked that exact question concerning President Obama’s faith by Bill O’Reilly in a recent interview.  His response, “Obama’s personal faith is none of my concern”.  From a political standpoint, I get that answer.  Our mainstream media with the influence they have will make a person pay for speaking with any moral certainty about anything that stands contrary to their postmodern views.  I have great respect for Santorum’s expression of his faith during the presidential campaign in spite of the onslaught of attacks on him for doing so.  But when he answered O’Reilly’s question that President Obama’s personal faith was none of his concern, though he didn’t, I want to make a case as to why not only should President Obama’s faith, but the faith of anyone who would lead our country concern us all. 

            First, we can act like it doesn’t, but where a person puts their trust and in whom they hold in the highest regard will influence everything about them, regardless of the level in which they lead.  That doesn’t mean that if they are a Christian they will never sin or make mistakes, for that’s not Christianity.  Christianity is realizing that you are a sinner deserving of hell, yet God, by His grace, loves you enough to save you in spite of that sin.  True recipients of that kind of grace live it out; it’s not something they just keep to themselves.  Where did the issue that our faith should only be personal come from anyway?  You don’t find that in Scripture.  That is nothing more than a man created concept that is a sin against God.  The truth is that God shines light on darkness and those who would desire faith not be lived out, but only personal are those who prefer their sin not be questioned.  Of course, our concern for saving faith should never be limited to those with great responsibility, but should be for all people, which leads to a second point. 

            Concern for one’s personal faith is important because it is a matter of heaven and hell.  Yes, there is a heaven and there is a hell and people will spend eternity in one or the other.  Now that does not mean it is for you or me to say who will be where, but the Bible teaches it will be one or the other.  But the most important point is not that someone just has faith, but in whom they put their faith in.  That will determine where eternity is spend.  Faith for faith’s sake saves no one.  It is only faith in Jesus Christ that truly saves.  This has to matter for a whole host of reasons.  It matters for appropriate God honoring leadership of our nation, states, communities, businesses and families.  It matters also because people’s souls are at stake.  No one is a Christian just because they say they are.  The Bible teaches that those who genuinely belong to Christ will reflect a spirit of obedience to God because they have Christ living within them.  Though never perfect, obedience to God’s Law will always be what the true believer’s heart desires. 

            So yes, my president’s personal faith does concern me.  It matters!  And no matter our political preference, our president should always a subject of our prayers.  I want him to be a Christian and I want Him to submit to the authority of God, the true King.  I want him to submit to the authority of Scripture in every way.  But I want my president to be a Christian because, as with every soul, his soul is at stake.  And whether our president remains Barack Obama or becomes Rick Santorum, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich or Ron Paul, their being Christian and spending eternity with God will have been, is, or will be because they put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).  Case closed.

            This morning, I caught an interview on Fox News concerning the story of a young lady named Kylie Bisutti.  It is well worth sharing with your daughter, as I plan to share it with mine.  I’ve included the link below that provides the details.  At 19 years of age, her dream, or so she thought, of becoming a Victoria’s Secret model had come true.  From a career standpoint, she had accomplished her goal.  Then God, as He often does, stepped in.  As Kylie explains it, the more she read God’s Word, the more convicted she became about the type of modeling (lingerie) she was doing, and decided to change course on the type of modeling she would do moving forward.  I believe her story provides some great lessons not only for our daughters but all of us. 

            The first lesson that can be learned is that there is such a thing as being appropriately dressed. Bisutti sighted the value of this as she sought to be a role model to young girls.  I’m not trying to make a moral judgment on lingerie models, but as parents, we all know what I mean when I say “appropriately dressed”.  The second lesson, I believe, is even more important and one in which we can all benefit.  Way too often, our expressions of faith are not accompanied by action, but in the case of Mrs. Bisutti, it was.  She made the decision that lingerie modeling no longer conformed to her Christian values.  It didn’t necessarily mean she had to give up her career, but surely the step she took caused uncertainty.  You never know how others will respond to your convictions, particularly when they result from your Christian faith, but Bisutti decided it was worth it.  As you read the article you will see that her modeling career continues successfully.   

            Hebrews 11:1 says, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” If God allowed us to see the end result of our obedience to His prompting, it wouldn’t require faith.  And sometimes when God impresses upon us as individuals that a change needs to be made, it comes at a great cost, perhaps a career change, different lifestyle and more financial uncertainty.  For Mrs. Bisutti, it was a risk that could have cost her a career in modeling because it conflicted with the cultural norm.  But at other times, our obedience to the Lord’s prompting is followed by an immediate blessing because you did walk in faith.  It appears Bisutti will be just fine as she continues her modeling career.  Trust God when He speaks to you because He is trustworthy.  He loves you and gave His Son to show you just how much.  To respond to God’s work in our lives always brings a blessing.  That blessing may come immediately, or it may be delayed until eternity.   But God promises, it will come.  Do you believe it?    

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2012/02/02/kylie-bisutti-left-lingerie-modeling-because-it-didnt-mesh-with-her-christian/