The age old question most non-Christians—and even a large portion of Christians—ask, “How can God allow man’s depravity to run rampant throughout this world?”
It’s a fair question, although one that will never be understood…at least for humankind as we know it. Perhaps we will understand things with more clarity once the veil of man’s sin is lifted after His second coming, or perhaps not. Abiding with our Savior for all eternity in heaven may allow us that insight…perhaps knowing the answer to that question won’t even be relevant. Truth is, we’re not omniscient and our faith must pick up where the unanswered questions leave off.
I bring up this subject, in part, due to recent events centered around a troubled man and ex-coach at Penn State. It’s unfortunately nothing new within the world’s history…but it certainly brings up again my original question: “Why?”
As I read through the grand jury’s twenty-three page report I cried. It affected me, angered me, triggered sympathetic pains deep within me. Through the accounts of eight victims we discover very troubling, inappropriate actions from a man of prominence and respect. Although they are only allegations at this point…I do know the effects of these kinds of actions and it brings me great sorrow. I don’t want to focus on him, per se, but it certainly exemplifies my point.
Of course God can change the course of all creation in an instant. He sees mankind’s sin and debauchery and weeps like many of us do. His desires should not be in question. His true desire is that His creation accept Him by a free-will choice. With that free-will comes the repercussions of many bad and devious choices. Choices that make people do unspeakable atrocities towards others…yes, even children. My heart breaks even more viscerally when evil is done to the young and innocent.
It stirs up for me some very ambivalent feelings about this world. I realize my commission to speak God’s truth to all who will listen; yet sometimes I long for the Great Judgment to just come now and relieve us from having to watch and endure all the sin that surrounds us. I speculate God is getting very ready for this as well.
The simple truth is that God’s timing is His timing…and we don’t know when that is. Sure, we can make calculations and deductive hypotheses based on Biblical writings…but we really don’t know and God makes it clear that we won’t know. I do know that I can continue to pray—pray with all my heart for the protection of innocent people as well as pray for the divine intervention to keep violators at bay. I can pray these things because I have the confidence that God truly does listen and respond to our prayers when made in sincere faith.
Writing this at the end of 2011 may not be the most joyful way to share the holidays…but I write what is on my heart. Holidays often mask the truths around us and this season I am not ashamed to embrace the reality that among all the shopping and eating and singing…there is still a very needy world around us that requires a lot of prayer.
I pray each person reading this will join me in seeking, not so much answers from God...but His grace that can—and needs to—pour out over this world.
Greg Morton
© December 1, 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Sin That So Easily Entangles
In the book of Hebrews verse 1 Paul made a statement that absolutely hits the nail on the head when it comes to the reality of life as a human being “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.”
Sin was born out of the antithesis of the perfection of God. Long before Adam and Eve succumbed to it, the real origin of sin began with the fallen angel Lucifer. His sin was in direct conflict with the divine nature of God, but as he put it into practice—beginning in the Garden of Eden—he took that abhorrent, detestable defiance against God and crafted it into something gentle, and subtle, and intriguing. That’s how he presented it to mankind…and it stuck.
The supernatural wars taking place on a daily basis are as real as it gets…but they are merely subtext to the daily lives we live. There are those that wish to crossover that spiritual threshold and engage in some part, however, Satan could really care less quite frankly. Where he wants to engage us is in the silky smooth diversions from Christ that slowly, but ultimately, entangles us.
As human beings, we are so open to suggestions and nuances and the devil plays us like a fiddle. This is why we must be in constant prayer, constant awareness, have vigilant determination to be so close to our Savior that we can feel the very breath of the Holy Spirit on us. We are wayward by nature and the only redeeming quality we can claim is that which comes from the true redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Every person in history, from Adam to Noah to Moses to Abraham to Paul to all disciples then and now; all have dealt with this exact issue…so be encouraged by the company you keep. We will be victorious over evil…but until that day comes, beware of the sin that so easily entangles.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© November 1, 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Sin was born out of the antithesis of the perfection of God. Long before Adam and Eve succumbed to it, the real origin of sin began with the fallen angel Lucifer. His sin was in direct conflict with the divine nature of God, but as he put it into practice—beginning in the Garden of Eden—he took that abhorrent, detestable defiance against God and crafted it into something gentle, and subtle, and intriguing. That’s how he presented it to mankind…and it stuck.
The supernatural wars taking place on a daily basis are as real as it gets…but they are merely subtext to the daily lives we live. There are those that wish to crossover that spiritual threshold and engage in some part, however, Satan could really care less quite frankly. Where he wants to engage us is in the silky smooth diversions from Christ that slowly, but ultimately, entangles us.
