Dispensers of Grace

God's mercy and grace give me hope - for myself, and for our world.

                                                                                      ~ Billy Graham

When I was a child, I remember having a substitute teacher named Mr. Barnhouse.
He was old-school. 
He had a strong, powerful voice.
He wore a jacket and tie every day. 
He was strict.
But there was one thing he did before every class - he opened it up with a prayer.
And this wasn't some limp-wristed prayer about general 'thankfulness' to some benevolent, indescribable god. 
No, this was a powerful prayer given on behalf of a servant to the Lord of the Ages.

Speaking of God or church or even personal faith among the teachers and students in elementary school was very common back then; although I noticed when my children went through the same level of public school, such talk had all but disappeared.


Yet, I can remember as a child, nearly all the kids went to some type of church.
I can even remember kids asking others if they had ever been baptized.

It never once occurred to me that I would one day grow up and find myself among the Christian population in a society that is growing increasingly hostile towards the believing minority.
And the issue is becoming more and more as to how we are to give grace to a people, a society, even a government who does not like us as Christians.

This time of year spurns many preachers like to proclaim from the pulpit how American Christians need to take their country back to our 'roots,' since we were founded as a 'Christian' nation. The other option for preachers is to 'run down' America and prophetically proclaim that the nation is headed to hell in a hand basket.
These two sermon options are not mutually exclusive.

One can claim through the writings and quotes of America's Founding Fathers the influence of Christianity; yet, another can produce just as many Founding Father's words nearing blasphemy on the same subject - often from the same Founder.
At the very least, if we are honest, we can say that the founders, the courts and throughout most of our history as Americans, even the non-religious have held to a quasi-Christian worldview.
Even Chief Justice Earl Warren, who was by no means a Conservative-Evangelical, stated with regard to the state constitutions throughout America that this nation was 'A Christian land governed by Christian principles.'

While we do have daily reminders of our religious heritage, gone are the days of teachers leading in a private devotional prayer before class. Gone are the times when a politician claims faith to thunderous applause rather than ridicule and suspicion. 

In fact, today's court seems much more the church's antagonist instead of its friend once known in yesteryear; especially since this past week's ruling from the Supreme Court giving homosexuals the 'fundamental right' to engage in marriage.

One of the duties of a Christian is to praise our government when it does right and preach to it when it does wrong - moral, inherent wrong against nature and man.

But Christians are clearly divided on this issue; the reason is because Christians are divided on the role of Scripture and its importance and authority.
Yet, if Scripture is the Holy Word of God given to man as the absolute, infallible truth of God; it can never be wrong because God is never wrong. The Christian, if honestly looking through Biblical lenses, must conclude that the Supreme Court has made a horrible mistake, offended Almighty God and has set the American people on a dangerous path.

Let's be clear, this is not the same issue as a generation ago concerning interracial marriages.
Racism in any form, is an issue of the heart; hatred towards any person because of their skin color or any other reason is a heart issue only solved by the Gospel.
The issue of homosexual 'marriage' is a political issue, although some would differ with that statement.

But what is the individual Christian supposed to do about it?
Without question, the most discriminated person in the last 30 years by the Church and Christians has been the individual homosexual.
The man or woman who claims to be gay is not the issue; the issue is now how are you and I going to react in grace, love, mercy and kindness towards those with whom we disagree and has the support of the government?

Scripture takes different tones and different means with dealing with those 'sinners' and the governments who support them rather than God's people.
Elijah hid in caves, fearing for his life after opposing a wicked government in Israel and ordering the death of 400 pagan prophets. 
On the other side of the nation, a man named Obadiah didn't run from the government authorities, he was on the inside of the King's court and worked within the system for God's people.
Jonah was once given a message for Nineveh; knowing God's grace he refused to go there wanting God to exact judgement on the 'heathens,' instead of forgiving them.
Then there was Daniel, a man whom worked for the heathens; not just once but for three different pagan kings who ruled over God's people.

If a Christian takes a long, honest look at how the Biblical men and women responded to temporal situations on earth during their life, anybody can see that God used them in different ways at different times for His Glory and the preservation of His people.

Yet, among them all, one thing is certain whether their time or ours; the displaying and giving of grace, mercy and forgiveness in Godly love is the primary duty of the people of God toward those who are part of the fallen world.

The problem though, is the fact that we don't do a very good job of dispensing grace to others.

In looking to Jesus, our namesake and our Lord, the person was always more important than any category we may place them in on earth.

