LIFE … does not begin at birth (a concept promoted by man); life begins at the moment of conception (as evidenced by numerous accounts in the Bible). However, at birth, there are changes that take place, although the eyes have formed, they do not yet see. The ears have formed, but to this point they have not heard. The lungs have formed, but they have not yet breathed. So, this body is alive, but until that body breathes in the breath of life, the true being, the soul is dormant (Genesis 2:7). This being can now hear, though may not respond, has voice, but only knows to cry, or coo. May be aware of light, but is not yet capable of seeing or distinguishing what they are seeing.
PICTURE DID NOT PRINT, SORRY.
Again,
going back to our analogy of the discovery of America. When the explorers
(Erickson, Columbus, or who ever you choose to acknowledge) set foot on tera
firma (dry land) they declared we found land. Like babies, there is no distinct
features, no high-rise buildings, nothing but land, and forestation, and
possibly indigenous people (Indians/Native Americans). To develop a nation and
civilization, the land had to be trained-up, worked so to speak.
Trained up? Settled, planted, cultivated, harvested,
colonized, and organized for unity (conformity, cultural growth and
infrastructure). As is true with the raising of a child, their health, welfare,
and truly their survival depends totally on their caregivers (parents, family
and community). And folks, that community has to begin with the church (not
a denominational congregation, or a building in which people meet), but the
worldwide body of believers.
In America today we keep talking about the rule of
law. But the law that we talk about is based on the consensus of a body of men
and women that we call legislators. But all too often we hear the claim of the
disgruntled, the law is not fair, it needs to be changed. Let me ask a
question, if a law is not capable of sustaining the need for which it was
intended, and subject to change, where is there any Standard of Reliability
other than the Bible, the handbook that God has given us as an operator’s
manual for human life?
Everybody today is either claiming inequities
because of history past, and tearing down the monuments of human leaders. They
ignore the truth that if we do not respect the lessons our past has taught, we
are destined to repeat the mistakes.
The truth is that there were no opportunities for
open employment in the 1600’s, 1700’s and early 1800’s. The term slave is a
biblical term used for anyone serving another for more than 2500 years now.
Reparation is not a redemptive term because it is obligatory. The better term
would be restitution, which is an ingredient in reformation. But the other
ingredient in reformation is forgiveness. And forgiveness is a two-way street.
Conceptually, training-up is a disciplinary process,
and discipline is not punishment, but discipline is the very backbone of
education and training. The biblical concept for this process is discipleship.
Modern parallels to biblical discipleship include fellowships, internships,
apprenticeships, co-operative educational programs, and residencies.
Civil accountability involves three components
unlike the discipleship. The Law (legislative), the Judicial (courts) and
Enforcement (police, military, and any other enforcement agency).
The loss of respect for any of these three and the
advocacy for defunding, or imposing abnormal restrictions on any part or that
trilogy, destroys the constitutional balance that has nurtured us thus far.
When this concept is shared, dissenters suggest
flippantly, well then, let’s change the constitution.
That is like finding a baby in dirty diapers, and
then declaring, I think this was a mistake, let’s get rid of it now. We
certainly shouldn’t be expected to put up with this kind of behavior.
It is like the issue of virtual schooling and
parental obligations for attendance and participation. A great idea, but as
flawed as that concept is in and of itself, hackers are now attacking the
internet systems in major metropolitan areas, and those that are supposed to be
on line, have no web access.
To worsen the situation, the methods of education
for the basics (reading, math, and science) have been modified so much in the
past 45 (+/-) that parents are not equipped to home school.
I can share from personal experience that because of
a childhood burn, I missed 7 months of my 3rd grade (mostly hospital
time). So, I was held back and took the third grade over, while everyone I knew
moved on to the fourth grade. That social trauma had the potential of
handicapping me if I had been of a mindset to consider it so. I didn’t and took
overload classes for the rest of my elementary and secondary years, and skipped
my senior year of high school to catch up.
The attitude of the child is going to be one of the most
difficult challenges that parents will have to deal with during this pandemic,
because that child witnesses the parent’s reaction when they find out the
computer isn’t working.
Here in Chattanooga, the utility company is working
overtime to make internet available to every child in the school district. But
who has the tools or the talent to deal with those that attack the systems from
a cyber perspective?
Back to our analogy of America, to a newborn. Think
about it, Columbus returned to the Spanish Queen to report that he didn’t fall
off the edge (she thought the earth was flat) and he found a new land. I am
convinced that when she asked him what it was like, all he could say was, it
is nothing like what we are used to.
Our topical focus for this series is what
we should do based on what we can know. So,
as creatures, created for the pleasure and fellowship with the Creator and his
handiwork, our focus in all that we should do needs to emphasize redemptive and
reformative outcomes.
Any such activity needs to begin with personal
reflection as to personal blessings, and the grace of God for their current
status. With a realization that we become what we are because of the blessing
of God, we need to begin with an attitude of forgiveness. Put a smile on our
face, and go out to meet the future.
One thing I can guarantee you, if you put a smile on
your face, most of those you meet will ask?
Okay, the baby is born, America has been discovered,
and we need to begin to trace the growth and maturation.
Be blessed and help spread the good news.
Jesus loves you; I love you, and the world needs to
know that God and Jesus loves them too.
Mel
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