Bertha Betternyou: Concerned Sister or Outright Gossip?

If you have ever listened to Ray Stevens' music from the 1980's, chances are you know who Bertha Betternyou is. Sadly, for many outside the church, Bertha is the go to gal when summoning an image of a typical Christian. Sister Bertha sits all prim and proper, can quote scripture all day long and knows the secrets of many around her. Turns out though, that Bertha has a few sins of her own.

Photo credit: Photobucket

Do you remember the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (tax collector)? It's found in Luke 18:9-14. In short, both men went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee was boastful in his prayer: He wasn't like others, especially like that publican over there. He even reminded God and anyone who might be in earshot that he tithed, fasted, and otherwise outshone others. To put it bluntly, meet Bertha's Brother Benjamin. 

The publican, on the other hand, wouldn't even look up. Instead he smote his breast and said "Lord forgive me, a sinner."

The ultimate goal of a Christian is to become more Christlike. From the moment we obey the gospel and step out of the watery grave of baptism, we are a new person. From then on we continually try to walk in Jesus' foot steps and teach others along the way, by word and deed. Sometimes though, in our zeal to be Christlike, we look around at others... and become a little more like Bertha than we would really like to be. 

Brother Tom thinks its okay to have an occasional glass of wine. Sister Colleen and her kids use the curse word knock offs (dang, heck, crap, you get the picture). And did you see how short the Davies' daughter's skirt was? And with him a shepherd of the church! Honestly, you'd think they'd have taught that girl better.  Wait. Why are we discussing their sins or shortcomings as though we have none of our own? 
  
First of all, if any of us, and this includes me, has a concern about a brother or sister's behavior, words or whatever, we are instructed to go to the person privately and in love (Matthew 18:15-17). Those verses tell us exactly how we are to handle a problem, so why do so many of us think its our duty to discuss the situation with others first?

It shouldn't matter who the brother or sister is, whether he be an elder, or she the preacher's wife, or if the person happens to be a celebrity of sorts. I know if I am wrong, I want someone to come talk to me privately first. I may cry or otherwise get upset, but I will be okay with it. As well meaning as others are who are concerned, I can't make it to heaven on someone's coat tail. If it's my behavior that needs to change, I'm the one who needs to be spoken to first.  If you can't speak to me in person, write me a letter. In other words, we should be building up one another, not tearing each other down with our concern. I for one have to change this habit.

He Who Is Without Sin

I don't have network television (by choice) so I get most of my news from the internet. The last few days it seems all anyone can talk about (me included) is Paula Deen. Paula Deen and Who is Jumping on the Drop Paula Deen Bandwagon. The latest of these is Walmart.   Smithfield and Food Network have already done the same. So why is Paula Deen now a pariah? Because she used a word that no one -and I mean *NO. One* should ever use--twenty years ago. Because of this and the court battle she and her brother Bubba are going through, people are split between calling her a racist and being happy that she's going through all of this and standing loyally behind the queen of Southern cooking.
    Each person has the right to research this and make up his or her own mind about Paula Deen, and whether or not to support the companies that so quickly dropped a woman who helped them bring in big bucks over the years. Personally folks, twenty years ago I was younger than I am now and I can almost guarantee I did or said something that I wish I hadn't. I don't know a person on this earth who is perfect and hasn't made a mistake or two. Granted, I don't know Paula personally, although I'd be pleased to meet her. But I can tell you this: I don't care so much about what she did or said in the past. I care about the person she is now. I could very well be proven wrong, but I will not judge her for a mistake in the past, especially since she has apologized for it. But as for the companies and individuals who are name calling and doing the politically correct thing, I feel nothing but pity. 
   Make no mistake. Racism is an ugly, ugly thing. But you know what? So is judging a person for something done in the past while ignoring the present. If we are going to hold Ms. Deen's feet to the fire for what she has said in the past, we need to take off the blinders when it comes to many, many celebrities and politicians, as well as ourselves. 
   In quoting a scripture that is much used (and abused), Jesus told the Pharisees, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" at the woman who committed adultery. That was a sin punishable by death, and the crowd would have been in the right to carry out that punishment. However, when faced with examining themselves, no stones were thrown at this woman. I'm seeing an awful lot of stones being cast today at one woman. 
   When the crowd dispersed and the woman was left alone with Jesus, he didn't condemn her. They both knew she had sinned. He told her, "go and sin no more."
   If we are to hold one woman accountable for something she did in the past, we had best be prepared to be honest with the world and ourselves, holding others and especially ourselves accountable to that same impossibly high standard.  How can we crucify one while allowing others to do the same?