In the military, there has been a quiet/not-so-quiet debate about tattoos.
Some believe it doesn't matter, others believe you shouldn't have any tattoos showing in uniform, some think it's OK as long as it isn't offensive or on the neck/face area....and on and one the debate goes.
I use to have an opinion about it, but one day I saw a picture of Arlington National Cemetery and I noticed beneath those stone crosses and stars of David, under the finely trimmed grass atop the sod, I could not tell which men had tattoos and which men didn't.
All that mattered in that place was their willingness to give themselves for something they believed was greater than their individual life - you and me.

This is sort of the attitude I've taken toward homosexuals; why should I despise a homosexual just because his or her sin is different than mine?

My responsibility before the Lord is not to make laws or to judicially decided such things; my duty to the Lord Jesus Christ is to dispense grace to the fallen man or woman He places before me.
Therefore, anything that drives out love and mercy cannot be His grace; for, without God's love in the mix, any truth I may try to display or teach will be in vain.

Choosing mercy and grace, being committed to God's love rather than my prejudice does not mean all things are in perfect harmony.
Nothing in the world has been in perfect harmony since the Fall of Man in the Garden, except those times when Jesus made them so.
But may I remind you that since our beginning, Christianity has lived in tension with the government and its authorities; Jesus died at the hands of a state execution.
As did many of the first & second generation of Christians.

Due to the recent Supreme Court ruling, many evangelical Christians are shocked and appalled; they are confused and hurt. Millions of people feel further betrayed by a government that they seen as increasingly hostile to their faith and way of life.
But the people who need the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God are still the same people who needed it a week ago, a month ago, a year ago.
And they do not need the stereotypical Christian as portrayed by the media - ignorant, angry, backwards.

You see, men and women who are hurting, or engaging in sin, or lost in life - these do not need a Divine Watchmaker type of God who just set things in motion years ago and now watches it from afar.
They need, we need - grace, love and mercy with forgiveness founded in Truth.
We need a God who understands.

The only way those who need the Gospel are going to meet a God who understands is through the Salt & Light embedded in the world through God's agents of grace in the Body of Christ.
We are to be Dispensers of Grace; nothing more, nothing less and nothing else.

And remember, regardless of what is happening in the political world and in societal evolution that seems to stand against the Body of Christ and our Biblical worldview, just remember that if the gates of Hell cannot prevail against the Church, then modern politicians don't stand a chance. 

Until next time, win one for the good guys.

How Does a 'Graced' Person Act?

In the early 1990's, I was blessed enough to have authored a weekly column in the WV Tech newspaper 'The Collegian,' entitled, 'The Conservative Corner.'

Being in a heavily Democrat area, on a college full of young men and women thinking they can conquer the world, with Bill Clinton as the President of the United States - I had all the fodder I needed to combine sarcasm with truth for a collision of entertainment and enlightenment.

Or so I believed.

You see, that was the period of my life when I realized young liberals don't really have a desire to poke fun at themselves or the outlandish behavior/comments of our leaders who bare a 'D' after their name.

It was also a time when I learned that hate mail is very hurtful; especially over issues that wouldn't matter in twenty years.

And I learned how wonderful it is to have a woman as your wife who will stand behind you no matter what the circumstances and pray for you, simply because she believes in you and in her vows.

Those were important lessons for a young man, who is now middle-aged, to have learned. 
And I'm thankful for that time; yet, I wouldn't go back and write then knowing what I know now and having learned and matured as I have.

Back then, I would sometimes write things that were funny or sarcastic; working off the belief that in absurdity, truth can be revealed because people would begin to think.
In many ways, I still believe this; yet, the point one may be trying to make isn't as clear as it is to others.

Which brings me to why I'm reliving the early 1990's.

Question: How is a person, who has experienced God's grace and lives in His mercy minute by minute, how is that person supposed to act when they are among the unbelieving world?

Just in our lives alone, we've seen examples and probably committed a few ourselves, of how not to do it.
But how do we live in a manner showing God's grace to others, rightly and honorably?

In the '90's, President Clinton was a God-send for humorists and satire. It was scandal after scandal, some were serious and some were ridiculous. Some were more pronounced than others but the truth is that it was a constant (*ahem*) affair .
As a slightly biased media tried to defend the President and an overwhelmingly biased talk radio pontificated for impeachment and removal - the President strode onward and completed his second term, the first Democrat President win re-election and serve it fully since FDR.


Since that time, I have met former-President Clinton, as well as President George W. Bush and our current President, Barak Obama. 
All three men were actually not what I expected; we tend to have an image of what a President is supposed to be in our minds, not unlike our expectations for Pastors. 
But what I found surprised me; they were humans, simply - flawed men trying their best.

