Monday Morning Rant 29

On Saturday, the 15th, we published “A Warning.” For those who blissfully enjoyed their heightened fears as a result of the read; relax. It was intended as an object lesson for those who accept everything from whom they consider a reliable (?) source without questioning the nuts and bolts. Words can be magical. They can also be deceptive.

Di hydrogen monoxide is simply another way of describing water – H2O! There are no untruths in the piece. It is all in the way the author chooses to couch his statements. Those who elect to be alarmed will be alarmed. Why bother with constructing this highly deceptive piece?

We are entering a season among Restorationists which has a special historical meaning and is traditionally important in the affairs of the church. Many things will be written and spoken to influence the Saints. A cursory acceptance may lead some to accept a premise which upon thoughtful examination is the exact opposite of their true beliefs. I have encountered some individuals in my travels through the faith who have the capacity to wax eloquent and shape their ideas to present a one sided picture of reality. There are politicians and snake oil salesmen, even among would be leaders with appropriate credentials, who have the ability to be glib and clever in presenting their case for changes. Caveat emptor!

“Let the buyer beware!” is good advice in any season but especially in this time of potentially momentous changes. Remember the old canard, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” As believers, we have a resource for confirmation or rejection which we can call on at anytime. It’s simple; fast, pray, and ask of God. He will reveal the truth today as He has over the ages.
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Always one to make allowances for other faiths, I was stunned to read an account this past week of a woman in Maylasia. It seems the local Muslim officials have jailed Kamariah Ali for her worship of a two story “tea pot.” For her sect, the tea pot symbolizes the purity of water. They also see it as symbolic of God’s love “pouring from Heaven.” Even with constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship, natural born Muslims are not allowed to pursue other religions.

Mrs. Ali had formerly served 20 months on a 1992 charge of apostasy. She pleaded that she was no longer a Muslim and shouldn't’t come under Sharia Law. Given her past violation of that law, and continued apostasy, the judge sentenced her again. My first (un-Christian) thought was bemusement at the picture of these folks conducting their services with the tea pot as a center piece.

Upon further consideration, she must have an unquestioning faith if she is willing to suffer imprisonment in a Malaysian jail for her belief. Would we be willing to do as much?

As I continued to think about the issue, I recalled the many times in counseling recovering alcoholics that I encouraged them to find any higher power they might choose. We were, and continue to be, non-sectarian. Their recovery was contingent upon realizing that they were not managing their lives all that well and God could and would, if He were sought. We often suggested that they could call on any named God they wanted – Ralph, Fred, or door knob – so long as it was not they. I have often offered the observation that my personal recovery started the day I was shaving and finally figured out the guy in the mirror was not God.

With this remembered discipline, I have changed my mind about Mrs. Ali. She gets it. It’s not a matter of forsaking Islam but rather recognizing she is dependent upon a higher power for her current and continued success. Behavior modification is not possible until we recognize that there is a power greater than we who can assist in the process.
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The daffodils have poked up about six to eight inches. We now have plenty of cardinals, robins and other birds appropriate to the season. I played golf last week, did quite a bit of outside work, and generally just enjoyed myself outside between postings. For readers in other areas of the country this may not seem as exciting as it is to us. Some will say ho-hum and others will say you lucky stiffs.

With Easter (Resurrection Sunday?) fast approaching, it seems proper to fully consider that miraculous event. It’s time to review the gospels and recount the entire story. My most treasured personal moment comes in Matthew 28:2 : "angels of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone, from the door, and sat upon it.” The summation of the event is in verse 5 and they lead off with these treasured words, “He is not here; for He is risen . . .” They did not come to release the Christ. They came to demonstrate his prior departure. They knew full well He was not in the tomb. They then allowed themselves the almost whimsical moment of rolling back the stone and then sitting upon it. Thus they showed their disdain for the empty tomb. That physical resurrection prior to their arrival has become the keystone of my belief. Therein lies the promise. I pray I can keep up my end.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon