Thanksgiving Eve

A cold front is blowing through Decatur as I write this blog. That's really more like the weather to be expected -- with tomorrow being Thanksgiving. It's been in the 80s for the last week!

I would have liked the 80s to stay another day, however. My wonderful son-in-law was going to help me put up the Christmas decorations tomorrow (meaning he does about 90% of the work). But the weather is supposed to be cold and windy tomorrow, so I don't know if that is going to work out or not.

I do want to wish everyone a fantastic Thanksgiving. Enjoy the food. Enjoy the football. But most of all, enjoy each other -- and be grateful. God is SO good. And we are So blessed.

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? Give me a part of the meal and a dessert. Here's a chance for some of you who are bashful about leaving a reply to join in. Mine is my mother-in-law's dressing (I like the drier, crustier part best) and pecan pie.

"Ocean's" of Turkeys

Beverly and I watched "Ocean's 13" last night. I spend the 1st half of those movies going, "What?" Things happen so fast, I just can't follow them. In the last half, most of it comes together. I really enjoy movies like that one. I can't wait for the latest "Bourne" movie to show up at Blockbuster.

When the movie was over last night, I told Beverly, "Isn't that incredible? We sit and cheer for a bunch of crooks!" The "Ocean's" movies are definitely about getting a pound of flesh. However, they are not violent. The "pound of flesh" is always about money. I think it is OK when you cheat a bad guy out of money:)
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Today is turkey giveaway at WARM. Last year, we gave away nearly 400 -- and plan to do it again today.

Catching Up

We had a great time in H-Town hanging out with our grandkids. Malaya is about the easiest kid I have ever been around. She is such a good sport, and a great oldest cousin. Jed and Truitt are at such cute stages. I could just sit and watch them all day. I'm glad we got to see them -- and their parents.
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Sport's Alert: The Cowboys were lucky to get away with a win yesterday. How does a center get more than half way into the season and suddenly can't snap the ball?

OK, it's time for true confessions. I know I will take a beating for this, but so what. I am now a T. O. fan. Yes, I have converted. But I am a fan of the new T. O. If he reverts to the old T. O., I will backslide to no longer being a fan of his. The guy is performing at an incredible level -- and he is being a good teammate. Let's hope it lasts, because he already has Hall of Fame numbers. But if he divides another team, he may have a hard time getting in.

I also have a new team that I HATE! In baseball it's the Yankees -- even though I grew up loving them. That was pre-Steinbrenner. In basketball, it's the Spurs -- another team I used to love. But that was pre-this current team. (By the way, the Mavs win over them the other night was really sweet).

And football? (drumroll, please) The Patriots! What a bunch of cocky guys! Beating the Bills in Buffalo last night by 40 points, and taunting the crowd. Going for it on 4th and 1 twice when you are up by 35-40 points, and then scoring touchdowns both times. I am a huge believer in you reap what you sow, and what goes around comes around. I cannot wait until the Patriots hit the skids. Every NFL team needs to show no mercy and pile on the points. (I know this does not sound Christ-like, but we are talking sports here. OK?) They are disgusting. It would be such an act of poetic justice if they get beat in the playoffs, or if Dallas or Green Bay can beat them in the Super Bowl.

Obeying Your Shepherds

This afternoon Beverly and Malaya and I are heading to H-town (that's Houston in my oldest son's lingo). We will spend a couple of days hugging on the grandkids -- and visiting with the kids. They will be at the in-laws for Thanksgiving, and we just couldn't go another month before seeing them. I can't wait!
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Last night in our men's class, we had a great discussion of what it means to be sheep. What kind of followers are we to be? What does it mean to "Obey your leaders" (Hebrews 13: 17)? After class was over, someone asked me, "What exactly are we to obey?" It was a good question, and I have been thinking about it ever since. Those early shepherds were the only way the flock had of receiving the Word of God -- since there was no Bible as we know it. So were they to obey what the shepherds shared as handed down by the apostles? Or were they to obey -- even in areas of opinion?

Certainly, the elders were not to "lord it over the flock" (1 Peter 5: 3). So, what were they to obey?

