ATTENTION-GRABBING TITLE

Let me preface by saying this is not meant to be a doctoral thesis on the issue, only a few thoughts. Let me also say that these are meant to be from as neutral of a perspective as possible, just trying to help people see both sides of a thing.

There was a big story published in Sports Illustrated and on ESPN's front webpage about Jason Collins, current NBA player, "coming out" as gay. My observations:

1. Homosexuality will never be accepted until they stop making a big story about it every time they discover another gay person.

2. Why be so condemning of homosexuality when you persist in your own sin? Lying is a sin too. So is gossip. Yet we often misrepresent (i.e. lie about) people's words and talk unlovingly behind someone's back about their sin of homosexuality. Sin condemning sin does not work.

3. Let's see if this can make sense. I don't see why homosexuality can't be part of who a person is, but it is also a choice. Let me put it this way. I was born with a preference/inclination to being a lying and sarcastic person, but each time I speak this way, it is a choice. That doesn't make me any less right or wrong. I think homosexual tendencies can be just as much "personality" as anger tendencies.

4. It seems like pretty soon it'll be straight people having to "come out." It seems like people saying "you should tolerate all views" aren't tolerating the views that oppose them. And disagreement does not equal hate. I have firms convictions against being a Michigan fan, but by no means do I hate my friend Joel (although I do feel bad for his suffering over many recent years of football irrelevance). But this doesn't mean I can say whatever I want and then throw on the phrase "but I really love you, but hate your sin." Also remember we are to speak the truth in love.

5. If you ask a person a direct question about what he/she believes, don't attack them for giving an answer that disagrees with you. Common sense.

6. If I were an employer at a company, I don't think sexuality should even be a question with regards to employment (same for professional athletes). A business can stand for principles, but it is not a church. When speaking in a strictly business atmosphere, the questions should be all about how the person performs a job, not whether he/she likes boys or girls. Actually I would think it would be a great chance to show someone Christ's love.

7. When Christians see a person, aren't they supposed to see a soul? Why then are we so concerned with someone's sexuality? Our first concern is to be evangelizing lost people. The Gospel doesn't say "be a straight man, and ye shall be saved." But we attack a symptom. While people must see sin for what it is, I'm concerned we make such a big deal over homosexuality that people see Christianity as "that religion where you have to be straight" when they should see a group characterized by love for each other and devotion to God. I don't want someone's first thought to be when they see me "oh look, there's a straight guy" because I'm so much more than that. So why do so many people say "oh, I wonder if that person is a homosexual or not"? That is not the first problem. If they are A) human they are B) a sinner that C) needs Jesus. That simple.

So... there are just a few thoughts. Incomplete thoughts at that. I'll probably think of something later that I wanted to say, but I need to get back to studying for exams.

-RST

Dear Exam Week: My Semi-Annual Butchering of a Famous Speech (apologies to Abe Lincoln)

Twelve score and six days ago our administrators brought forth on this campus, a new school year, conceived in scholarship, and dedicated to the proposition that all students are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great finals week, testing whether those students, or any student so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met in a great classroom for this week. We have come to dedicate a portion of that room, as a final resting place for those who here sold their souls that their exam grade might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground. The smart students, passing and failed, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above the poor power of true and false. The students will little note, nor long remember what the teachers say here, but they can never forget the tests they gave here. It is for us, the passing, rather, to be dedicated here to the failing work which they who fought here have come so close to advancing. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored fails we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full semester before graduation—that we here highly resolve that these failed shall not have failed in vain—that these exams, under-studied for, shall cause a new birth of optimism—and that America’s Ideological Foundation of the school, by Dr. Schoolfield, and for my A-, shall not cause me to perish from the earth.

Hope that was at least semi-interesting. Now that you'll never look at the Gettysburg Address the same again.....

-RST

Win the Fight

As recently told my Facebook friends and Twitter followers, my dad is stepping back into the octagon (for you UFC fans) against cancer. At first I was a little shocked when I got the phone call. Even though I always knew it was a possibility, there was always the thought of "no way will this happen to us." But it did. So how do we handle it?

