The Omission Commission

So many people get worked up over the way other people act or what other people say. Did you hear what so and so did? Why are they doing that? Can you believe it? Yes, there are plenty of folks doing things they shouldn't do but what about those things WE should be doing but aren't?
It's what we might call the sin of omission - those things we should be doing but aren't.

We were talking Friday morning about people's response to "How are you"? Most people say "fine" when you can tell by looking at them that they're not fine. But how many of us actually pursue what is or isn't going on in that person's life? Why don't we? Surely we care - or do we? Maybe we'd rather not get involved. Or how about those we actually know are suffering, dealing with sorrow, having relationship problems, maybe financial problems. Are we not sinning by not responding to the needs of our brothers and sisters - especially if they are part of the body of Christ? And what about our own spiritual lives? People are sure to point out the sins of others but if Scripture commands us to meditate upon the word daily, (which includes reading it and studying it), to pray often, to worship together regularly, etc. and we choose not to because "I'm just not a reader" or "I just can't find the time" are we not sinning by disobeying God? Hmmmmmmmmmm.
Be careful of the sins of omission for they are are no different in God's eyes than those which are committed.

LOVING THY NEIGHBOR?

While in Vegas we came across this man holding this sign in front of the Bellagio hotel and casino. I overheard a woman speaking to a man walking beside her "He's really showing the love of God". Sadly, most people think this is what Christianity is all about. Unfortunately, this man chose a method of "evangelism" that would turn people away from Christ instead of drawing them to Him. The question that comes to mind - "Is this the best we can do when it comes to sharing the gospel?"

IN MEMORY

To a great nephew! You'll be greatly missed.

Life at it's best!

So, how has the year 2006 started out for you? Are you pumped up and ready to go or do you feel like covering your head and sleeping the next 365 days away? (Note above picture of one of my wife's boys.) I've mentioned it before but life is about choices. You can choose to enter the year with your glass half full or you can live as if it is half empty. It's up to you.

As for me, I choose to live it filled up and overflowing. Not that every day is going to be just great or that trouble won't enter the picture. But I choose to not let circumstances and situations dictate the way I approach life. I choose to follow the one who is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. I choose to set my feet on the solid rock that is Jesus Christ. As the song says, "all other ground is sinking sand."

So what do you choose? Do you choose joy? Do you choose living life to it's fullest? (which is what Jesus promises all who follow him). Do you choose to allow him to give you victory over the stuff that life throws at you? Or will you decide to cover your head, close your eyes, and sleep the new year away? I think you know what you really want to do. So as the Nike commercial advises - "Just Do It".

"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy.............................."