tement is clear and true. But I am reminded of story of the Good Samaritan who had compassion and love for the beaten man and not only picked the man up but provided lodging as long as the man needed. I saw compassion as 13 other ICO staff members and the various student groups who shared our summer with us who loved and hugged and played with children from all walks of life and told them about Jesus. Compassion must be embodied by children of God at all times to all people for the glory of God.Now to hatred of homosexuals. Elton is definitely speaking out of turn. Yes, some "religious people" may show/express hatred to homosexuals and for that I even cringe and lose heart. But men and woman of God (i.e. saved believers) must continually love homosexuals. If I had the chance this week, I would give Mr. Elton John a hug saying Christ loves you and died for you. I do not condone or agree with the sin of homosexuality friends like Mr. Elton, as time and time again, Scripture after Scripture speaks against the sin of homosexuality. The whole concept here is that Mr. Elton has once again put his foot in his big-gayish mouth. Granted the guy has made some decent songs in my lifetime and Disney even received some credit for the Lion King for one, but Elton John needs Jesus. Just like the people in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, workplaces, civil clubs, and organizations need Jesus. I hope that you and I go against the "religiousity" of this world and that you and I emphatically love people.
"Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your Mind." As with Jesus' reply to the one who asked what the greatest commandment, he then added "Love your neighbor as yourself." Oh that you and I would become the ones to lavish out Christ's love on the homosexuals, the needy, the poor, the homeless, the unqualified, the sick, the isolated, the imprisoned, the orphans, the persecuted, but most importantly the one's who need an ear to their rumbling, a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, and a friend to walk with through the trials, circumstances, bad health, and even the death of a loved one.
Do you love God with all your heart? soul? and mind?
2 comments:
Much to write, more to say. I think that this is surely a putt putt dialogue. One thing to add, Elton echoes the ideas of Ghandi, and even John Lennon as he offers a critique of the lack of compassion of "religious" people. Actually, religion is often ineffective and barrier building, but "spirituality" is different. If we were lead by the Spirit, then the Law of Love would prevail and we could make a difference in this broken world. Elton John asks, in a way "Where is the Activism, why are the religious people not fired up and involved in the social ills of this world." Sadly, it is because we are too busy having 2 cars, a large home, and paying for our kids to be put into private schools. Churches are often not involved in mission work because a preacher is launching new building campaigns that allow him one day to look at his accomplishments and be filled with pride.
We withdraw often instead of seeking to love and see the Spirit transform. That is a transformation of us and "Them". But oh, the glory when we no longer see an us and them, only a we. Last time I checked, "we" all sin and need forgiveness. "We" all live in a broken world, and "we" all are to blame.
I am sure we can have more time of reflection on this later. But if we listen to the truth in Sir Elton's remarks, perhaps we can begin to be the Salt and Light that we were commanded to be.
Love that pic my dear peter!
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