Tolerance or Love?

This evening perusing Facebook I saw a picture that a friend had on her page. I won't show it because I'd rather not give any company free advertising unless they deserve it.
  The picture stated that company A had a Mother's Day ad that was deemed offensive by some moms and the moms boycotted. The company responded by repeating the ad for Father's Day. Sort of a ha! Take that moment.  The friend commented, "Doesn't the bible teach tolerance? Why don't they start showing it?" I'm guessing "they" means Christians. 
  Okay, I'll bite. First, let's look at some definitions. 

  

Definition of tolerance (n)

bing.com · Bing Dictionary

tol·er·ance

 [ tóllərənss ]   

1. acceptance of different views: the acceptance of the differing views of other people, e.g. in religious or political matters, and fairness toward the people who hold these different views
2. tolerating of somebody or something: the act of putting up with somebody or something irritating or otherwise unpleasant
3. ability to endure hardship: the ability to put up with harsh or difficult conditions

Synonyms: broad-mindedness, open-mindedness, lenience, acceptance, forbearance, charity, patience

 

 

¹love

noun \ˈləv\

Definition of LOVE

1

a (1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties love

for a child> (2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers (3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests <love for his old schoolmates>

b : an assurance of affection love>

2

: warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion <love of the sea>

3

a : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration love

>

b (1) : a beloved person : darling —often used as a term of endearment (2) British —used as an informal term of address

4

a : unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another: as (1) : the fatherly concern of God for humankind (2) : brotherly concern for others

b : a person's adoration of God

5

: a god or personification of love 

 

As a writer, I am surrounded by words. I can't get enough of them. But in our (American) English world, there are some words I would like to drop kick off the face of the earth and would be quite pleased never to hear them uttered ever again. Ever. Some words are like certain top 40 songs. They are played over and over and over; overused, misused, and they take on the attitude of the user. Ones that come to mind are the "r" word (sorry, won't even use it, the "n" word (another one that is wrong no matter who says it, in my opinion) and tolerance. 

   Yes, I said I'm tired of the "t" word. The way it gets thrown out so casually by individuals and groups in indignation is annoying to me. It's a curse word these days and it's volleyed back and forth between two groups. Folks, back away from the net and call it a day. No one is going to win that game. Each side just insists they are right. Just remember, if you throw that word, you are in fact saying that it is okay to spew intolerance from your lips. The person or group you are yelling at is supposed to tolerate you and/or your actions or thoughts, but you won't give them the same respect? 

  This brings me to love. Love gets thrown about quite a lot. I love God. I love my husband. I love my kids. I love baseball. I love pizza. Love love love love love. And my favorite, Love the sinner, hate the sin.  I've wrestled with that one for awhile. I've said it myself quite a few times. Something for us to consider: how many times in the bible did Jesus turn away from sinners spouting either hate the sin love the sinner or show some tolerance? Give up? None. 

    Not one time did Jesus shun someone because of their sinful life if they were willing to speak to him. Nor did he tolerate sin. "Go and sin no more" was what he told them. John 8:1-11 is a classic example. A woman caught in adultery was brought to Jesus by the scribes and Pharisees. It was a setup and Jesus knew it. He didn't give them the answer they were looking for. He told them, He who is without sin, cast the first stone. They all left because none of them fit that description. Does that mean we are to turn a blind eye to sin? No. He told the woman not to sin again.

   You know what though? He befriended sinners. He let them know that someone cares. He fed them. He ate with them. He taught them. He loved them and had compassion for them.

  Jesus told us to love your neighbor as yourself.(Matthew 19:19). I think that's one we've forgotten. It doesn't mean you have to go with them to bars or agree that a sin is okay. If a sin is a stumbling block to you, stay away from it. But don't think you're helping someone to learn by avoiding them. People don't care what you know until they know you care. That goes for anyone. Be friendly. Be gracious. Talk. The world needs more compassion.     