In the 1990's, most would have agreed that President Clinton was nothing short of a hypocrite; to some extent, that will always be a shadow on his legacy.
Yet, people loved him and still do; his ability to maintain his popularity and survive scandal has even earned him the title of 'Slick Willy,' and nobody uses that as a compliment.

Also in research and observation, President Clinton is known for his extra-marital escapades; one man stated he was the only politician he ever knew that could have a brazier in one hand and a Bible in the other and not get shot by his wife nor struck dead by God.

Maybe so.

Back when writing for the Collegian, President Clinton received more criticism than any man deserves.
Yet today, I do not see him in the same light as I once did.

A few years ago, I met with President Clinton in Charleston in my official capacity as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force, Air National Guard. 
There were many people there and I only had a few minutes alone with him before I knew he would get overtaken by well-wishers. 
We spoke for a very brief time and then I asked if I could say a quick prayer with him; he agreed.
I prayed, he thanked me and then was met by people thrusting their hands toward him and snapping constant pictures with their phones.

Many will call President Clinton a hypocrite, a user, a philanderer, an adulterer and  many other degrading, insulting things - and these may be true.
I can even remember people calling he and his wife, Ahab & Jezebel - referring to the wicked rulers of Israel. 
But to me, Bill Clinton is a flawed human being; and I believe his faith is very real.

I have often said that Bill Clinton is a typical Christian in the modern world, he's just criticized more and publicly because he was, after all, the President of the United States.
Most of the believers which we set next to on Sunday morning try to separate the failings in their lives from the faith to which they aspire in their hearts.
Is Bill Clinton any different than you and I in this regard?
I don't think so.

Now, I use President Clinton as our example for a reason - though a Christian, we forget that he is prone to failures, mistakes and sin, just like you and me; as a result, the 'Christian' media condemns him with what can be described as nothing short of poison and many individual Christians and churches all across America follow suit.

And to make matters worse, what was poison for Clinton has become pure venom directed toward the Obamas. 
But that's another story for another day.

Instead of grace, Christians have been exhibiting the noxious fumes of 'NO GRACE.' 

And this should never be.

The Christian, though a flawed individual, is called to witness to those outside of the Church, away from the Body and know little or nothing of mercy, grace and forgiveness.
Yet, what many unchurched have seen exhibited by believers in our local communities toward those that don't believe or those who have had moral failures from within our ranks - we've actually turned them off to the things of God rather than attracted them.

The Christian's command is to 'love' and this includes those who have different political views, various emotional needs and those who have failed, along with those that Scripture defines as our enemy.

Somehow, it seems that this command has gotten lost.
As a result, in the last 20 years, we have watched the world become repelled by outspoken followers of Christ rather than being the catalyst which brings them nearer to Him.

In fact, the New York Times once warned its readers that religious conservatives "pose a far greater threat to democracy than was presented by Communism."

I must state two things about this quote:
First, it's the most ridiculous statement I've heard in a long time.
Secondly, this is indeed how many unchurched men and women, who have never been exposed to the Gospel of Grace, perceive anybody claiming to be a Christian.

Christians are often perceived as rigid moralists who want to control the lives of others. 
On the other hand, many Christians are afraid because they perceive that they are under attack by the unredeemed world, which seems to have the undying support of our government; therefore, many believers act ungraciously towards those who are different than them simply out of fear.
As a result, society continues to decay as trust from both camps goes by the wayside.

In reality, Moralism apart from grace solves little and never works; in fact, it becomes its own religion.
Yet, as society continues to unravel, we constantly and consistently hear calls from the church that there should be less emphasis on mercy and an increased emphasis on morality and law.

Maybe I'm mistaken, but isn't this the dangerous trap the Pharisees of the First Century succumbed to in their time?
You'd better believe it.

Instead of learning from the past, some Christians are indeed repeating the mistakes of long ago; not only the Pharisees, but also the mistake of Calvin's Geneva, and even the Puritans in our nations' early beginnings.

Please don't misunderstand, it is to be encouraged that as a Christian, we seek to live a holy life; but as the New Testament teaches, non-believers should never be held to the same standard that a Christian expects of himself.
Christians have been redeemed and should seek to live a holy life; yet, holiness comes from within by the power of the Spirit of God. 
It is not something that can be forced on you from the outside.

