What’s the current catch phrase from social media these days? “Sorry! Not sorry!” – Well friends, I’d love to apologize for this June 2022 edition of my opinion editorial, but I better not . . . some folks have been coddled too long and I need not contribute to their darkness.
Holy Cow! There are no words to describe the heinous act in Texas on May 24, 2022. HOW!? How could anyone exact such violence against precious children? Then again, the crime rate here in Yazoo County has skyrocketed, specifically in the category of shootings! Friend, we are living in perilous times, and this is a clarion call to decide whether the moral fabric you’re wrapped in as a covering will hold up to this unparalleled season in history, or will painfully unravel in the challenge. You need to decide whether you are following the compass of world “leaders” whose direction changes with the winds of popularity polls and cash exchanges, or you are following paths of irrevocable truth. THERE IS ONLY ONE TRUE NORTH! You might want to decide which direction you’re committed to traveling and drive some stakes in the ground so that you don’t get uprooted.
Oh! It’s easy to be a talking head and babble on to stay in the flow of all things popular and acceptable, but those who “love” you in the moment, will slay you and walk through your blood without flinching when the tide turns. If you don’t believe it, as Christ. One week, folks are shouting praise and throwing their clothes down for Him to walk upon, and within days the same folks were calling for His execution. The longing in the human heart at this moment in history is far deeper than a surface satisfaction. Sadly, the primary target audience for this particular opinion editorial is not the unregenerate world, but instead, is this manmade organizations which smack of anything but the person of Christ, “the church.” Don’t get me wrong! I pastor a church. I’m not talking about THE church, Christ’s body which gathers regularly across the world, all for His fame, glory, and renown.
I’m talking about these forty zillion man-designed entities which build stained glass edifices to their own glory, for their own edification, to advance their personal kingdom! DANG!!!! I pastor a Southern Baptist church, and now look at that entity! How many people were wounded, soured against the One True God, and now label countless genuine followers of Christ because of our affiliation with the SBC? It’s heart-breaking! I grew up in the SBC, even went to a SBC seminary, so I am not talking negative. I’m stating facts! Then again, look at the fall of Hillsong New York. As a matter of fact, Hillsong worldwide is imploding. What a shame. From the famous who sought Christ in the leadership of Hillsong New York, like pop singer Justin Bieber, to everyday folks in need of true hope, how many people were used, deceived, and “Burned” emotionally as they pursued what they hoped was finally a connection to LIFE, Christ Himself.
We read in Joshua twenty-four that this great man of God called his people together and issued an ultimatum. “ CHOOSE YOU THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE!” My friend Carol Ingle, former Homes Editor for Southern Living Magazine said it best, and we should let these words quicken our very souls. “We know how to do that Sunday Dance! Sunday comes and we put on our Sunday best and step up on that stage looking the part, and people go, ‘Wow, what a Christian!’” She continues, “ We sing all of the songs without looking at the words and quote lots of scriptures without opening the Bible, and people say, “Wow! What a Christian.’ Then the lights go down, and we go home and live like Hell all week long . . .”
As you know, I work in social, emotional, and behavioral education circles. As Southern and simple as it sounds, I often ask the question, “Are you fishin’, or just cuttin’ bait!?” Friends, it’s easy to talk the talk, attend the programs, check the boxes on the envelopes, and even dress the part, but the time is NOW for those who are just “Cuttin’ Bait” (talking a good game) to either start “Fishin’” (actually living) or lay down their pole and walk away from the Living Water. He’s not fooled for one second. Living FOR Christ is not easy. Living within His parameters (true north) and defining your life by His standards (moral fabric) is the only path by which you will ever know True Life . . . life eternal. Friends, the time is now. The world is desperately seeking eternal hope, and we who call ourselves His, best be found faithfully “fishin’” instead of committing a lifetime to cuttin’ bait of no value.
Because He is Merciful and Gracious, Brother Royce I Cor. 9:16