As human beings, we are so open to suggestions and nuances and the devil plays us like a fiddle. This is why we must be in constant prayer, constant awareness, have vigilant determination to be so close to our Savior that we can feel the very breath of the Holy Spirit on us. We are wayward by nature and the only redeeming quality we can claim is that which comes from the true redeemer, Jesus Christ.
Every person in history, from Adam to Noah to Moses to Abraham to Paul to all disciples then and now; all have dealt with this exact issue…so be encouraged by the company you keep. We will be victorious over evil…but until that day comes, beware of the sin that so easily entangles.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© November 1, 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, October 3, 2011
Misery Loves Company
Despite the negative connotation this well-known saying may cultivate, this commentary is anything but. What I found through my recent reading of the Old Testament was quite revealing and I just had to share it with you.
An account in the book of Numbers chapter 11 tells of the Jewish people, during their journey through the desert wilderness, grumbling and complaining (in typical human nature form) about how they had only manna to eat and were getting pretty tired of it. Moses became quite troubled over the intensity of these protests and cried out to God, “They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.”
The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”
This is an amazing account of how God will provide for each one of us. Certainly the Lord could have had the Holy Spirit wash over Moses and alleviate his worries. The Lord certainly could have quieted the multitude of people in the wink of an eye. The Lord could have done numerous things to resolve the situation. He chose, though, to build Moses up by sharing his burden with people he could trust and rely on.
An interesting note to all this…Moses could have made that decision all along. It is so much like human nature to hold on to our situation—good or bad—and deal with it on our own. It took the Lord’s command to provide Moses the support he needed rather than providing a quick way out.
This is a truth and insight I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I, too, am much like Moses in that sense…wanting to carry burdens and problems on my own. Hopefully I won’t have to go running to God crying my woes only to be told the obvious. God has provided people in our lives for a reason…His reason. It may be clearly evident sometimes; it may take some prodding on God’s part for us to see it. In the end we must all understand that God is a God of mercy, grace and provision and he uses His creation to get us through tough times just as much as He directly restores us.
This has been my revelation for the month.
Greg Morton
© October 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
An account in the book of Numbers chapter 11 tells of the Jewish people, during their journey through the desert wilderness, grumbling and complaining (in typical human nature form) about how they had only manna to eat and were getting pretty tired of it. Moses became quite troubled over the intensity of these protests and cried out to God, “They keep wailing to me, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I cannot carry all these people by myself; the burden is too heavy for me.”
The LORD said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”
This is an amazing account of how God will provide for each one of us. Certainly the Lord could have had the Holy Spirit wash over Moses and alleviate his worries. The Lord certainly could have quieted the multitude of people in the wink of an eye. The Lord could have done numerous things to resolve the situation. He chose, though, to build Moses up by sharing his burden with people he could trust and rely on.
An interesting note to all this…Moses could have made that decision all along. It is so much like human nature to hold on to our situation—good or bad—and deal with it on our own. It took the Lord’s command to provide Moses the support he needed rather than providing a quick way out.
This is a truth and insight I will keep with me for the rest of my life. I, too, am much like Moses in that sense…wanting to carry burdens and problems on my own. Hopefully I won’t have to go running to God crying my woes only to be told the obvious. God has provided people in our lives for a reason…His reason. It may be clearly evident sometimes; it may take some prodding on God’s part for us to see it. In the end we must all understand that God is a God of mercy, grace and provision and he uses His creation to get us through tough times just as much as He directly restores us.
This has been my revelation for the month.
Greg Morton
© October 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Thursday, September 1, 2011
An Altared State of Mind
Throughout the Old Testament it was common practice to build an altar to memorialize a particular occurrence, be it a battle victory, thanksgiving, worship or even a miracle.
I assert we should reclaim this time-honored practice to remind us of how personal and how awesome our God truly is. Of course we seldom encounter the Lord’s voice booming from the sky, or have river waters part in front of us…but there are certainly things transpiring in our lives that should be honored and remembered.
When you pray for the strength to endure a hardship and finally come out on the other side…that is the time to build your altar. It doesn’t have to be large stones with an animal sacrifice…it can be as simple as going to the stationery store and buying a small Thank You note and writing “Thank you!” to God. Date it, file it away somewhere, and give God all the honor and glory for whatever He has brought you through.
After several years you may be absolutely amazed at how many times the Lord has come through for you in a very real and personal way. When you build your altar, remember you are in very good company with our founding fathers. No…not the Independence fathers, but our true founding fathers: Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to name just a few.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© September 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
I assert we should reclaim this time-honored practice to remind us of how personal and how awesome our God truly is. Of course we seldom encounter the Lord’s voice booming from the sky, or have river waters part in front of us…but there are certainly things transpiring in our lives that should be honored and remembered.