In our time, we should be hearing calls from Body of Christ for more mercy and more grace across the board for all people; instead, we hear for more penalties toward those who have failed morally and ethically.
We have seen homosexuals stigmatized, and the shaming unwed mothers; while both need to learn what true, unconditional, Godly love consists of from those who have been given it as a gift through grace. 
There have been those who harass the homeless, turn away the needy and persecute illegals; and while the homeless and needy may have other issues within themselves and aliens from South of the Border are not citizens, they are still human beings in need of a Savior.

Treating people of any designated 'group' poorly and un-Christlike always backfires on the Church to the detriment of society.
Let me give you an example from my childhood.
Back then, there was a political push for what was called the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which truthfully, I never understood the premise because according to the Constitution, all citizens are afforded equality regardless of gender.
But I digress.

The ERA was attacked vehemently by televangelists and religious leaders, although it was a political and not a religious issue.
One religious spokesman from that time said these words:
"The feminist agenda is not about equal rights for women. It is about a socialist, anti-family political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians."

I don't know too much when it comes to 'socialist, anti-family' agendas, but I'm pretty sure that name-calling and hysteria over something that you don't understand isn't going to win a person any good-will.
As a result, whether it is this issue or any one of countless others, millions will not look to the church for guidance any longer.

We've seen centuries of how a Christian living and acting in God's grace shouldn't behave; what about how we ought to behave?

It's quite simple, actually. 

Practically, it means that the Christian should stop trying to win arguments over the Ten Commandments and start trying to live Jesus' Beatitudes. 

Scripturually, to do so, it means that we follow the Law, teachings of the Prophets and the New Testament because we want to, not because something is forcing us to do so.
Jesus stated it like this: 
 "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all  your mind and with all your strength' and   'Love your neighbor as yourself.' On these hang all the Law and Prophets."

Spiritually, it means seeking to become more like Jesus everyday; allowing Him to transform us from the person we once were into the person He has created us to be - whether we are a pauper or a President.

NC Disaster Relief (SBC)

Yet, we have failings and we have flaws; we will stumble time and again as we seek Christ in our lives.
But to get back up after falling down doesn't mean you're forgotten, it means you are forgiven and as a Christian, if I see you stumble, I will help pick you up, dust you off and cheer you along your way towards the Lord.

If I am to give the grace abundantly which I have received, how can I do otherwise?

Until next time, win one for the good guys.

Ric Flair Faith

"I'm Ric Flair! The Stylin', Profilin', Limousine Riding, Jet Flying, Kiss-Stealing, Wheeling n' Dealing, Son-of-a-Gun!"

                                                                 ~ The Nature Boy, Ric Flair

Without question, Ric Flair is the greatest professional wrestler to have ever competed in the squared circle.
Among his accomplishments is nearly every major title in the National Wrestling Alliance of yesteryear, spanning two promotions - Jim Crockett Promotions and what would be known as World Championship Wrestling.

His longevity is unmatched, as is the 'stables' in which he took part; in particular, as the
cornerstone of the Four Horsemen - who were the best wrestlers of their era.
In all, spanning every major promotion in the modern era, Ric Flair has held at least 20 World Heavyweight Championships.

The image portrayed by Ric Flair, or character as some would say, is that of a playboy who blazes into one city, wrestles for 60 minutes, gives the crowd their money's worth and then leaves the arena with the prettiest women he could find.
Flair has indeed promoted himself as a cut above the rest, and then proved it - always snubbing those who were 'below' him in physique or performance.

It makes for a great story line with a hated bad guy in a black hat.

Now, as interesting as my musings about professional wrestling may be, it dawned on me while reading one evening that many Christians want what I call a 'Ric Flair Faith.'
Too many want to be of the 'upper crust' of religion, rather than mixing with the down and outs who just need to see a physical hand and heart from God.
As tempting as it may be to be known as the pinnacle of faith, the reality is that we need more men and women who will shun such accolades in favor of elevating a hurting soul.

In other words, in the Body of Christ, we don't need more Ric Flair types to perform in front of the masses; instead, we need more people who have set up the ring, checked the sound, erected the chairs and will clean up the arena long after the show has left town.
We need more servants, not people seeking to be served.

Let me ask you this - Do you tend to think you are where you are because of all your hard work? Well, if you were born in a third world country this morning, you might just have a different view about that work you do.

Does birth condemn some to poverty and others to wealth?
Is it because the universe is unfair or is it because God is arbitrary in whom He blesses?

I can tell you this about these questions - the poor and suffering have little time or energy to ponder this about in their minds.
Instead, they're too busy trying to earn a living and survive.

