Manalive!

Once upon a time there was a man who was alive.

Name:
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi, United States
St. Cuthbert and Disciples in a Boat

31.10.02

"Pass us by and forgive us our happiness."
The Idiot, Dostoevsky

There are times when I grow terribly upset at myself in particular and the way the church in America conducts itself in general. There is nothing so utterly stupid as myself complaining about some ill lot that's leveled against me- me, a rich {incredibly wealthy!} upper middle class American, with a comfortable home, belongings, means, and opportunities. And yet I have the nerve to complain- to God even!- of my poor lot, because some whim of mine is not filled! It is such foolishness I am ashamed to think of it. Yet I commit it continually! And I- one who has been given life in Christ, and blessed with possessions and means beyond measure- trade life for dull and stupid possessions and comfort. I trade glorious truth for dull and grunging falsehood, because it's comfortable and easy.

Which is leading up to say, what right have we Americans to ask God's blessing? We should be asking for His righteous wrath and scouring, to rid us of our parasitic selves! What right have we to complain of insult or filthy culture- as if the country where out to get us- when we know- or should know right well- that millions of our brothers and sisters struggle and cry out beneath real persecution? It is remarkable how insulated and self-starved Americans- and I include myself heartily in that sweeping statement!- can be. And what people care at all about the outside world only want to inflict more misery with their miserable socialism and inane marxist tortures- and they do it but to satisfy a troubled conscience, or because it is the progressive thing to do. What of the Church here? What do we care of the trials and sufferings of our brothers? From the way things appear, absolutely nothing! Please, my fellow brothers and sisters, let us not sit and sleep any longer- let us call to mind the words of James 2:15-17: "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" I would note that James uses this an illustration- so basic should it seem to us! Furthermore, I John 3:17-18 speaks to us: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." These are strong words! Let us heed them!

If you want to start reaching out to your fellow believers, this site will help to get you started.

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