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A Mary T. Hoffman Commentary from All-Creatures.org

 

"Joyful Curmudgeon" An oxymoron?
No! I see all the beauty of God's creation and I'm joyful.  At the same time, I see all the suffering and corruption going on in the world, and feel called to help expose and end it so that we may have true peace and compassion.

 


Betrayal – 17 September 2007
By Mary T. Hoffman

The other day we drove past a local church in front of which was a sign proclaiming “Chicken Barbeque.” All year long churches erect signs for such fund raisers as: “Roast Beef (beast?) Dinner,” “Pig Roast,” ad nauseam.

It is truly sad to see Christians, who were meant to be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), betraying the people they were supposed to enlighten, as well as the animals God put in their care.

Twisting God’s word in order to promote self-indulgence is a betrayal of the teachings of Jesus and the early church fathers. Instead of doing the works that Jesus did and greater works, John 14:12 –

12 “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. ~ King James Version

many Christians today take the attitude that Jesus went to the cross so they wouldn’t have to take any responsibility. This is the “cheap grace” that I’ve mentioned before: Just mouth the sinner’s prayer once, and voilà – you’re saved! All sins – past, present and future – washed away! Wow!

It takes more than just a few words. Ephesians 2:10 says:

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
~ New American Standard Bible

And Matthew 5:16 says:

16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
~ New American Standard Bible

How do the remains of His tortured creatures used to raise money glorify our heavenly Father? Why can’t those who claim to be “enlightened” make the connection? And why do they ostracize those who are saddened by the betrayal of those whose hearts are so hardened?

Go on to: Betrayal (continued) – 18 September 2007
Return to: Having Fun and Learning, Too! – 16 September 2007
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