On the eve of Thanksgiving I am watching and listening to the sounds of family. Hutch and Jack are playing some hybrid game of hide and seek, and tag. JB is reading the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star book but only wants to find the page that has a church. The adults are perusing magazines, preparing food for tomorrow's lunch and chatting about semi-important things. An inviting fire is keeping the chill at bay. Our home feels warm and safe. My heart is full as I bask in the wonderful gift that God has given to me, the gift of family.
The scene is sweet, but incomplete. Some are not yet here. Others will not be able to come at all. But the knowledge that they are thinking of us even while we think of them makes it easier. I pray for God to keep them safe, content and blessed while they celebrate Thanksgiving without us.
Thank you, God.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Abounding Grace
I've been reflecting this morning on God's grace. His willingness to give us what we absolutely do not deserve. Former slave trader, John Newton called it "amazing." And indeed, it is. That God would consistently, continually, repeatedly offer grace to those who are so unworthy is a mystery. But He does.
This Sunday I will complete a sermon series on Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah. He failed in some key areas, yet God demonstrated marvelous grace in his life. As I thought of Jehoshaphat, my mind wandered to other men and women in the Bible who experienced the same.
Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife and fathered a child with another woman. Jacob deceived his father in order to steal the blessing belonging to his brother. Moses doubted God's ability to use him. David committed adultery and murder. Elijah became depressed and wanted to give up. Peter betrayed Christ by denying that he knew him. James and John arrogantly sought the best positions in Heaven. Paul failed to see the potential in Mark and refused to minister alongside him. Barnabas fell into hypocrisy and prejudice. Yet all of these experienced the wonderful grace of God which enabled them to continue serving Him.
These are comforting thoughts, for I too find myself in need of His never-ending grace. I am so glad that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.
This Sunday I will complete a sermon series on Jehoshaphat, one of the good kings of Judah. He failed in some key areas, yet God demonstrated marvelous grace in his life. As I thought of Jehoshaphat, my mind wandered to other men and women in the Bible who experienced the same.
Abraham lied about his relationship with his wife and fathered a child with another woman. Jacob deceived his father in order to steal the blessing belonging to his brother. Moses doubted God's ability to use him. David committed adultery and murder. Elijah became depressed and wanted to give up. Peter betrayed Christ by denying that he knew him. James and John arrogantly sought the best positions in Heaven. Paul failed to see the potential in Mark and refused to minister alongside him. Barnabas fell into hypocrisy and prejudice. Yet all of these experienced the wonderful grace of God which enabled them to continue serving Him.
These are comforting thoughts, for I too find myself in need of His never-ending grace. I am so glad that where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
A Christian Response to Natural Disaster
Once again our nation is gripped with the horror of watching an entire community deal with the aftermath of tragedy. This past Monday an EF-5 tornado that was at least a mile wide and stayed on the ground for forty minutes, according to some reports, dismantled the town of Moore, Oklahoma. It destroyed homes, businesses, schools and lives. As I am writing this on Wednesday afternoon the death toll stands at 24, with at least seven of those being children. Amazingly the number of dead has decreased from original reports, rather than increased. Even as we rejoice that the number is going down rather than up, we are reminded that each life is sacred and the loss of even one, is devastating to those who are personally affected.
In the immediate aftermath, social media like Facebook and Twitter began to explode with expressions of prayer for the victims and survivors. Thousands have used these and other social media to offer expressions of comfort, love, hope and prayer to God. This is good.
However, not all who post about God are doing so in a positive way. Some have used these media to express anger, frustration and even outrage that God would "allow" such a thing to happen. Rather than calling upon God to help during the aftermath they would drag God into the courtroom and convict Him of apathy at best and cruelty at worst.
How are Christian believers to react and respond to such posts? How are we to answer the critics who blame God for heartache on such a large scale? Most of us have wrestled with the difficulty of knowing if, when and how we should respond. I want to offer a few thoughts that may be helpful.
First, we must not be surprised that some people get mad at God. God can handle it. He will be just fine without our feeble attempts to defend his actions or inactions. The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not usually the best time to explain the deeper mysteries of how God interacts with a fallen creation. This is a time for compassion, support and tangible expressions of the love of God. The friends of Job did their most effective work when they simply sat with Job, offering no explanation or theological theories about why he was suffering.