Baptism

I enjoy reading Edward Fudge's blog. I really like the way he worded his reply to a reader's question on baptism, especially the middle paragraph. Following is the exchange:

A gracEmail subscriber writes: "In Romans 6, Paul seems to tie baptism to our death with Christ, then speaks conditionally about our resurrection with him. Please comment."
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The gospel tells us that Jesus died on the Cross, then arose from the dead to live again (1 Cor. 15:1-4). To live again after death is to live outside the limit of Sin's jurisdiction, for Sin has no power beyond the grave (Rom. 6:6-7). Because Jesus died and lived again -- and because he did so as our representative -- his people also died and arose with him (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Thus freed from Sin's power, believers can and may live holy lives dedicated to God (Rom. 6:4b-6, 8-10). The key is continually to reckon that we died and rose in Jesus our representative, and to present our bodies to God for righteous living on that basis (Rom. 6:11-14; Gal. 2:20; Col. 3:1-3).

Baptism is the believer's personal affirmation of faith in the gospel. It remembers the gospel. It declares the gospel. It portrays the gospel. It formalizes the believer's union by faith with Christ who died and arose for us (Rom. 6:3-4). Baptism does not point to itself. It does not point to our faith. It points away from us to Jesus Christ, the object of our faith. It points to the death and resurrection of Christ -- a finished, perfect, complete and sufficient work -- by which God set sinners right with himself.

Today, we need to recover the central gospel message that the work which set us right with God happened outside of us, for us, in the person of Jesus Christ our representative (2 Cor. 5:18-21; Col. 1:19-20; Heb. 1:3; 10:12-14; 2 Tim. 1:8-10). We need to recover the New Testament practice of promptly baptizing those who come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Acts 2:41; 8:36; 10:47-48; 16:33; 22:16). And we need to recover the New Testament emphasis on personal holiness and obedience -- consequences which flow from the fact that we died and rose with Christ our representative (Rom. 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-15).

I'll Fly Away?

I read the other day that Kenneth Copeland ministries has 6 airplanes. 6 airplanes! And at least two of them are not even functional for "ministry" purposes. One is an old two-seater byplane and another is an old WW2 fighter. Am I missing something here? What could these possibly have to do with ministering in the name of Jesus?

I know it's not fair to always equate the cost of things to "how many poor people would that feed?" But sometimes, I think it is an appropriate question to ask. Especially when money that has been given by people to "the Lord's work" is spent on things not in any way related to ministry.
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Cowboys in the Super Bowl? Jim Reeves in the Star-Telegram wrote an article today entitled, "February in Arizona, Where the Cowboys Appear Headed." They are looking good, and T. O. is even pulling his weight. But Green Bay is looking pretty good, too. And there is a lot of season left. What if Romo gets hurt? Or Ware?

I think this might be a case of "counting your chickens before they hatch."

Big Boys Don't Cry

I'm a little late this morning with my blog. We got in from Florida last night after spending a wonderful weekend with my brother and his wife and family. I had so much fun reconnecting with some really special kinfolks. They were so hospitable, and we laughed and talked and cried and played. It was nice.

The church in Bradenton was so gracious. They seemed very appreciative of what we shared. I am really proud of my brother and his wife and the work they are doing there. The church seems to adore them.

So thanks to my bro-buddy for inviting us.
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On Good Morning America this morning, they listed the top movies that make men cry. Number one was "Rudy," number 2 was "Field of Dreams" and number 3 was "Rocky IV."

I know I wil disappoint you guys, but my biggest cry movie is "Sabrina."

What's yours?

Do Not Be Like Them

This weekend in Florida, I will be challenging the people with some of the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. I continue to be struck by the radical nature of Jesus' description of life in His Kingdom. I agree with John Stott who says he thinks the Sermon could be summed up by Matthew 6: 8: "Do not be like them."

I don't mean that in a cultish sense. We are not to be different from the world because we dress weird or do our hair in some strange way. That's OK, but that's not Christlikeness. We're not to be different because of political positions we choose to champion. We're not even to be different because of some point of doctrine that we think makes us stand unique. That is not what Jesus is calling us to.

