This, you call tolerance? I'm sure you've heard it by now. The national organizations supporting gays, lesbians, transvestites, bisexuals and other disenfranchised people with something to complain about are raising you-know-what because Obama had the audacity to ask one of America's most dynamic pastors to pray for his inaugural (maybe you would have preferred Wanda Sykes to do it?) What in the world was he thinking? The articles and reports that I have seen to this point are models of the double standard in tolerance. Because Rick Warren is courageous enough to take a stand for righteousness, these people have deemed him unworthy to participate in the President-elect's celebration. Even one "pastor", the head of the NAACP for the San Francisco area, said he was appalled at the decision by Obama. "What happened to Obama's cries for unity?" is the question that has been asked repeatedly.
Okay, unity? This is not how you go about it. Rick Warren has every right (and responsibility, I might add) to make a stand for what he believes to be righteous living. This does not disqualify him from being a part of the national discussion in Washington, D.C. any more than the screaming of a (very vocal) minority of people in our country who choose to support an alternative lifestyle (this is the their description of it).
Let me straighten something out here. Grace was never meant to promote compromise. Grace, as it was demonstrated by Christ, means I will love you as you are but will not leave you in a life that contradicts God's plan for you. Whether that be lying, cheating, stealing or otherwise--someone who bears the characteristics of grace is compelled to seek change, not excuse sin. Jesus NEVER tolerated sin!! Ever!!
Kudos for Rick Warren for standing his ground. May his prayers be heard clearly in the heavens as he lifts our nation up before God.
ON A LIGHTER NOTE: my shopping is done for 2008. Presents are wrapped and placed neatly under the tree. Arrival times for family members have been "booked" into my calendar. And the menus for Christmas morning and the day after are being finalized. Now, it's time to sit back, enjoy the true meaning of this season, and laugh at all you poor suckers who still have to visit the mall. HA!!
AND DON'T FORGET...Franklin's Night Before Christmas coming up on Christmas eve. For those of you in Franklin who would love to join us, it's a free event from 5:30 to 7:30 in Building 8 at the Factory. There will be free dinner, some carols and then the premiere of Ridgeview's newest movie. We will be done by 7:30 so you can get home in time to enjoy the family traditions that you celebrate each year. Feel free to join us.
1 comment:
Thanks, Ridley, for your powerful and truthful reminder that grace does not equate compromise. This country and world would be a much better place if more people recognized this fact over our general attitude of tolerance.
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