When you pray for the strength to endure a hardship and finally come out on the other side…that is the time to build your altar. It doesn’t have to be large stones with an animal sacrifice…it can be as simple as going to the stationery store and buying a small Thank You note and writing “Thank you!” to God. Date it, file it away somewhere, and give God all the honor and glory for whatever He has brought you through.
After several years you may be absolutely amazed at how many times the Lord has come through for you in a very real and personal way. When you build your altar, remember you are in very good company with our founding fathers. No…not the Independence fathers, but our true founding fathers: Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to name just a few.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© September 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, August 1, 2011
Senior Greg
In honor of my birthday being this month, I thought I would share some of my thoughts with a real life example.
June 8, 2011 will live in infamy...or, at least, my memory. This is the day, while paying for my meal at IHOP, I was asked by the cashier, “Don’t take this wrong…but are you 55 or older?” Well, with my cherub-like demeanor being tested I simply muttered a, “No, I’m only 51, thank you.” Silver lining…she gave me the senior discount anyway.
Hey, I’m still a boy inside so that’s what counts, right? Well that’s what I keep telling myself anyways. Growing older--at least the perception of getting older--can be deferred for a while...until those nasty, relentless tell-tales keep harping on you. Hair color, body aches, stamina, seeing your kids get older...yes, even an innocent cashier at IHOP asking if you’re over 55. Eventually your days of deferral will be over.
I’m learning to embrace the truth and just go with it. I look at my lovely wife and she still looks close to 15...the age when I started dating her so many moons ago. She’s actually more beautiful now (and I’m not just saying that because I know she’ll read this at some point)...she truly has aged with a seeming time-warp in her pocket. I don’t envy that, though. I just consider myself extremely lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with her.
All this to say...aging is clearly inevitable and the only power you have over it is your attitude towards it. Go ahead, take that meal discount with pride and stop looking forward to the end of the journey, but rather relish the process as it unfolds with all its challenges and rewards. God is with you through it all and that is a truth that keeps me centered in this inescapable reality.
Older, and hopefully wiser.
Greg Morton
© August 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
June 8, 2011 will live in infamy...or, at least, my memory. This is the day, while paying for my meal at IHOP, I was asked by the cashier, “Don’t take this wrong…but are you 55 or older?” Well, with my cherub-like demeanor being tested I simply muttered a, “No, I’m only 51, thank you.” Silver lining…she gave me the senior discount anyway.
Hey, I’m still a boy inside so that’s what counts, right? Well that’s what I keep telling myself anyways. Growing older--at least the perception of getting older--can be deferred for a while...until those nasty, relentless tell-tales keep harping on you. Hair color, body aches, stamina, seeing your kids get older...yes, even an innocent cashier at IHOP asking if you’re over 55. Eventually your days of deferral will be over.
I’m learning to embrace the truth and just go with it. I look at my lovely wife and she still looks close to 15...the age when I started dating her so many moons ago. She’s actually more beautiful now (and I’m not just saying that because I know she’ll read this at some point)...she truly has aged with a seeming time-warp in her pocket. I don’t envy that, though. I just consider myself extremely lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with her.
All this to say...aging is clearly inevitable and the only power you have over it is your attitude towards it. Go ahead, take that meal discount with pride and stop looking forward to the end of the journey, but rather relish the process as it unfolds with all its challenges and rewards. God is with you through it all and that is a truth that keeps me centered in this inescapable reality.
Older, and hopefully wiser.
Greg Morton
© August 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Friday, July 1, 2011
Salami Therapy
Ever had one of those situations that kinda bugs you and you just can’t seem to shake it unless you voice your opinion about it? I get them all the time, frankly, and I’m sure it has more to do with my personality than it does things going awry all around me. But that’s a subject for a completely different commentary.
The other day I was at my local grocery store and wanted to pick up a couple of sticks of salami. I have a favorite brand and, unfortunately, they were out of stock. I kindly asked the service person about it and she assured me she would put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
Week two and no salami. I asked again (perhaps not as kindly) about it and she assured me she would put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
Week three….you see where I’m going with this, don’t you. So hear comes the nagging compulsion to voice my concern. I email the general office and explain my situation—
rather sheepishly I might add—since we’re only talking about some friggin’ sticks of salami.
I receive an email back several days later and the general manager was quite self-assured, told me he spoke with the store manager, and they now have them in stock.
I stopped by after work the next day to pick up my beloved salt/fat infused piece of cholesterol meat product and, lo and behold, they don’t have it. She was quite friendly, though, when she offered to put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
At that point I asked to speak to the manager…the same one the general manager had referred to in the email. She stated he had been transferred out of that location three months ago. I whipped out my copy of the email (yes, I know what an anal-retentive thing that is that I even thought to bring it with me) and showed her what the general manager had told me just two days prior.