Jesus is calling us to be different because we choose to live His values. We are to be different because we take on His worldview. It is radical. It is different. It looks weird, and it feels weirder. It's countercultural. And it stands out like a sore thumb.

Or in Jesus' words, it stands out like salt and light.

It's Holiday Season

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. I have noticed all the stores are setting up their Christmas decorations. Thanksgiving is only two weeks away!

I saw a piece in the paper this morning that said many malls are setting aside special nights to bring your pet to see Santa. Really, I'm not kidding. All I know is that is another job now struck off my list -- being a Santa. Can you imagine having to hold just anyone's dog or cat for a picture with Santa? It might be a big ole slobbering bull dog or a cat that decides it doesn't like the way you look -- so it scratches your face. Or a dog that gets excited and wets all over you. No thanks.
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Tomorrow Beverly and I will leave for Florida and be gone until Monday night. I am really excited about getting to spend some time with my "baby brother" and his family. I am so proud of them. Pray that the Lord will use us, and that what we share will bless those who are there.
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Since I won't be blogging for a few days, I want to mention this: Sunday is Veteran's Day. When you go to church, take a moment to go up to those who have served our country and thank them. I stand in awe of the sacrifices made in particular by those who served in World War II. We owe them and their spouses so much.

Super Sunday

Yesterday was a great day at church. Our Bible class was incredible as a young man shared with the group about his struggles with internet porn -- how it nearly cost him his marriage and job, and the boundaries he has now put into place to help him win the battle against Satan. One of the great blessings in my time here in Decatur has been to watch the blossoming of his relationship with his wife. Wow!

And I am not a "meetings" person. But yesterday afternoon we had an elders / deacons meeting. It was great! Our elders are establishing such a wonderful environment for our church. And the spirit of the meeting yesterday was beautiful. My partner in crime (I mean ministry), Jacob, shared some exciting plans for involving every member of our church in employing his / her gifts.

At the end of the day, I told Beverly, "I am one blessed man." This is truly a sweet, sweet season of life.
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This weekend, Beverly and I are going to Florida to do a weekend "Adult Rally" at my youngest brother's church. I am especially looking forward to spending time with him and his family.
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I was excited after the meeting yesterday and before evening service started. One of our deacons told me that the Colts were beating the Patriots 20-10 midway through the 4th quarter. I thought, "Alright! They've got them." Then as I was driving home, I was listening to ESPN radio only to find that the Patriots had won. BOO. Not that I am a Colts' fan, but I do not care for Cheater Bill Belicik. I am especially turned off by his aloofness about the whole thing.
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The Cowboys looked good in disposing of the Eagles last night. How about Jason Whitten loosing his helmet and still trying to score a touchdown? Oo-oo-oo. That earned some real man points.

Boundaries

It's Friday already? It seems like the week just began.

Tomorrow night, Beverly and I are speaking to a group of married couples about boundaries. I don't know about you, but I find it to be an ongoing, daily struggle to set proper boundaries in my life.

For instance, there are moral boundaries that seem to shift on me continuously. When it comes to TV, I have set pretty stringent boundaries. Yet, even watching a sporting event -- you can't predict what the content of the commercials is going to be. The battle for purity is a challenge in our culture -- but I am going to win it!

But as I mentioned yesterday, I think my greatest struggle right now is in the area of spiritual boundaries. I want to be more intentional about prayer, taking time to sit before God in silence and meditate upon His Word and His goodness. It is amazing how Satan can convince me that everything else (mostly good stuff in and of itself) is more important.

Prayer

This Sunday I will be wrapping up a series on the "one another" passages. The final one is "pray for one another."

I am so humbled when I preach on prayer. I feel somewhat hypocritical, since I have a long way to go on the spiritual disciplines. I want a deeper, more intimate prayer life. But apparently not enough to make the sacrifices necessary to have one. I love moments when I sit in silence before God -- but I don't do it much. I have prayer time every day several times. But there is a depth that is, more often than not, missing. I'm tired of the shallow and the routine.