Second, we must be very careful about making judgments that are not ours to make. In our attempt to make sense out of chaos, we often come to foolish conclusions. 24 people were killed in Moore, Oklahoma. This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for those family members. It is a stark reminder that we still live in a world of pain and death. Over 56,000 were spared. Were they somehow better in the eyes of God than the 24? Not at all. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 13:4-5. Why some died when others were spared is a question that we are not equipped to answer. When hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans some were quick to assume that this was certainly the judgment of God on a wicked city. Believers must carefully avoid this kind of rhetoric.
Third, there will be a time to help people understand why bad things happen. Bad things do not happen because God is apathetic. The evidence of His love for all creation is seen in the agonizing death of His own son for all people. Though we still suffer in this life, God has provided for our ultimate freedom from suffering after this life in a place called Heaven.
Bad things do not happen because God is weak. He has chosen to allow human beings to operate with certain freedoms. He is not a puppet master controlling each and every decision made by people. That was clear in the Garden of Eden when He allowed Adam and Eve the freedom to obey or disobey. They chose the latter and plunged all creation under the affects of sin. Sorrow and suffering. Tumors and tornadoes. Diseases and disasters. These are all affects of sin, not indications of a powerless God.
I am not surprised when tornadoes come, when cancer invades, when death knocks. I understand that I live in a world that is thoroughly infected with sin and its consequences. Evil people inflict pain, suffering and death on fellow human beings. Prejudice, hatred and selfishness abound. Power, greed and lust are growing exponentially. Natural disasters occur frequently. I am not surprised by any of this. All of creation is groaning under the weight of sin.
But this is not all there is. There is another world for which I am longing. A world where tears will not flow, disease will not flourish and death will not be found. A world without hospitals, hospice homes or cemeteries. A world without bruises, scrapes or broken bones. A world without fear, frustration or failure.
The pain and sorrow of this world just makes me long for that world even more. The knowledge of that world enables me to endure this world with grace and contentment.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith." 1 John 5:4
In the immediate aftermath, social media like Facebook and Twitter began to explode with expressions of prayer for the victims and survivors. Thousands have used these and other social media to offer expressions of comfort, love, hope and prayer to God. This is good.
However, not all who post about God are doing so in a positive way. Some have used these media to express anger, frustration and even outrage that God would "allow" such a thing to happen. Rather than calling upon God to help during the aftermath they would drag God into the courtroom and convict Him of apathy at best and cruelty at worst.
How are Christian believers to react and respond to such posts? How are we to answer the critics who blame God for heartache on such a large scale? Most of us have wrestled with the difficulty of knowing if, when and how we should respond. I want to offer a few thoughts that may be helpful.
First, we must not be surprised that some people get mad at God. God can handle it. He will be just fine without our feeble attempts to defend his actions or inactions. The immediate aftermath of a natural disaster is not usually the best time to explain the deeper mysteries of how God interacts with a fallen creation. This is a time for compassion, support and tangible expressions of the love of God. The friends of Job did their most effective work when they simply sat with Job, offering no explanation or theological theories about why he was suffering.
Second, we must be very careful about making judgments that are not ours to make. In our attempt to make sense out of chaos, we often come to foolish conclusions. 24 people were killed in Moore, Oklahoma. This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for those family members. It is a stark reminder that we still live in a world of pain and death. Over 56,000 were spared. Were they somehow better in the eyes of God than the 24? Not at all. Jesus made this abundantly clear in Luke 13:4-5. Why some died when others were spared is a question that we are not equipped to answer. When hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans some were quick to assume that this was certainly the judgment of God on a wicked city. Believers must carefully avoid this kind of rhetoric.
Third, there will be a time to help people understand why bad things happen. Bad things do not happen because God is apathetic. The evidence of His love for all creation is seen in the agonizing death of His own son for all people. Though we still suffer in this life, God has provided for our ultimate freedom from suffering after this life in a place called Heaven.