After fuming home I sat in my office and reflected: Am I really all worked up over a couple sticks of salami? Really? Really?
Then the epiphany hit: God is totally cracking up over this. Not that I was out of my beloved salami, but that I needed to learn how to take things that hit me emotionally and prioritize their importance. I am now ashamed at what degree this situation permeated my being. I have been saved by grace in order to spend eternity with my God and Savior. Sure, I’m only human (still) and life is full of irritating things, but I need to focus on my true self-worth. I am loved, and I get to love my Lord forever. Kinda makes my salami debacle seem awfully petty, huh? So I will take my Salami Therapy to heart with a renewed insight and thank the Lord that He can use anything….and I do mean anything, to bring me to my senses and closer to Him.
Greg Morton
© July 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
The other day I was at my local grocery store and wanted to pick up a couple of sticks of salami. I have a favorite brand and, unfortunately, they were out of stock. I kindly asked the service person about it and she assured me she would put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
Week two and no salami. I asked again (perhaps not as kindly) about it and she assured me she would put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
Week three….you see where I’m going with this, don’t you. So hear comes the nagging compulsion to voice my concern. I email the general office and explain my situation—
rather sheepishly I might add—since we’re only talking about some friggin’ sticks of salami.
I receive an email back several days later and the general manager was quite self-assured, told me he spoke with the store manager, and they now have them in stock.
I stopped by after work the next day to pick up my beloved salt/fat infused piece of cholesterol meat product and, lo and behold, they don’t have it. She was quite friendly, though, when she offered to put it on her order list and have them in the following week.
At that point I asked to speak to the manager…the same one the general manager had referred to in the email. She stated he had been transferred out of that location three months ago. I whipped out my copy of the email (yes, I know what an anal-retentive thing that is that I even thought to bring it with me) and showed her what the general manager had told me just two days prior.
After fuming home I sat in my office and reflected: Am I really all worked up over a couple sticks of salami? Really? Really?
Then the epiphany hit: God is totally cracking up over this. Not that I was out of my beloved salami, but that I needed to learn how to take things that hit me emotionally and prioritize their importance. I am now ashamed at what degree this situation permeated my being. I have been saved by grace in order to spend eternity with my God and Savior. Sure, I’m only human (still) and life is full of irritating things, but I need to focus on my true self-worth. I am loved, and I get to love my Lord forever. Kinda makes my salami debacle seem awfully petty, huh? So I will take my Salami Therapy to heart with a renewed insight and thank the Lord that He can use anything….and I do mean anything, to bring me to my senses and closer to Him.
Greg Morton
© July 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Alpha and Omega
The mind God created us with is a strange and wondrous thing.
"Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe."
Chances are pretty good you were able to read the previous paragraph without too much difficulty. After I stumbled across this interesting tidbit of information, I realized how much this parallels our Christian lives as well.
In Revelation the Lord God declares himself the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. The key to that mixed up paragraph is the fact that the beginning and the end of each word is true and correct; the rest of the stuff simply doesn’t matter much what order it’s in. How true it is with most of our lives, huh? I can tell you that if I start my day with the Lord and end my day with the Lord, the rest of the day really doesn’t matter much when it’s all said and done.
Yes, the mind is a strange and wondrous thing that God has made.
Greg Morton
© June 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
"Aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe."
Chances are pretty good you were able to read the previous paragraph without too much difficulty. After I stumbled across this interesting tidbit of information, I realized how much this parallels our Christian lives as well.
In Revelation the Lord God declares himself the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. The key to that mixed up paragraph is the fact that the beginning and the end of each word is true and correct; the rest of the stuff simply doesn’t matter much what order it’s in. How true it is with most of our lives, huh? I can tell you that if I start my day with the Lord and end my day with the Lord, the rest of the day really doesn’t matter much when it’s all said and done.
Yes, the mind is a strange and wondrous thing that God has made.
Greg Morton
© June 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Law of Physics?
We may not all understand the law of gravity...but we certainly accept it. It works, and that’s all we really need to know about it. There are hundreds of physical laws affecting us each and every day, yet we don’t have to acknowledge them in order for them to keep working…they just do.
So now I have a dilemma that confounds me to this day. Is it a law of physics? I just don’t know. It’s more likely a law of sociology, however, I still like to think of it as some overarching scientific law for which we have no control and just shouldn’t worry about……..parking.