When it comes to faith, with poor Christians regardless of where they are in the world, religion isn't a 'crutch' as many intellectuals claim; it is an inspiration because they believe by faith and understand in faith as well.
And in the end, Jesus has convinced all who care to learn that God knows all there is to know about suffering - for He too suffered in greater ways than many of us will ever know.

For years, I have heard Christians say they want God's will; I personally have a hard time believing this because many Christians do not want the suffering that would come along with His will in their lives.

The current generation is caught up in a 'Health and Wealth' Gospel, which is a false doctrine because there is only one Gospel and that's the blood Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This false teaching tells us that God wants us to be happy and wealthy; yet, I've known some Christians who have been poor and suffering, but still had joy unspeakable because of the intimacy of their relationship with the Lord.
When it comes to people in general, I've learned that if you judge them then you don't have any time nor inclination to love them.

And whether it is poverty or illness, when a believer says they want God's will, when you say it - you must ask yourself if you are willing to accept the suffering of Job without explanation.
The truth is...most are not; most cannot. 
We've been trained to seek for explanations rather than to live by faith.

Instead of accepting what was once called 'The Doctrine of Suffering,' we would much rather questions God as to why we don't have a 'Ric Flair Faith.'

You see, we are called to be like Christ as Christians; Jesus' life was a life lived out in rejection, exile and wander.
He experienced pain, scorn, hurt and loneliness; are you willing to do the same?

Jesus didn't have to come here; but He did. 
When we have the true mind of Christ and His Spirit is empowering us, we can overcome pain, suffering and illnesses in life because we are made strong in our strength.

Modern Christians do not realize that we cannot overcome on our own; for, we do not suffer on our own when we suffering in righteousness.
We are given His strength and He suffers with us and allows us to become victorious in Him.
If you are one of those who are willing to suffer for His namesake, I can promise you that He can do more with your faithfulness than you ever could under your own power.

One thing I can promise you - when you suffer, whether it is financially, or with an illness, or however it falls on your life, I can promise you that you will learn a lot about the Lord and a lot about yourself.
You will learn things and have insights that you never would have had, if it had not been for that time of suffering.

Social scientists and politicians have tried to solve the issues of poverty in this country for years.
They have not been able to do so and they never will because in the end all they have is romanticized theories.
The one thing they don't have is actual contact with the poor.

In Scripture, Jesus and the Prophets had great compassion on the poor; Christ loved them.
For any Christian, that should be enough to stand up and do something. 


Shamefully, I once avoided the poor; maybe they made me uncomfortable - I don't know.
But I do know that today, I have to watch myself or I will try to avoid the wealthy.


Maybe that's just the outworking of compassion and grace. But I digress.

The truth is that people aren't categories, they are people. 
Anywhere in the world I have been, I have seen radicals on all sides, but the common people were pretty much the same - skin color, language nor religion matter very much.
People are people and all people still need Jesus.

I guess at the root of this discussion is the temptation every man and woman has to point to another and proclaim that we are better than 'that other person over there....'
It is the same trap the Pharisees fell into in their time; a trap that can kill the sweet spirit of the Body of Christ in a local church.

That mentality, attitude and sin is a condition that Jesus Himself fought against within the hearts of others throughout His entire life.
It is a fight that we should take up together in this age, or by our hardened hearts, it will take us down.
Truthfully, so many in the Body of Christ need a change of hear as much as we need a change of thought.

From my experience those with money, even those who have worked for their wealth, are NOT any happier than those who are poor.
If anything, they are less happy and more miserable.

Jesus Christ once had a 'regular job.'
But the time came and He abandoned it for a life of migrant preaching among young followers; together they became unpopular with the authorities.

Just from that snap-shot, the poor's life resembles Jesus' life; but the wealthy doesn't even come close.
Maybe its because men and women begin to rely on their wealth rather than on God; maybe it leads us to thinking more of ourselves than what is true and abandoning common-sense for a whim or a fancy like a middle-aged man in a convertible chasing after women half his age.
And maybe wealth is so dangerous to most people spiritually that we find in the Gospel the Lord's main message about wealth is to give it to others.

It is not a sin to be wealthy, though many use their wealth for sinful desires.
It is not a sin to be poor, although some use circumstances as an excuse for laziness.
Neither is acceptable in the Body of Christ.

We should neither glorify poverty nor wealth; however, we should glorify God for whatever blessing He has given us in His grace today.

We can talk about helping the poor, we can give money to the poor, we can even do food drives; but a better solution is becoming the person who is willing to help even one poor person, instead of thinking that others will do it for you.

Until next time, win one for the good guys.