Bad things do not happen because God is weak. He has chosen to allow human beings to operate with certain freedoms. He is not a puppet master controlling each and every decision made by people. That was clear in the Garden of Eden when He allowed Adam and Eve the freedom to obey or disobey. They chose the latter and plunged all creation under the affects of sin. Sorrow and suffering. Tumors and tornadoes. Diseases and disasters. These are all affects of sin, not indications of a powerless God.
I am not surprised when tornadoes come, when cancer invades, when death knocks. I understand that I live in a world that is thoroughly infected with sin and its consequences. Evil people inflict pain, suffering and death on fellow human beings. Prejudice, hatred and selfishness abound. Power, greed and lust are growing exponentially. Natural disasters occur frequently. I am not surprised by any of this. All of creation is groaning under the weight of sin.
But this is not all there is. There is another world for which I am longing. A world where tears will not flow, disease will not flourish and death will not be found. A world without hospitals, hospice homes or cemeteries. A world without bruises, scrapes or broken bones. A world without fear, frustration or failure.
The pain and sorrow of this world just makes me long for that world even more. The knowledge of that world enables me to endure this world with grace and contentment.
"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith." 1 John 5:4
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf" is one of Aesop's Fables. Most of us learned it as a child. It is about a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricked villagers into thinking that a wolf was attacking his sheep. Later, when a wolf actually was attacking the sheep and the shepherd called for help, none of the villagers believed him. The story is intended to reinforce truthfulness as a virtue by pointing out one of the negative consequences of being untruthful.
Over the years, believers have repeatedly been warned about supposedly new FCC rulings which would do all kinds of things which Christians would certainly want to oppose. In response, many believers have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, etc., in response to the supposed new ruling. In most cases the information was inaccurate. Someone cried wolf, when no wolf was present. Now, to the point.
The FCC has announced that it is considering altering its current broadcast decency standards which ban explicit profanity and nudity. This could open the door for network television and local radio stations to air profanity such as the f-word, and to allow what it deems to be non-sexual nudity.
The FCC is currently seeking and accepting comments. These may be submitted until the end of April. I have submitted my comments and it took less than two minutes. Would you consider doing the same? Go to http://www.fcc.gov/ and click the Take Action button at the top. Select Comment.
Select Most Active Proceedings. Under Proceeding, click 13-86. Complete the form and leave your comment.
This time the wolf has really come. This time those who desire for the standards of decency to be maintained should act. This time we must make sure the sheep (our children) are protected. Now you know. What will you do?
Over the years, believers have repeatedly been warned about supposedly new FCC rulings which would do all kinds of things which Christians would certainly want to oppose. In response, many believers have written letters, made phone calls, sent emails, etc., in response to the supposed new ruling. In most cases the information was inaccurate. Someone cried wolf, when no wolf was present. Now, to the point.
The FCC has announced that it is considering altering its current broadcast decency standards which ban explicit profanity and nudity. This could open the door for network television and local radio stations to air profanity such as the f-word, and to allow what it deems to be non-sexual nudity.
The FCC is currently seeking and accepting comments. These may be submitted until the end of April. I have submitted my comments and it took less than two minutes. Would you consider doing the same? Go to http://www.fcc.gov/ and click the Take Action button at the top. Select Comment.
Select Most Active Proceedings. Under Proceeding, click 13-86. Complete the form and leave your comment.
This time the wolf has really come. This time those who desire for the standards of decency to be maintained should act. This time we must make sure the sheep (our children) are protected. Now you know. What will you do?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A Good Thing
The Cooperative Program is still a good idea. I will be the first to admit that the name "Cooperative Program" is lacking in marketing appeal in our day, but the concept is good and the results are impressive. Through the CP our church joins with thousands of other churches around the nation to support evangelism causes and mission endeavors throughout the world. This is a good thing.
Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP. A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world. These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support. This is a good thing.
In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started. Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ. 260,877 people were fed through hunger relief. 397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts. CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries. This is a good thing.
HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world. This is a good thing.
I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program. I believe that would be a good thing. However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive. Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world.
Last year Highland Drive Baptist Church gave $41,057.62 to the CP. A portion of that supports the work in Arkansas and the rest goes to the national Southern Baptist Convention where it supports mission causes around the nation and world. These gifts enable missionaries to focus on the tasks at hand without having to take excessive time to raise funds for their support. This is a good thing.
In the state of Arkansas last year CP funds were instrumental in seeing 27 new churches started. Collegiate ministries were supported on 35 college campuses with over 1900 students involved in discipleship/missions and 191 students coming to faith in Christ. 260,877 people were fed through hunger relief. 397 people came to faith in Christ through those efforts. CP dollars were also used to ministry to over 17,000 clients in Crisis Pregnancy Ministries. This is a good thing.
HDBC's giving to the Cooperative Program last year enabled over 11,000 missionaries to be involved in sharing the gospel with people throughout the world. This is a good thing.
I, for one, would be open to a name change for the Cooperative Program. I believe that would be a good thing. However, new name or old name, the concept is good and the results are impressive. Let's keep working together to make a difference in our world.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Say it Ain't So, Tim!
Tim Tebow is a household word among American evangelical Christians. He rose to fame as the quarterback of the Florida Gators and has continued his football fame in the NFL. Not only is Tebow an accomplished football player, though struggling somewhat at the highest level of American Football, the NFL, but has been a very vocal spokesman for evangelical Christianity. His has made clear his support for the pro-life cause in American and has kept his Christian faith front and center in his life and career. Up until now it seemed that he had navigated the difficult combination of fame and the Christian faith pretty well. The pressure may have finally gotten to the young man.
A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture. He has repeatedly taught the "radical" ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught. There is nothing new here.
In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above. Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.
"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress." Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now. More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now. I can't. Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress. And I despise Robert Jeffress."
So much for tolerance! And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans. Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas. This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.
To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous. I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking. However, this does not look good. Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision. He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention. That raises the question, "what new information?" He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching. If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind. Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position. He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes. I am disappointed, but not discouraged. As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come.
A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture. He has repeatedly taught the "radical" ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught. There is nothing new here.
In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above. Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.
"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress." Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now. More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now. I can't. Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress. And I despise Robert Jeffress."
So much for tolerance! And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans. Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas. This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.
To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous. I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking. However, this does not look good. Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision. He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention. That raises the question, "what new information?" He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching. If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind. Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position. He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes. I am disappointed, but not discouraged. As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
I read Romans 3 this morning. Actually I heard it through my Bible app while walking early this morning, then read it the old fashioned way when I got to the office. I was struck by the following words.
"There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God. All have turned aide, together they have become useless. There is none who does good. There is not even one." "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
What a negative way to describe the human race. We don't understand. We are not righteous. We do not seek for God. We have all turned aside. We are useless. None of us does good. We have all sinned. We all fall short of the glory of God.
Feel better? I rather doubt it. But that is fine. The purpose of Scripture is not to make you feel good, but to give you the truth. No truth is more important than the truth that we are sinners . . . rotten to the core . . . separated from God . . . with no ability to become good enough to impress God.
Unfortunately this is a forgotten truth in America. At every turn we are told how good we are. We are encouraged to think positively about ourselves. We are learning to blame our failures on external things outside of our control. We look in the mirror only to reinforce the cultural message that we are so wonderful.
The Bible is a different kind of mirror. When we gaze deep into it we see a reflection not of skin, eyes or hair, but of the heart, with all of its sinfulness. This mirror cuts through the outward clutter and shows us just where we stand in relation to the God who created us. This mirror humbles us, breaks us, changes us.
This mirror points us to Christ. This mirror leads us to salvation. This mirror reminds us of just how dependent we are on Christ. This mirror is truth. All others are but an illusion.
"There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God. All have turned aide, together they have become useless. There is none who does good. There is not even one." "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
What a negative way to describe the human race. We don't understand. We are not righteous. We do not seek for God. We have all turned aside. We are useless. None of us does good. We have all sinned. We all fall short of the glory of God.
Feel better? I rather doubt it. But that is fine. The purpose of Scripture is not to make you feel good, but to give you the truth. No truth is more important than the truth that we are sinners . . . rotten to the core . . . separated from God . . . with no ability to become good enough to impress God.
Unfortunately this is a forgotten truth in America. At every turn we are told how good we are. We are encouraged to think positively about ourselves. We are learning to blame our failures on external things outside of our control. We look in the mirror only to reinforce the cultural message that we are so wonderful.