Yes, I said it. Parking. I don’t mean the frantic dog-eat-dog quest for a spot in the mall’s parking structure; nor am I speaking of that scenario when the only spot to be found is that intimidating curb maneuver we affectionately know and fear as “parallel parking”. What I am referring to is this unknown gravitational force which causes other people to park next to me….right next to me. Sure, I’ll give you some grace in a crowded situation. But I can park in a large parking lot where I am sure to be in the “safe zone”, with 15 empty spaces to my left and to my right. Once I exit the store and return to my car…..doggone if there isn’t someone that just had to park next to me. No reason; no rhyme; it’s got to be some law of nature I just never heard about in school.
If it’s a sociological phenomenon, is it something primal that goes back to the early days of man when herding was a form of survival? Perhaps it’s simpler than that and people just find comfort in being close to someone…albeit in a 4000 pound hunk o’ metal. Another hypothesis is that people truly deliberate over where a “good” parking spot is. Hey if that guy way over there is alone and chose to park there…he must have some inside scoop on the blessedness of that location. I must join him.
My wife and I actually have bets going as to whether someone will park next to us…even after intentionally parking waaaay away from everyone else. More often than not...gosh-darned if there isn’t some other car visiting mine when we’re done shopping.
And then again...maybe it’s not the drivers at all! Perhaps our vehicles have an intrinsic power over us far beyond what we can comprehend and we are simply doing their bidding. Lonely, needy cars….now there’s a law of physics we should be teaching our elementary students in science class.
I’ll end this by stating this just isn’t something to figure out and I’ll probably go to my grave wondering about this phenomenon…if it doesn’t drive me crazy first.
Greg Morton
© May 2, 2011
So now I have a dilemma that confounds me to this day. Is it a law of physics? I just don’t know. It’s more likely a law of sociology, however, I still like to think of it as some overarching scientific law for which we have no control and just shouldn’t worry about……..parking.
Yes, I said it. Parking. I don’t mean the frantic dog-eat-dog quest for a spot in the mall’s parking structure; nor am I speaking of that scenario when the only spot to be found is that intimidating curb maneuver we affectionately know and fear as “parallel parking”. What I am referring to is this unknown gravitational force which causes other people to park next to me….right next to me. Sure, I’ll give you some grace in a crowded situation. But I can park in a large parking lot where I am sure to be in the “safe zone”, with 15 empty spaces to my left and to my right. Once I exit the store and return to my car…..doggone if there isn’t someone that just had to park next to me. No reason; no rhyme; it’s got to be some law of nature I just never heard about in school.
If it’s a sociological phenomenon, is it something primal that goes back to the early days of man when herding was a form of survival? Perhaps it’s simpler than that and people just find comfort in being close to someone…albeit in a 4000 pound hunk o’ metal. Another hypothesis is that people truly deliberate over where a “good” parking spot is. Hey if that guy way over there is alone and chose to park there…he must have some inside scoop on the blessedness of that location. I must join him.
My wife and I actually have bets going as to whether someone will park next to us…even after intentionally parking waaaay away from everyone else. More often than not...gosh-darned if there isn’t some other car visiting mine when we’re done shopping.
And then again...maybe it’s not the drivers at all! Perhaps our vehicles have an intrinsic power over us far beyond what we can comprehend and we are simply doing their bidding. Lonely, needy cars….now there’s a law of physics we should be teaching our elementary students in science class.
I’ll end this by stating this just isn’t something to figure out and I’ll probably go to my grave wondering about this phenomenon…if it doesn’t drive me crazy first.
Greg Morton
© May 2, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
A Life Worth Examining
Socrates stated his philosophy that “A life unexamined is not worth living”. Knowledge is not simply a key element…it is an absolute essential ingredient to form the foundations of our beliefs. Examining, and re-examining, our beliefs is also an imperative.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13: 5
I read a recent article by Mitchell Landsberg from the LA Times with an opening statement “If you want to know about God, you might want to talk to an atheist.” The article progressively expands on that statement based on a Pew research study as well as corroborating sentiments from numerous Christian leaders.
In a nutshell, Christians by and large are willing to accept their faith—but also willing to forego understanding it. This type of “blind faith” is commendable on one level, but it certainly begs the question as to how prepared you are to defend your faith if questions arise.
Let’s face it…we, as Christians, know what we know because we believe what God has told us through His word. There is also an element of “just knowing” that seems to become intrinsic once we become saved that truly is hard to put into words. To believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us without scientific or empirical evidence is putting blind faith to good use.
Getting back to Socrates, though…to what extent should we be examining our Christian life? And why is it we are so content with not furthering our understanding? The Pew research survey pointed out that Mormons showed a significantly greater knowledge of the Bible than evangelical Christians. Does that disturb you? It certainly should.
The Christian life needs to be examined. Yours and mine included. Other people’s faith and beliefs need to be examined. Is there really any reason not to? If you are unsettled about what you might find, then you definitely ought to be examining your faith.