Hmm. Sounds like a good New Year's resolution. At this point, I could even get a two-month running start.
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By the way, I can't stand when people say, "Prayer works." Prayer doesn't work. God works.

Am I being nitpicky? Don't tell me if I am. Just talk behind my back about it:)

Trick or Treat

Tonight is Halloween. I think of all the holidays on our calendar, this one could probably be most easily removed. However, I know how much joy it brought to me as a child -- and continues to bring to kids today.

Sometimes I wonder what the proper response to issues like Halloween should be. I know of churches and preachers who every year remind us of the evil roots from which Halloween began. Yet it seems to me that such a reaction only builds walls between us and our communities.

When I was studying Greek in college, my professors often referred to "root fallacy." This is the mistake of going back to the root meaning of a word in order to determine its usage in a passage. As my professors would say, "MEANING IS DETERMINED BY CONTEXT!"

Isn't that somewhat true of Halloween? To trace it back to its roots may make us look smart. But I don't know anyone (especially the kids dressed up like "High School Musical" characters or Batman) who attach any meaning to calling up spirits or having seances or worshipping Satan.

I know I sound somewhat inconsistent, since I am on such a crusade about us being countercultural people. But I think we need to be wise about picking our battles. And bashing a night when kids dress up and go around to ask for candy is not a hill I want to shed blood on. I think it makes us look like radical extremists -- with no connection made to Christlikeness.

I am not saying that to discourage Trick or Treating is wrong, either. This is very much a Romans 14 kind of issue.

Brett Favre and My Dad

Today would have been my dad's 78th birthday. He was born THE day after the great Stock Market crash -- known as Black Tuesday. It seems ironic, because his life was covered by a dark cloud. I hurt for him as I think of how much emotional pain he must have carried through his life.

He's been gone now for 11-1/2 years. And he went out well -- making me proud.
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What an ending to Monday Night Football last night! Brett Favre, the "old man" (he's ony 38! How did Testiverde get a pass here?), threw an 82-yard touchdown pass on the 1st play of overtime to beat Denver.

How can you not like this guy. Unlike others who have gone through drug addictions and made excuses, etc. -- he got help and has turned his life around. We've watched him go through so much: the death of his father, his wife's cancer, his nephew's (If I remembered right) tragic death. He is definitely a survivor.
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I read a piece in the paper yesterday about the Packers. There is a waiting list for people to get season tickets. You have to wait until someone dies or gives them up. The wait is something like 400 years! Incredible! And Green Bay is not even a large city.

The writer of the piece said at least there is hope. Those who wait 400 years might get to see Favre before he retires. I say when you can throw the ball the way he was last night, why is retirement even being discussed?

The Golden Compass

When Beverly and I were in San Antonio, we went to a movie. One of the previews was for a movie entitled "The Golden Compass." As it was showing, I leaned over to her and said, "It reminds me of "The Lion, The WItch and the Wardrobe."

Well, a friend sent me an email this morning about "The Golden Compass." I went to Snopes, and the following is a quote from its website:

Origins: The Golden Compass, a fantasy film starring Nicole Kidman that is scheduled to be released into theaters on 7 December 2007, has been drawing fire from concerned Christians. The film is based on Northern Lights (released in the U.S. as The Golden Compass), the first offering in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy of children's books, a series that follows the adventures of a streetwise girl who travels through multiple worlds populated by witches, armor-plated bears, and sinister ecclesiastical assassins to defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God.

Books of the trilogy have sold more than 15 million copies around the world, with Northern Lights winning the Carnegie Medal for Children's Literature in 1995 and in 2007 being awarded the 'Carnegie of Carnegies' for the best children's book of the past 70 years. The Amber Spyglass, the final book of the series, won The Whitbread Prize in 2001, making it the first children's book to do so.

The series' author, Philip Pullman, is an avowed atheist who has averred that "I don't profess any religion; I don't think it's possible that there is a God; I have the greatest difficulty in understanding what is meant by the words 'spiritual' or 'spirituality.'" Critics of Pullman's books point to the strong anti-religion and anti-God themes they incorporate, and although literary works are subject to a variety of interpretations, Pullman left little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God." (Conservative British columnist Peter Hitchens labeled Pullman "The Most Dangerous Author in Britain" and described him as the writer "the atheists would have been praying for, if atheists prayed.")