The Bible is a different kind of mirror. When we gaze deep into it we see a reflection not of skin, eyes or hair, but of the heart, with all of its sinfulness. This mirror cuts through the outward clutter and shows us just where we stand in relation to the God who created us. This mirror humbles us, breaks us, changes us.
This mirror points us to Christ. This mirror leads us to salvation. This mirror reminds us of just how dependent we are on Christ. This mirror is truth. All others are but an illusion.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Scouts are in Trouble
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. Last summer the Boy Scouts of America affirmed its policy of excluding openly gay men as leaders. In doing so they were upholding a policy that it had affirmed for generations. A committee of eleven members conducted a two-year study and unanimously concluded that homosexuality was counter to the Scout's oath on morality.
On January 28, 2013 the Scouts announced their intention to revisit this issue and likely change its policy to allow gays to participate as members and leaders in the Boy Scouts. Keep in mind that this was just six months after spokesman Deron Smith announced that the decision made last summer to maintain the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts."
In a U.S. Supreme Court decision as recently as 2000 it was made clear that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to set its own membership standards. However, the Boy Scout leadership appears to be on the precipice of stepping off of a moral cliff that will doom the Boy Scouts of America.
On Sunday afternoon just before the Super Bowl, President Obama was asked if he believed gays should be allowed membership and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts. Without hesitation he reply in the affirmative. He went on to say, "my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunities, the same way as everyone else does, in every institution and walk of life.” (Emphasis mine)
Think about that statement for a moment. In its immediate context he is saying that he does not believe the Boy Scouts of America, a private organization, have the right to determine the guidelines for their own membership. That is a freedom issue. But in a broader sense, think about his statement. He believes gays and lesbians should have equal access and opportunities in "every institution and walk of life."
That my friends, is a frightening statement, reflecting an equally frightening position. Every church is an institution. Every religious college and seminary is an institution. Every missionary sending agency is an institution. Let the ramifications of that sink in for a few moments.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. This wonderful organization taught me to "be prepared." It reinforced moral principles that were being taught in my home and church. It offered practical lessons of life and helped prepare me for manhood.
I cherish the memories of my scouting experiences. I remember the night when I was "tapped out" as an Order of the Arrow candidate. I appreciate the men who modeled manhood and encouraged my progress toward responsible adulthood. I am grateful for the the principles and convictions that undergirded scouting and added to my own moral development.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. The cultural war on values is about to claim another victim. I grieve for generations of young men who will miss what I had.
On January 28, 2013 the Scouts announced their intention to revisit this issue and likely change its policy to allow gays to participate as members and leaders in the Boy Scouts. Keep in mind that this was just six months after spokesman Deron Smith announced that the decision made last summer to maintain the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts."
In a U.S. Supreme Court decision as recently as 2000 it was made clear that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to set its own membership standards. However, the Boy Scout leadership appears to be on the precipice of stepping off of a moral cliff that will doom the Boy Scouts of America.
On Sunday afternoon just before the Super Bowl, President Obama was asked if he believed gays should be allowed membership and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts. Without hesitation he reply in the affirmative. He went on to say, "my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunities, the same way as everyone else does, in every institution and walk of life.” (Emphasis mine)
Think about that statement for a moment. In its immediate context he is saying that he does not believe the Boy Scouts of America, a private organization, have the right to determine the guidelines for their own membership. That is a freedom issue. But in a broader sense, think about his statement. He believes gays and lesbians should have equal access and opportunities in "every institution and walk of life."
That my friends, is a frightening statement, reflecting an equally frightening position. Every church is an institution. Every religious college and seminary is an institution. Every missionary sending agency is an institution. Let the ramifications of that sink in for a few moments.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. This wonderful organization taught me to "be prepared." It reinforced moral principles that were being taught in my home and church. It offered practical lessons of life and helped prepare me for manhood.
I cherish the memories of my scouting experiences. I remember the night when I was "tapped out" as an Order of the Arrow candidate. I appreciate the men who modeled manhood and encouraged my progress toward responsible adulthood. I am grateful for the the principles and convictions that undergirded scouting and added to my own moral development.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. The cultural war on values is about to claim another victim. I grieve for generations of young men who will miss what I had.
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