Do I believe it’s crucial to know all the rites, rituals and formal procedures of your particular denomination? No I don’t. I consider it absolutely vital, though, to understand why you believe what you believe. I struggle with this on a daily basis and find I am constantly questioning myself…and that’s a good thing. I want to examine my life, especially my Christianity, and understand what really makes me tick and what truly forms the basis of my faith. My days of answering “Because I just do…” when asked about my beliefs should be over. I may not concur with all the philosophies of Socrates, but I’m certainly of the same mind on this one.
Greg Morton
© April 4, 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test? 2 Corinthians 13: 5
I read a recent article by Mitchell Landsberg from the LA Times with an opening statement “If you want to know about God, you might want to talk to an atheist.” The article progressively expands on that statement based on a Pew research study as well as corroborating sentiments from numerous Christian leaders.
In a nutshell, Christians by and large are willing to accept their faith—but also willing to forego understanding it. This type of “blind faith” is commendable on one level, but it certainly begs the question as to how prepared you are to defend your faith if questions arise.
Let’s face it…we, as Christians, know what we know because we believe what God has told us through His word. There is also an element of “just knowing” that seems to become intrinsic once we become saved that truly is hard to put into words. To believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us without scientific or empirical evidence is putting blind faith to good use.
Getting back to Socrates, though…to what extent should we be examining our Christian life? And why is it we are so content with not furthering our understanding? The Pew research survey pointed out that Mormons showed a significantly greater knowledge of the Bible than evangelical Christians. Does that disturb you? It certainly should.
The Christian life needs to be examined. Yours and mine included. Other people’s faith and beliefs need to be examined. Is there really any reason not to? If you are unsettled about what you might find, then you definitely ought to be examining your faith.
Do I believe it’s crucial to know all the rites, rituals and formal procedures of your particular denomination? No I don’t. I consider it absolutely vital, though, to understand why you believe what you believe. I struggle with this on a daily basis and find I am constantly questioning myself…and that’s a good thing. I want to examine my life, especially my Christianity, and understand what really makes me tick and what truly forms the basis of my faith. My days of answering “Because I just do…” when asked about my beliefs should be over. I may not concur with all the philosophies of Socrates, but I’m certainly of the same mind on this one.
Greg Morton
© April 4, 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Thursday, March 3, 2011
I Can Just Hear The Ripping Of God’s Heart Now . . .
“Thank God for dead soldiers.” This slogan found on protest signs of the Westboro Baptist Church turns my stomach every time I see it. It pains me to believe God-fearing Christians can come to the conclusion that we reap what we sow in this manner. To believe the military—because of their policy to accept people of same-sex lifestyles—is giving God carte blanche to judge and punish them for their decision…I am almost speechless. Almost.
What I read from the Word of God is that homosexuality is a sin. It deserves to be judged by God and will most certainly be done in His timing and in His manner. That said, every sin…be it lying, cheating, lust, murder, or a thousand other godless acts we as humans give in to every day, should be—and will be—judged by God. This does not mean we have the privilege of taking the podium and self-electing ourselves to be God’s advocate in the matter. I find nowhere in the Scriptures where we are to take on this role as judge and jury on God’s behalf.
We are clearly instructed to counsel fellow believers if they are living in contradiction to God’s ways. We are not, however, told to judge and persecute all of humanity for their sins. We are commissioned to speak the truth of the Gospel and act as a light in a darkened world. It is not our business to condemn; that is God’s business. It is not our job to invoke conviction in the unsaved; that is God’s job.
What this church has promoted as an allegiance to acting in God’s will has brought me great shame to the Christianity I have professed to believe. I pray for this church and its believers that God will, indeed, divinely intervene and bring to light that the God of all creation is a God of love and—within that loving role—will judge as He sees fit…not as we see fit.
Painfully in prayer,
Greg Morton
© March 3, 2011
What I read from the Word of God is that homosexuality is a sin. It deserves to be judged by God and will most certainly be done in His timing and in His manner. That said, every sin…be it lying, cheating, lust, murder, or a thousand other godless acts we as humans give in to every day, should be—and will be—judged by God. This does not mean we have the privilege of taking the podium and self-electing ourselves to be God’s advocate in the matter. I find nowhere in the Scriptures where we are to take on this role as judge and jury on God’s behalf.
We are clearly instructed to counsel fellow believers if they are living in contradiction to God’s ways. We are not, however, told to judge and persecute all of humanity for their sins. We are commissioned to speak the truth of the Gospel and act as a light in a darkened world. It is not our business to condemn; that is God’s business. It is not our job to invoke conviction in the unsaved; that is God’s job.