First, we rejoice that through a great trial, we find a greater measure of grace. We do not find any problem to go through that we cannot handle through our Spirit-enabled ability. It's almost like a compliment from God saying "You know, I'm allowing this tough trial, because I know you can be even tougher." Second, (and semi-related) I rejoice for the chance to grow through a new experience. Having our faith tested builds patience, and I know my faith will be tested. In the end however, I know that the result will be to make me a better person. Third, I am thankful for the opportunity to grow closer as a family. To be completely honest, I don't have the best relationships with my siblings. I pray that this experience will be an agent of change for that. Last, I pray for the opportunity to show the world why I can still be happy. As I get to know people, I'm sure it will come up eventually that my dad has a life-threatening disease. But I don't want that reality to define me. What should define me (and I pray him as well) is the continuing joy in Christ regardless of circumstances. We can rejoice because this "light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."

Already I have been humbled and moved in the last day by friends who say they are praying for my family. From the bottom of my heart (which may not be very deep, but hey, it's what I have), thank you. Those words are really insufficient, but all that the English language allows.

I've been told (and read) that metastatic melanoma has a low survivability rate. To be honest, that somewhat scares me, but thankful that "as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too." People have asked me how I'm handling it. Right now I'm just focused on finishing up school, but I sure am glad that didn't happen earlier in the semester. I'm sure I'll struggle through this, that I'll hit my low points. But I know God will be there to push me back up, and my world-class friends will help do the same.

It sounds like dad's handling it like a champ. Talking to him, I would never guess he had a life-threatening disease. He was only concerned that his family be provided for, not worried about himself at all. I know he appreciates every prayer he gets, though. Please pray if you think about it. From our perspective, it looks like bad news, but here I would like to give you one of my favorite quotes (from me, actually. I like my quote): "Let God be God. He does a good job." There's really not much we can do aside from prayer, so I just do what I can do and let God take care of the rest. And in the end, as that one song says, may we "come forth as gold." (actually, isn't platinum more valuable? I forget. whatever.)

One way you CAN help (not just my dad, but lots of people) is through the Winship Win the Fight 5k in Atlanta this October benefiting patients and cancer research at Emory University, one of the best cancer centers in the nation. Check it out here: http://winship5k.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1056462

So am I concerned about my dad's situation? Yes. Worried? No. Cancer is a big challenge, but I know my dad is up to it. Now step up in the octagon, pops, and roundhouse cancer in the face.

-RST

Wearing My Cross (Literally)

I made a recent purchase at one of those super exciting festivals with mostly girl stuff. But I had been looking for something like this for a long time and was pretty excited when I found it.

I don't like to make assumptions, but I do anticipate some things, negative feedback in this case. So my anticipated negative feedback:

1. "The Bible says it's a shame for a man to dress like a woman and necklaces are feminine clothing."

2. "You think it brings you some kind of special power, don't you?"

3. "It will offend some people."

4. (Insert whatever else, comment if you think of any other objections)

Now I'll actually tell you why I wear it.

1. The Bible talks about Jews tying Scripture around their foreheads and such. This is my way of doing that. Having the cross hanging around my neck serves as a constant reminder to me of what Christ did in my life. (side note: honestly, I think it clearly looks unfeminine.)

2. I wear it as a testimony to the world. There are people who I pass by but will never be able to talk to. I wear it so that those who don't know me and don't get to talk to me will hopefully identify me with Christ. It is a simple way of being unashamed of the Gospel. And if I do get into a conversation with someone, it's a great tool to point someone towards the Cross.

3. There was also a reason I chose those specific colors. Sometimes in America, I think we start thinking we have a monopoly on Christianity. Or maybe that specifically white independent Baptists have a monopoly on Christianity. We would never say that. Obviously. But the way we live sometimes contradicts what we say. I chose black and white to remind myself that the Gospel is for everyone. I need Jesus just as much as the next African, Asian, islander, whatever (and women). The same Gospel power in me is the same as what my mom, dad, brothers and sisters have. The problem for Christians is that we sometimes get the idea that we are the Gospel when in reality Jesus is the Gospel. We are only presenters. These colors remind me of our equality in Christ.

I am quite aware that my wearing of this cross may offend some people. Two part response: For offended Christians, I would remind you that as it says in Romans, the Gospel is not a matter of meat or drink (or clothing). To avoid causing division however, I would politely remove it without making a big deal. For offended non-Christians, I would not remove it. Why? The Gospel is naturally offensive to those who don't accept it. People must be confronted with reality to understand it. (side note: for dress codes such as in a job or at school restricting wearing things like this, I wouldn't wear it in the spirit of obedience to authority. Wearing it is not essential to Christianity, only a help.)