A Morning Cup of Tea: Jesus Heals a Blind Man

 Good morning! How are you this morning? Did you have a good weekend, a good Lord's day yesterday? My family and I did. We were able to attend worship yesterday morning, and came home to relax and enjoy the rest of the day. The only mar on the day was hearing of so many who died or otherwise were affected by the tornadoes and storms. We must keep them in prayer, and if we can, do something for the ones who remain. I just wish I knew what to do.
  Today we are reading chapter 9 of John.  Jesus and his disciples encountered a blind man. The disciples wanted to know why the man was born blind; was it he that sinned, or his parents had sinned badly enough to cause it to be so (v2)?  Even today I hear some who believe that if a mother does or says something, the baby will suffer for it. For example, a woman mocks a mentally slow person. Her baby will be born mentally challenged. I don't believe there is a correlation between the lack of education and/or empathy of the mother and the child being born with a disability. I do believe that the sins of the mother will affect the child if she drinks alcohol or is a drug user during pregnancy. 
  Jesus told the disciples that it wasn't anyone's sin that caused the man to be blind, but rather it was an opportunity to show the works of God. He further stated in verse four and five : I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
 5. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
  Jesus gave us a powerful lesson just in those two verses alone. We should follow his example and do the works of the Father while we are here. 
  Jesus spit on the ground and made clay which he placed on the blind man's eyes. He then told him to go and wash in the waters of Siloam (an act of obedience). The man did as he was told, and came back seeing. Those who knew the man were astonished that he could see now. Some weren't sure if it was really him or someone who merely looked like the man they knew. But he assured them it was really him, and now he could see. They asked him about this and he told them what Jesus did, but when they asked where Jesus was, he did not know.
  The man was taken to the Pharisees where he told his story once again. The Pharisees weren't very happy because Jesus dared to heal a man on the Sabbath. But this train of thought divided them. Some insisted that Jesus was not of God because he did not keep the Sabbath, while others did not think that a sinner could heal. So they asked the man what he thought of Jesus, and he replied, He is a prophet (v 17)
   Some did not believe that this man had been born blind so they called in his parents. The parents identified him as their son, who indeed had been born blind. How he came to see they did not know. They insisted that he was an adult, so listen to what he had to say on the matter.  They said this not only because once you are of age you should take responsibility for your own life, but because they were afraid of the Pharisees. The Pharisees would throw out of the temple anyone who confessed that Jesus was the Christ. (v22)
  The Pharisees spoke again with the man who could now see. They insisted that Jesus was a sinner, so God should be given the praise for his healing. The man said sinner or no, Jesus did heal me. The man reminded the Jews that God does not hear sinners, but those who do his will. If Jesus was not of God, he could do nothing.
  And the Pharisee's reaction to this? Indignance. This man is born a sinner and he dares to teach us?? How dare he! And he was put out of the temple.  Jesus heard the man had been put out of the temple and came to speak with him. He asked him if he believed on the Son of God. The man answered, who is the Son of God that I may believe on him? Jesus told him that he himself was the Son, and the man confessed that he believed and worshiped him.
  39. And Jesus said, For judgement I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and they which see might be made blind.
 40. And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
 41. Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin; but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.
  What he is speaking of here is spiritual sight. We all sin, but those whose eyes are opened to sin and realize it, therefore renouncing the sin, and believing on Christ, are healed. If you see and do nothing, you will still be in sin.
  Have a great day.   
   
 

A Morning Cup of Tea : Matthew Chapter 12: 43-50

Good morning! Happy Friday to you. : )

Today we are finishing up chapter 12 of Matthew. Jesus is continuing to speak.

43. When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
44. Then he saith, I will return into my home from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept and garnished.
45. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and the enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.


