Monday, January 21, 2013

WHEN GOOD IS SILENT

   All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing” (Edmund Burke).  So much of the history of the struggle between good and evil can be explained by Edmund Burke's observation. Time and again those who profess to be good seem to clearly outnumber those who are evil, yet those who are evil seem to prevail far too often. Seldom is it the numbers that determine the outcome, but whether those who claim to be good men are willing to stand up and fight for what they know to be right. There are numerous examples of this sad and awful scenario being played out over and over again in the scriptures.

   When good men fail to do good, there is a vacuum that is left open for evil to fill. The Lord commands his people to do good (Luke 6:35; Eph. 2:10). Christ "gave himself for us that he might redeem us to be zealous in good works" (Titus 2:14).  In the parable of the talents, Jesus described a man who did nothing. The Bible says that the evil man “hid the Lord's money" (Matt. 25:18). When his Lord returned, the evil man gave to the Lord just what he had been given (Matt. 25:25). Notice, the man was called evil by Jesus simply because he refused to do any good with the money. The man was evil because he did nothing with what was given him. Jesus said he was a "wicked and slothful servant" (Matt. 25:26). 

   Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea for doing nothing. "I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot: I would that you were cold or hot. So then because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16).  Too many “good people” are doing way too little. They are standing idly by being mere spectators. They sit on the sidelines instead of actively working for good.

   When Jesus found a fig tree with "nothing thereon but leaves only;" He cursed it (Matt. 21:19). What will happen to those who claim to be good and yet do nothing? God knows that the church today desperately need Men and Women who will roll up their sleeves and go to work for the good. Jesus even prayed; "Lord send laborers in the field to help us work" (Luke 10:2).

   If we who are believers in good sit back and do nothing, than evil will continue to press forward until our girls become court prostitutes and our boys become slaves to substance abuse. If we who promote the good of moral absolutes say nothing while filth run ram shod over our schools, then our children will fall back into moral, economic and spiritual slavery. As the Prophet so challenged us centuries ago; “Blow the trumpet, sound the alarm, lift up your voice” Joel 2:1. This is no time for good to be silent.

© 2013 Dr Tim McClure

Friday, January 18, 2013

OLD IS NEW

   I heard a radio advertisement this week from a local car dealership railing against “my Old Junker” (car).  Yes, my car has near 140,000 miles, but everything works perfectly on it – A/C, Radio, CD, Electric seats – windows, etc…
 
   The tone of the advertisement was laced with the attempt to shame me into buying a New car. I found my mind racing to rebut his comments and then I smiled and said out loud; “Old is luxury – Old is wealthy.”
 
   Listen, don’t allow the “Debt Driven Devil” to ridicule you into thinking you should trade in your perfectly running automobile that is PAID OFF to go into debt for another “house payment” just so you can alleviate the “shame” those advertisers try to put on you.  Pick you head up high and say out loud; “I’m free; I’m Debt FREE.”
 
   The rest of the day I felt fantastic singing my new song; “Thank God I am free, free, free, from this debt driven devil” (smile).  Humor aside, I drove all over town that day doing business thanking God for the blessing of being debt free. I heard the words whispered into my soul that said; “Old is New – Old is Luxury – Old is Wealthy.”
 
   “In everything, give thanks” (1 Thes 5:18).

 © 2013 by Dr Tim McClure