I'm open to discussion. Polite discussion of course. And I hope those that see me wear it will think of what I've just said. But mostly that they think of the Gospel.

-RST

Christian or not, who cares.....

Guess what guys. A short blog post from me. I know, you're really excited about this. Better get started before I lose you.

One particular debate annoys me kind of a lot. Well, really a lot. "Was America founded as a Christian nation? Is it a Christian nation? How do we make it a Christian nation?" How about...... WHO CARES. People spend so much time arguing over things that don't matter. As long as you are doing what's right, does it really matter what we label our country? To quote a paraphrase of a quote of my teacher: "Why is it so important to define America as 'Christian' when our first citizenship is in heaven?" Thanks Dr. Schoolfield. Should we participate in government? Sure. Should Christian convictions influence our decisions? Absolutely. But stop freaking out over laws in our country. For people that preach and preach AND PREACH God's sovereignty and control, we sure do freak out when some state passes a marriage equality act or when (God forbid) they talk about background checks on gun purchasers. We do our part. That's all we can do. We sure are bad at putting "all things work together for good" into practice when it comes to considering government decisions in our country. And "don't be anxious about anything"? Yeah, that's still in the Bible too. So chill out. And just do right.

-RST

The United Steaks of America

You could call me a health freak. Well, not really. I've never been accused of that before. But one thing has been bothering me lately, and it has to do with food. Specifically eating it (unless there's something else you do with food?). I'm not going to tell you how many calories you should have or any of that stuff. What I am going to tell you is to take food seriously. Yes, you. Yes, food. Yes, seriously. I'm tired of people (especially in authority that are supposed to be our examples) making light of how bad they eat (people from the pulpit talking about how they just eat pizza and steak all the time). Why is it that we expect people to practice self control when it comes to sex, but we can't exercise self control when it comes to what we eat? I'm not telling you to go vegetarian or vegan or on some big diet, but there's so many EASY things you can do to eat healthier. Because yes, the Bible says whether you're eating or drinking (or whatever), do all for God's glory.

1. Put down the soda. I'm not going to go into all the scientific details (come to my speech next week for that), but needless to say, the stuff is horrible. And the average American drinks 600 cans per year. SIX. HUNDRED. Disgusting. Google "coke drain cleaner." Even if you start with dropping to every other day instead of every day, it's a start. Diet is no better either.

2. Don't do that steak challenge thing. Ya know, eat this ginormous steak in however much time, get it free. But actually this is about buffets. You're eating like, 3 meals at once. And it's usually just nastiness. And fried stuff. Don't do it. Go grilled.

3. I try to sneak my vegetables into some kind of soup. Don't avoid them because they're gross. Suffer through. Your body will thank you.

4. Don't bathe your pizza in ketchup and mayo. No seriously, I saw this once. Gross. If you eat something like bacon and/or sausage, take a minute and a few napkins and dry the grease off. It's disgusting how much you don't have to make slide down your throat. And you're not really hungry, so don't do ice cream. Sugar makes you think you're hungrier than you really are and you end up eating more. Drinking water with your meal will make you full faster in a much healthier way.

5. Think. Look at the food your eating and say "how can I make this just a little better for me? or what can I exchange in this meal for something else?"

Now I'm not gonna go all super body builder cray-cray on you. You can have a piece of pizza. Have a soda. Have a chicken nugget. But the times you don't should FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR X 1000 outnumber the times you do. Moderation, yo. Use it. It's in the Bible. Biblical self control is for all areas of life. Even food. And you might even feel better about yourself.

-RST

God's Will: Preacher or Politician?

You all know the story. You've heard it in church, perhaps from the pastor or a testimony from another member. "There I was, sitting in my corner office commanding the people of my business, making millions of dollars. Then all of a sudden, BOOM, God says be a pastor. So I quit my job and went to seminary and here I am today." To be honest, this kind of story kind of discouraged me when I was younger. At any moment, I could be doing what I thought was the right thing in life and God would teleport me into a pulpit in the future and expect me to preach.

I always heard about God "calling" people out of business into the ministry, but never the other way around. So I thought, "I'll fix that. I don't want to have to start life over. I'll start out going to be a missionary." In my mind, that was the right decision to make, because all I'd ever heard was that to please God, people left the business world to become a preacher.