What this church has promoted as an allegiance to acting in God’s will has brought me great shame to the Christianity I have professed to believe. I pray for this church and its believers that God will, indeed, divinely intervene and bring to light that the God of all creation is a God of love and—within that loving role—will judge as He sees fit…not as we see fit.
Painfully in prayer,
Greg Morton
© March 3, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Nothing I Can Do
Rummaging through my iTunes library I came across a song by Ben Taylor, son of renowned James Taylor. Although I’ve listened to the song many times the lyrics struck me this last time as very poignant and fitting if we were to sing these words to the Lord:
There is nothing that I can do but belong to you;
Heaven and Earth and I find myself
singing this song for you
As luck would have it, it just so happens that there's
nothing I'd rather do
Although I’m certain these lyrics were intended to express a personal human relationship, they eloquently cut to the heart of our relationship with Jesus just as well. There really is nothing we can do—for all our good intentions and bold actions—that would even come close to measuring up to our being worthy of salvation. From the lowliest to the grand, belonging to Him is ultimately all we can do.
Not to say we shouldn’t act according to His commission. We certainly must continue to speak the truth we have learned to anyone and everyone. I’m sure God smiles on us as we reach others by words, example, song…any way possible. Reality hits us hard, though, that we continually sin and fall short; never really serving the awesomeness and immense glory of Jesus Christ justice.
From now on when I sing along with this song I will sing with a renewed inspiration: “There is nothing that I can do but belong to You.”
Amen, and Blessings!
Greg Morton
© March 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
There is nothing that I can do but belong to you;
Heaven and Earth and I find myself
singing this song for you
As luck would have it, it just so happens that there's
nothing I'd rather do
Although I’m certain these lyrics were intended to express a personal human relationship, they eloquently cut to the heart of our relationship with Jesus just as well. There really is nothing we can do—for all our good intentions and bold actions—that would even come close to measuring up to our being worthy of salvation. From the lowliest to the grand, belonging to Him is ultimately all we can do.
Not to say we shouldn’t act according to His commission. We certainly must continue to speak the truth we have learned to anyone and everyone. I’m sure God smiles on us as we reach others by words, example, song…any way possible. Reality hits us hard, though, that we continually sin and fall short; never really serving the awesomeness and immense glory of Jesus Christ justice.
From now on when I sing along with this song I will sing with a renewed inspiration: “There is nothing that I can do but belong to You.”
Amen, and Blessings!
Greg Morton
© March 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Faithfulness
I certainly can’t speak for everyone, but it’s been my experience there is an inverse relationship to “good times” and “faithfulness”. For me, when good times arrive…my faith dwindles. When tough times come…my faith becomes exercised and strengthened.
When things go well in my life I generally start out feeling very humbled and thanking God for His blessings on me. Then….time passes a bit, and life is feeling pretty good. I begin to feel like I must be on track; you know…doing things right. For shame, for shame, that I go down that path because inevitably I get cocky; start talking to God less. Or worse, begin to talk to Him like “I’ve” succeeded somehow to make life better by making the right choices.
Let me tell you, my friends…that’s a very dangerous place to be. Spiritually dangerous. When all is going well you don’t have to rely on your faith near as much because it simply doesn’t need to be exercised.
When things are tough, though, faith is kind of a built-in response and forces you to dig deep into your soul and confront what you’re made of. Do you think the Lord knows this about our human nature?...absolutely. He’s encountered it from the greatest men and women in Biblical history through today and will continue to do so until we’re all renewed creatures.
I’m like anyone else, I suppose, (although my wife may make an argument there…) in that I don’t relish the thought of things going sour in life. So…are all tough circumstances designed specifically to test us and our faith? Probably not. Life happens because God has designed a free will humanity. I do know, however, that God uses every choice, every decision, every circumstance, every consequence to be used as an opportunity to make us grow and mature as children of God and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Were it not for tough times and calamities I would most certainly not have the faith I own today. There are literally hundreds of accounts in the Bible where we can read, re-read, and study to see how life’s problems have shaped and bettered the person having gone through it. We must join ourselves to these truths when we encounter similar troubles. Although we don’t look forward to difficulties in life, we can be assured that God’s grace and guidance will transcend even the bleakest of circumstances and we will be better and stronger in the end.
Don’t get me wrong…when life is good, don’t minimize it. Enjoy it to the fullest. Just don’t let it alter your relationship with God. Complacency or false feelings of “success” can be a foothold the devil would love to latch on to.
When good times come…praise God. When bad times roll around…praise God as well. Know that you are being held by a loving and personal Savior who will let the things of life draw you ever closer to Him.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
February © 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
When things go well in my life I generally start out feeling very humbled and thanking God for His blessings on me. Then….time passes a bit, and life is feeling pretty good. I begin to feel like I must be on track; you know…doing things right. For shame, for shame, that I go down that path because inevitably I get cocky; start talking to God less. Or worse, begin to talk to Him like “I’ve” succeeded somehow to make life better by making the right choices.