Bill Donohue, president of The Catholic League, has condemned The Golden Compass as a "pernicious" effort to indoctrinate children into anti-Christian beliefs and has produced a 23-page pamphlet titled The Golden Compass: Unmasked in which he maintains that Pullman "sells atheism for kids." Donohoe told interviewer John Gibson on 9 October 2007 why he believes Christians should stay away from the film:
Look, the movie is based on the least offensive of the three books. And they have dumbed down the worst elements in the movie because they don't want to make Christians angry and they want to make money. Our concern is this, unsuspecting Christian parents may want to take their kid to the movie, it opens up December 7th and say, this wasn't troubling, then we'll buy the books. So the movie is the bait for the books which are profoundly anti-Catholic and at the same time selling atheism.
Other critics, however, have described Pullman's works as being more generally anti-religion rather than specifically anti-Christian or anti-Catholic:
In "His Dark Materials," Pullman's criticisms of organized religion come across as anti-authoritarian and anti-ascetic rather than anti-doctrinal. (Jesus isn't mentioned in any of the books, although Pullman has hinted that He might figure in a forthcoming sequel, "The Book of Dust.") His fundamental objection is to ideological tyranny and the rejection of this world in favor of an idealized afterlife, regardless of creed. As one of the novel's pagan characters puts it, "Every church is the same: control, destroy, obliterate every good feeling."
Last updated: 23 October 2007
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What should our response be? I would encourage us not to be angry Christians. All that would do is make this atheist author feel smug in his assessment of us. Remember: In American, he has freedom of speech, too. But what we CAN do is to make sure this movie is a financial bust. THAT sends the only message that Hollywood cares about. Do not take your kids to see it. And make sure to tell others the same. That is OUR freedom of speech.

The Numbers Game

I'm visiting with people, and they find out I'm a preacher. I guarantee one of the 1st questions they will ask is, "How big is your church?"

Beverly and I do a marraige retreat for another church. As people find out what we have been doing, they ask, "How many people were there?"

I know it's human nature. Especially in America, we attach success to numbers. Human nature. But how spiritual is it?

A. W. Tozer wrote a piece 40+ years ago. Yet it rings with such truth to us today. Hear what he says.

Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. --1 Corinthians 3:12-13

The emphasis today in Christian circles appears to be on quantity, with a corresponding lack of emphasis on quality. Numbers, size and amount seem to be very nearly all that matters even among evangelicals. The size of the crowd, the number of converts, the size of the budget, the amount of the weekly collections: if these look good the church is prospering and the pastor is thought to be a success. The church that can show an impressive quantitative growth is frankly envied and imitated by other ambitious churches.

This is the age of the Laodiceans. The great goddess Numbers is worshiped with fervent devotion and all things religious are brought before her for examination. Her Old Testament is the financial report and her New Testament is the membership roll. To these she appeals as arbiters of all questions, the test of spiritual growth and the proof of success or failure in every Christian endeavor.

A little acquaintance with the Bible should show this up for the heresy it is. To judge anything spiritual by statistics is to judge by another than scriptural judgment. It is to admit the validity of externalism and to deny the value our Lord places upon the soul as over against the body. It is to mistake the old creation for the new and to confuse things eternal with things temporal. Yet it is being done every day by ministers, church boards and denominational leaders. And hardly anyone notices the deep and dangerous error. The Set of the Sail, 153.

Make Each Moment Count

Beverly had me DVR "Oprah" for her the other day, and we watched it last night. Now don't any of you think I have become a big Oprah fan, because you would be wrong. But this show was about people who know that they are dying, and how they are coping with it. It was really fascinating to listen to people who a few months ago were living the rat-race -- and how clearly (and quickly) their lives have become prioritized.

As I watched, I once again was made aware of the fact that we all need to live that way. Who knows when what we say may be the last words our children or spouse ever hear from us?

