I was looking at a thread yesterday at SSM about how bad sex and premarital sex is equated as rape in the modern culture, and this morphed into a set of commentators talking about not going all the way with women when they could.
And so I thought instead about the times I did not. And this morning I had an email from someone that said basically you say you are serious about Christianity. Are you a Pastor?
Well. no. I’m lay. I am the kind of man who used to be common in the pews — theologically informed, serious about the faith, but not qualified to lead. We used to write journals, now we write blogs.
And I have little to boast about. God help me, for I am a sinner.
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”
You see, Christianity is our only way to salvation, and that makes it far too serious to be relegated to a professional group. Besides, there is a difference between working with someone as a professional and helping someone as a friend. At times I have to explain that: just because I work in mental health and can do therapy does not make me a better person — in fact it makes me at times a worse one.
Moreover, Christianity is too serious to be about merit badges, rank, or position. It is our salvation, and the right way to live.
(Going back to the topic at SSM: I admire the men who kept themselves virginal until the wedding bed: I have been rejected or told that I am useless because I try to live by the rules and do not put out. The current culture honours the person with the most notches on their bedpost. That sad: we are encouraging greater hurt, more tears. and greater evil to score some points. I see the emotional fallout at work, and it’s ugly)
We are not to boast. Instead, let us under promise. Then do what we say, and more.
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