The Mess In ATL

Most of us have heard about the allegations that have been levied against Bishop Eddie Long. When it comes to this issue I think about the danger of elevating people to a status that is too high. We tend to get shocked at situations like this because of the high level of exposure and respect that we give to human beings. People were never meant to be superstars in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the King. He is the One and Only superstar in the Christian Community. We cannot excuse the Bishop if he is guilty of these things he has been accused of. We cannot dismiss how serious the damage this brings upon the entire church if these boys are not being truthful. It is a very sad state of affairs for all concerned. The influence of every preacher, every christian and every church takes a hit when something like this happens. It smears the glorious name of the Lord we represent and makes it hard for non-believers to trust any of us. Perhaps it's time for us to remember that Jesus Christ is the only one that is to be lifted high. The rest of us are just fortunate to be connected to Him by the free extension of His grace. If these things are true we should be disappointed, but not shocked. Let's magnify Christ and recognize that men and women are nothing more than human beings, capable of gross human failures. Work it out!

What Drives You?

Some people are driven by a variety of fears. Some people allow their entire lives to revolve around material possessions. Others are not happy unless they feel like everyone they are connected to is pleased with them. Then there are those that want to have a reputation of success at just about any cost. None of these things is the main thing. The deepest level of authentic living comes from finding out what God wants and then doing it. We have a Creator that designed us for a purpose. A relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, that impacts our choices daily, is everything. When our lives are driven by pleasing the Lord then we are really on to something great. Work it out!

Thought inspired by THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE day 3 by Rick Warren

I'm Not An Accident

I was born an African American in the city of Pittsburgh. My ears stick out away from my head. My teeth are bigger than most other people I see. I am of a quieter sort than many people are comfortable with. I analyze in depth before I act on things. I am loyal to the point that it comes back at times to bite me. There are many other things about myself that I could list, but I'm impressed to be reminded of how none of it is there by accident. God designed me to be me. He has a purpose for the way that I was made. Physical characteristics, temperament, talent, limitations they are all woven into my being so that I can do what I was made to do. That is a comforting thing. I am 52 years old and there are still people that try to change me. I am so glad that I have learned how to be happy with who God has made me to be. I am comfortable in my own skin. I don't hide from my abilities or my flaws. How about you? It's good to know that you are who you are by design. Work it out!


Thought inspired by THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE day 2 by Rick Warren.