Jesus speaks clearly here, and although we don't deal with unclean spirits, we do continue to deal with sin. When we rid ourselves of sin, it leaves an empty space. If we do not immediately fill that space with something good, the sin comes right back, and sometimes we find it worse than before. For example, if I wanted to stop using foul language, I would pray to God for forgiveness of that sin and ask for his help in curbing it. It would then be up to me to be aware of when I'm likely to use such language, and also to fill my heart with better examples of speech. 
 To use another example, those who have quit smoking or have tried to quit smoking know it's a hard thing to give up. This is why most cessation plans and articles suggest that you change your routine so that you aren't hanging out with your fellow smokers at break time and that you find something to do with your mouth and hands -- chewing gum, taking up crochet or knitting for example. I don't know first hand how hard it is to quit, but I know others who have and most have been successful.

While Jesus was talking, his mother and brothers came to see him. Someone told Jesus that they were here to speak with him, and Jesus had another lesson for his followers;
  48. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
 49. And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50. For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
 So was Jesus telling them he did not wish to see his family? No! He was pointing out that we have a spiritual family now who will be there for us.  
 

A Morning Cup of Tea: Matthew 12:38-42. We Would like a Sign.

Good morning! I'm up a little later than usual today, but J is still asleep and I have two cats on either side of me... such a peaceful way to start the morning. 

Jesus is still addressing the multitude around him, focusing on this point at the pharisees. For this part I am not going to copy verses, just going to paraphrase a little. But a little friendly advice: never, ever, not from me nor a preacher nor your best friend, take someone's word for it when it comes to the bible and its teachings. When scripture is mentioned, look it up and read it for yourself. We are all humans and humans tend to make mistakes sometimes. And some will lead you astray if given a chance. That part is very sad, but there are those who know the scriptures and yet will twist them and take them out of context to say what they want to say. Having said that, anything I write here in the Morning Cup series is my understanding. I know there are some with far more understanding and maturity in Christ than I who reads this blog, and if I don't understand, or misread something, I pray they will let me know.
  
Now, back to today's lesson. : )

A scribe asked Jesus for a sign. (v38). But Jesus answered, this generation isn't getting a sign except for that of the prophet Jonah.  Jonah spent 3 days in the belly of a whale and then told the city of Ninevah  that if they did not change their ways, they were going to be destroyed. Ninevah repented. Jesus said that Ninevah would rise up and judge this generation (v41). But one greater than Jonah is with you, he said.
  Also the Queen of the south (Queen of Sheba) would rise in judgement against them. She had traveled great distances to hear the wisdom of Solomon. She understood. Once again, Jesus said , one greater than Solomon is with you.
  During this time Jesus compared himself to Jonah, and said that he would spend 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth (v 40), alluding to his death and burial.
  Jesus was right there with them to teach them and show them the error of their ways. We can apply these verses to our own lives by remembering that we do not have Jesus here physically with us, but we do have the bible. We have Jesus to intercede for us when we pray. And I think we as a nation need to wake up and repent, like Ninevah. We have allowed much sin to become the norm here instead of speaking against it. And as much as I try not to become political in this blog, especially in this series, it needs to be said: This country will fall not so much because of what the politicians are doing, but because of the sin involved behind their decisions, sin that is deemed "not wrong" by the people at large, and the silence of those who know better.
  I had planned to finish out the chapter today but I see I've gotten rather long winded.  We will pick up with verse 43 tomorrow, barring any unforseen circumstances.

A Morning Cup of Tea: Matthew 9: 9-13

*** Catching up a little here. Before I got knocked offline last week I had begun chapter 9 here. 
 This morning, I went ahead and posted chapter 11 to keep myself on schedule with my reading. 
  August 2 was a busy morning as we had really just started a new medication for J so the reading was short and sweet.

In verse 9 Matthew the publican (tax collector) becomes  a disciple.
In the next few verses we find Jesus eating with tax collectors and other sinners. The pharisees of course, think it's wrong to do so. Jesus replies : They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentence.

This passage always reminds me of an excuse I hear from time to time from some who choose not to attend worship service. "Church is full of hypocrites. They do such and such on Saturday and come to church on Sunday."  Worship service is a choice, and we are all given that choice by our Creator. Yes, it is true we have hypocrites in the church. I'm sure you can find them anywhere, really. But not one of us is perfect, nor should we claim to be. We all have things we need to work on. The person to see when one is sick is a doctor. Worship service and fellowship with other Christians is like building up the immune system with vitamins and exercise and good food. Doesn't mean you won't get sick, but it does help guard against it.