Let me tell you, my friends…that’s a very dangerous place to be. Spiritually dangerous. When all is going well you don’t have to rely on your faith near as much because it simply doesn’t need to be exercised.
When things are tough, though, faith is kind of a built-in response and forces you to dig deep into your soul and confront what you’re made of. Do you think the Lord knows this about our human nature?...absolutely. He’s encountered it from the greatest men and women in Biblical history through today and will continue to do so until we’re all renewed creatures.
I’m like anyone else, I suppose, (although my wife may make an argument there…) in that I don’t relish the thought of things going sour in life. So…are all tough circumstances designed specifically to test us and our faith? Probably not. Life happens because God has designed a free will humanity. I do know, however, that God uses every choice, every decision, every circumstance, every consequence to be used as an opportunity to make us grow and mature as children of God and strengthen our relationship with Him.
Were it not for tough times and calamities I would most certainly not have the faith I own today. There are literally hundreds of accounts in the Bible where we can read, re-read, and study to see how life’s problems have shaped and bettered the person having gone through it. We must join ourselves to these truths when we encounter similar troubles. Although we don’t look forward to difficulties in life, we can be assured that God’s grace and guidance will transcend even the bleakest of circumstances and we will be better and stronger in the end.
Don’t get me wrong…when life is good, don’t minimize it. Enjoy it to the fullest. Just don’t let it alter your relationship with God. Complacency or false feelings of “success” can be a foothold the devil would love to latch on to.
When good times come…praise God. When bad times roll around…praise God as well. Know that you are being held by a loving and personal Savior who will let the things of life draw you ever closer to Him.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
February © 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Monday, January 3, 2011
Why Should Xtians Be Annoyed?
On the wake of our recent holiday season I would like to start the new year by really stirring the pot. I’m sure I’ll receive a lot of flak over this one…but I’m gonna speak my piece anyway.
There are many people that see shortening the word Christmas to Xmas is nothing short of blasphemy and, at the very least, dishonoring to God. I respect those views and I will always stay sensitive to those that might be offended and use this spelling very selectively. That said, I don’t see it as “taking Christ out of Christmas” as many people state. The reality is that the symbol X, the Greek letter pronounced ‘kie’, is the first letter in the word Christ and has been used extensively as a representation of “Christ” for over a thousand years.
I’ve heard many claim this simply represents the direction our current society is leading us: to take all religion out of the mainstream. The truth is you can find the word Xmas found in greeting cards and magazines as early as 1910 in this country. The Oxford English Dictionary cites the usage of X to represent the word “Christ” as early as 1485. Ancient Christian art and even currency has utilized the X and XP (the first two letters in the Greek word “Christ”) to represent Christ dating back to 350AD. All this to say…this is nothing new.
So although it may seem disrespectful to abbreviate the name of God in any fashion, I have to stay true to my opinion on this one. The reality is that it is the meaning behind using the word that matters. Remember, God has given language to mankind for our benefit…not His. He certainly doesn’t need to see what we’re writing and try to interpret the correct context; He sees straight to the heart. If you are honoring God by what you are writing, doing or saying…He acknowledges that and accepts it at face value.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© January 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
There are many people that see shortening the word Christmas to Xmas is nothing short of blasphemy and, at the very least, dishonoring to God. I respect those views and I will always stay sensitive to those that might be offended and use this spelling very selectively. That said, I don’t see it as “taking Christ out of Christmas” as many people state. The reality is that the symbol X, the Greek letter pronounced ‘kie’, is the first letter in the word Christ and has been used extensively as a representation of “Christ” for over a thousand years.
I’ve heard many claim this simply represents the direction our current society is leading us: to take all religion out of the mainstream. The truth is you can find the word Xmas found in greeting cards and magazines as early as 1910 in this country. The Oxford English Dictionary cites the usage of X to represent the word “Christ” as early as 1485. Ancient Christian art and even currency has utilized the X and XP (the first two letters in the Greek word “Christ”) to represent Christ dating back to 350AD. All this to say…this is nothing new.
So although it may seem disrespectful to abbreviate the name of God in any fashion, I have to stay true to my opinion on this one. The reality is that it is the meaning behind using the word that matters. Remember, God has given language to mankind for our benefit…not His. He certainly doesn’t need to see what we’re writing and try to interpret the correct context; He sees straight to the heart. If you are honoring God by what you are writing, doing or saying…He acknowledges that and accepts it at face value.
Blessings!
Greg Morton
© January 2011
To view a printable copy of this commentary click here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)