Every time I hear Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying", it is a wake-up call for me. I want to stop taking days -- or even moments -- for granted. I want my time on earth to be spent in ways that will make a difference.

So that is my goal today: Make each moment count.

Finding Intimacy with God

Last night I was reading Dr. Myra Perrine's book, What's Your God Language? I want to share a piece from that this morning.

"Thomas Merton said that only the one who truly seeks God with real desire finds Him, not those who remain at a distance and confine life to a 'few routine exercises or external acts of worship and service.'

She then shares a quote from M. Basil Pennington that so practically applies this principle. He said:

I have run into a situation in marriage counseling a number of times. The couple is unhappy. The wife is dissatisfied and the husband cannot see why. He goes into a long recital of all he is doing for her. He is holding down two or three jobs, building a new house, buying her everything. But to all this, the wife quietly replies: "If only he would stop for a few minutes and give me himself!" I sometimes think that God, as He sees us rushing about in all our doing of good, says to Himself: If only they would stop for a few minutes and give me themselves!
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I'm looking forward to the World Series tomorrow night. I enjoyed watching the last two games of the Boston-Cleveland series. I like Boston's closer -- he is a hoot! But I can't decide who to root for. I want Boston to win because it makes the Yankees look bad. But I always like to see a new face in the crowd too. So I might pull for the Rockies.

I'm Back!

It's been a while since I posted a blog. I have been on vacation. It was an interesting one, to say the least.

Last Tuesday and Wednesday, a friend of mine and I went golfing. We played 18 holes on Tuesday and 36 on Wednesday. Allergies hit me Tuesday -- and then really set in on Wednesday. It has to be ragweed. I have never felt as dragged down by allergies as I have from this.

Anyway, Thursday through Saturday, Beverly and I went to San Antonio. It was almost comical thinking back to it. I was feeling wrung out, and then she got sick, too. So we certainly weren't just balls of energy. It pretty much put a damper on things. I usually really enjoy the Mexican food, but my tastebuds were shot.

Oh well, things could have been a whole lot worse! And we have been so spoiled with good health that we have never experienced anything like this before (sick on vacation).
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The weather is great! I am hopeful that this cold front will get rid of the ragweed. High today in the 50s!

"Doable"

This time next week, Lord willing, Beverly and I will be in San Antonio. I am really looking forward to spending some time with my woman -- alone. We are going to take the scenic drive there (US 281). We're going to eat lots of Mexican food and do lots of walking.

In fact, I will be on vacation Monday through Saturday. So, obviously, this blog site will also be on vacation.
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My friend Ron Carlson wrote an excellent article I want to share with you. I already sent it to some of you in an email. It is fairly lengthy -- but you will find it worth the reading:

“Doable”