In about 10th grade, one of teachers had a private conversation with me because he was concerned I was doing too much to try to please people instead of what was really right. He was right. I was trying to hard to "be cool" and do what everyone wanted me to do. While he may have been specifically talking about my relationships with my friends, it got me thinking. Why do I want to be a missionary? Is it really God's will? Am I doing what God wants or just what others expect?

I can't tell you that you shouldn't be a missionary, a preacher, whatever. I also can't tell you that you should. My problem at the moment was that I wanted to go into the "ministry" for all the wrong reasons. Pleasing my parents, it's expected for Christians, and free golf when I visit churches were just a few. But I missed what should have been the biggest reason. Never in there did I pray about the issue, and at the time I was not even reading the Bible.

The biggest problem people have with trying to know God's will is guessing at what we think He wants us to do while not doing what we know He wants us to do. As we do what we know God's will is, our obedience leads us to the right decisions in life. That was my problem. So I got in the Bible. I found that God's will is to "abstain from fornication" and "in everything give thanks." So i started working on those things. I started praying. And you know what? God "called" me out of the "ministry."

I am currently in college pursuing a degree in Political Science. I don't know whether I should be an elected official or a media person, but I know that as I do what I know to do, all things will work together for good (Romans 8:28) "for them that love God." The Bible says that men know we love God by keeping His commandments. The logical conclusion from these separate verses is that everything works out for good when we obey God.

So should you be a politician, preacher, baker, missionary, businessman, or evangelist? Look into the Bible. Follow direct commands (obey your parents). Follow principles (all to the glory of God). And in the end, you'll realize it doesn't matter. I can glorify God by speaking from the Senate floor just as much as from a pulpit. As long as what you're doing is what you believe can bring God the most glory as you obey his revealed will, you can't go wrong.

And just in case you haven't noticed, our government has many people opposed to God. It is a pretty big mission field on its own. Maybe I've been called into the "ministry" after all.

-RST

Fact Checking is a Beautiful Thing

Joel Osteen, pastor of a megachurch in Houston, Texas, posted this on his website on March 29:

http://www.joelostenministries.com/

Or did he?

Before I continue, let me point out that this is not a defense of or attack on Osteen's ministry. I leave that up to you to decide.

First of all, check out the domain name. The misspelling of his own name seems pretty obvious to me. Second, on that same page, a link is embedded to a CNN article.

When you click on the link, it takes you to this page:

I may be a dummy, but that sure ain't no CNN article.

Third, check out his actual personal pages.

https://twitter.com/JoelOsteen @JoelOsteen vs. https://twitter.com/PastorJoelOsten @PastorJoelOsteen

First one real. Second one fake.

http://www.joelostenministries.com/ fake website vs. http://www.joelosteen.com/Pages/Home.aspx real website

http://www.facebook.com/JoelOsteen?fref=ts real Facebook page.

If you look at all the real websites, you won't find any hint of resignation, denying the Christian faith, etc. Just more of his Texas-sized smile and words of encouragement.

Articles discussing the hoax:

http://global.christianpost.com/news/joel-osteen-resigns-a-hoax-pastor-attacked-with-false-statement-93453/cpt

http://www.examiner.com/article/joel-osteen-leaving-faith-hoax-fake-website-claims-cnn-report-on-pastor

I'm not saying that everyone should go to Lakeview Baptist Church, give money to the ministry, or any of that kind of thing. All I'm saying is before jumping to crazy conclusions, do some basic fact checking. It's a beautiful thing.

-RST

Help Me, People (All Y'all)

I started a new blog. Yeah, I think the title is clever too. But this post itself isn't because I need your help. I can't guarantee a regular posting time, but I will try to make it at least one or two times a month. My ideas, however, run out quickly sometimes and I get boring. So this is where you help me. In the comments section on this post, on my Facebook link, or Twitter reply, tell me what i should write my posts about and that would help me out a lot. Topics can be serious, non-serious, or any topic whatsoever. And of course I'll acknowledge contributors which wouldn't help your fame much, but it might make you feel better. I'm trying to make the posts shorter and more readable than my last attempt at blogging. Thanks for any ideas that you may give.

-RST (Random Southern Thinker- to be used as my "name" in the future)