Oct
16
Written by:
Bob Flynn
10/16/2009 7:00 AM
"By consequence, 'whatsoever he doeth , it is all to the glory of God.' In all his employments of every kind, he not only aims at this (which is implied in having a single eye ), but actually attains it.... (John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection)
The battle ensues in our culture to secularize the religious for the sake of tolerance in the public arena.
"By consequence, 'whatsoever he doeth , it is all to the glory of God.' In all his employments of every kind, he not only aims at this (which is implied in having a single eye ), but actually attains it. His business and refreshments, as well as his prayers, all serve to this great end. Whether he 'it in the house, or walk by the way,' whether he lie down, or rise up, he is promoting, in all he speaks, or does, the one business of his life. Whether he put on his apparel, or labor, or eat and drink, or divert himself from too wasting labor, it is to advance the glory of God, by peace and goodwill among men. His one invariable rule is this: 'Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, even the Father, through Him.'" John Wesley, A Plain Account of Christian Perfection.
The battle ensues in our culture to secularize the religious for the sake of tolerance in the public arena. The invocation has now become a moment of silence so that none may be offended. However, what about Him who hung the stars? Is He offended by our attitude? From the opposite perspective are we not sometimes creating offense when we do not consider others of a different faith when we are invited to pray in public ceremony? The test seems to be in the attitude of the heart. Is the aforementioned attitude filling the heart with its fullness? The balance between Grace and Truth must certainly lie somewhere midst alienation and assimilation. Is the Gospel the offense or am I? The former Chief of Chaplains of the Navy, RADM Black, who is now the Chaplain of the Senate of the United States seems to have found a way to accomplish this very thing. Could I not learn from his example? Is it better to ask God's divine help for those who lead us OR to remain silent? Is it better to participate in the public discourse or be absent? Soli Deo Gloria (For the Glory of God Alone)
Psa 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psa 49:3 "My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding."
Psa 104:34 "My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD."
Psa 119:99 "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation."
Copyright ©2009 Robert Flynn
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Pray in the Name of Jesus
Great Topic!
I have personally struggled with the concept of being "Politically Correct" during an invocation. I would ask myself "Where is the line between being offensive to others and being true to God?". After much thought and prayer, I feel that if I am being asked to offer an invocation, it means that I am being asked to address God on behalf of the military. What sense would it make to address an unknown god, a nameless god, or to stand there in silence? In fact, I believe that by doing any of these I would be making this sacred call a meaningless charade. Again, what is the purpose of an invocation? It is to call upon God for blessing/protection/guidance/etc., and to ask for His presence amongst us during the events that follow. If I do not call upon the name of God, or if I do not actually request His presence/blessing, then why would He give it? Can you imagine the prophets of old, after being brought forward by the King of Israel to call upon the guidance/protection of God, offering up a generic, all encompassing prayer so as to not offend anyone, or worse asking for a moment of silence? Something tells me that the king would have gotten himself another prophet. Another thought to consider is "Why was I asked to give the invocation?" Chances are that someone saw something in you that made them feel that you were capable of talking with God. This is a great honor for a Christian, and when it comes time to exercise this communication line with God, we must not fail those around us, for God will not force His way into our events/plans. If we are to do everything for the glory of God, then we must let people know who the God is that is answering the requests in our invocation.
Just my 2 cents, God Bless!
SSgt Palsma
By SSgt J. Palsma, USAF on
10/16/2009 8:30 AM
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