It costs a lot more money these days to keep Madison Square Garden up and running. It’s not heating oil, extra handicap parking spaces, or a deteriorating infrastructure that have sent costs spiraling upward. Rather, a steady flow of sexual harassment lawsuits are eating away at the bottom line.
Recently, an 11.6 million dollar judgment was levied against CEO James Dolan and the Garden. Knick’s coach Isaiah Thomas was fingered as the primary culprit, accused of crossing the line in “discussions” with female employee, Anucha Browne Sanders.
The Knicks could sign another washed-up veteran five years this side of prime for that kind of money.
Following the verdict, Browne Sanders encouraged other women in the organization and beyond to come forward and speak out against sexual harassment in the work place. At least one of the New York Rangers’ cheerleaders has responded in the affirmative regarding the negative instructions of her male bosses who demanded her fellow dancers should look more “doable.”
Can you imagine a respectable man in the corporate world making such a crass statement?
My guess is that such language and influences are part of the daily dialogue. Sports franchises represent only a small fraction of businesses that hire attractive, well-structured women to expose their bottom lines. Remember, this is sex-saturated America where sex sells and sexual magnetism easily translates into money and power.
Everybody, regardless of gender, is in some degree guilty. Professional cheerleaders are not ignorant of their job description. They understand they are eye candy, paid to jiggle and wiggle. Don’t be so naïve to believe any of the rhetoric appealing to artistic expression and athletic prowess.
Since respectable men don’t like to be seen at strip clubs, they can get the same sights and sounds for free at a Cowboy or Maverick game. It’s the same fantasy, the same buzz, and the same ancient exploitation.
Anybody really think that a turned-on Herod would have offered half his kingdom to a young dancer ill-equipped to stimulate lust? John the Baptist lost his head because the king was more interested in sex with a “doable” teenager than justice for a prophet.
Women know what works. They can titillate a man with little clothing, properly dispensed, as well as with no clothing. Who buys a thong for comfort? I can’t imagine that a haywire push-up bra is all that comfortable. A size twelve body stuffed into size eight jeans balancing on four-inch heels is simply not assembled for ease of movement.
The enormous pressure our culture exerts on women to look and act sexy is destructive and insane. They ought to sue us all for defamation of character. Instead, the majority plays along.
If Dancing with the Stars is really about dancing, then why are the female contestants required to possess augmented breasts and wear costumes with more slits than garment? Why do the male dancers thrust their hips that way?
The answer is no mystery. The sponsors demand high ratings, and those ratings are achieved by attracting a voyeuristic audience that loves raw sexual energy and hopes it’s contagious. This formula requires dancers who look “doable.”
The comical exploits of the East Texas television station that hired a young and unproven journalistic talent with massive implants to anchor the evening news has drawn some surprising criticism. The station’s basic response has been, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
This popular motto, incidentally, does not come from scripture.
Folks with “it” (we rise up and call them blessed), often get paraded around like the dog-eared boy at a carnival.
A number of years ago, I made the mistake of taking my teenaged sons to a giant car show. It turned out the cars were accessories for the “car-babes,” who my boys found far sleeker and more attractive than the lines of a new Buick.
“It’s time to ‘flee youthful lusts,’ ” I told them as I dragged them back to our old sedan. I was talking more to myself.
Want to know how far we have plummeted in our disrespect for simple modesty and sexual sensibilities? Far enough that porn stars are pop culture’s new media darlings. Jenna Jameson, Queen of Hollywood porn, is regarded as a national treasure in the way our grandparents revered the wit and wisdom of Will Rogers. She is a multi-millionaire, partly because she markets a line of anatomically precise silicone body parts designed to pleasure a man. And proud of it!
Respectable men, I mentioned earlier, hate to be seen at strip clubs. That doesn’t mean strip clubs have not become respectable. I read an article recently explaining that entertaining clients at a “Gentleman’s Club” is now a legitimate business expense. Corporation accountants still prefer clients pay for their own lap dances.
Most tragically, we are raising a generation of young women who believe it’s a good thing to look “doable.” High School girls walking to school often look like hookers lined up on Harry Hines trolling for johns.
We have an entertainment industry full of super models, super sluts, and super stars, many who possess no legitimacy outside their “hot and sexy” appeal as “doable.” I saw an advertisement claiming that Britney Spears’ and Paris Hilton’s secret sex DVD’s are a primary staple of any good video library. These girls not only look “doable”; they are!
I could go on and on, but you already know the score. We are still in the middle of a sexual revolution where the insurgents are inflicting heavy damage. We resemble the culture of Jeremiah’s day where folks “have the brazen look of a prostitute who refuses to blush with shame” (Jer. 3:2-4; 6:15; 8:12).
This is front-line, in-the-trenches spiritual warfare for Christians. Over and over again the New Testament writers admonish us to “flee immorality” and leave our old pagan lusts behind. The Holy Spirit demands we practice our sexuality in ways that are healthy, holistic, and holy. Keep in mind that God wants us to establish and maintain sexual purity because our bodies “are a temple of the Holy Spirit” (I Cor. 6).
Don’t expect culture to stop the sexual harassment any time soon. Expect Las Vegas to come to a community near you soon. Anticipate pornography to become mainstream entertainment. Don’t be surprised when folks close to you cross over to the “doable” side.
We’re under attack. It’s time to take up the full armor of God (Eph. 6:10f) and do battle. The bodies and souls of our children are at stake. Victory in the Holy Spirit is doable.