“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”

My wife and I went to see that movie the other night. It was alright. I'd probably think it was better than alright except for one thing. The characters reminded me too much of my counselling clients. It especially reminded me of my Christian clients who are becoming all too much like my secular clients, i.e. Desperately lonely. Unlike when I first started in the counselling trade, Christians are no longer okay with themselves unless their lives are propped up by the same ephemeral supports that your average pagan or atheist depends on – in this case, being in a relationship to feel a sense of worth, value, security and belonging.

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“I'll obey Jesus in every area of my life – unless what He wants for me is different from what I want for me.”

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That kind of tragic thinking comes about when our Creator is no longer the base from which we operate. I can't tell you how many clients have come to me with struggles like:

. “I long to be loved but I fear that I'll never find anyone. I can't wait for Jesus to do something about this. Is that so wrong? After all, we're two consenting adults.”

From Christians I hear this!

. A married man (not yet divorced) is attracted to and dating a divorced woman.

Both people self identify as Christians.

Somehow, someway, we've become as desperately lonely as those who live upon the earth.

What's happened?

How has it happened?

What is our witness to the world? And does it matter?

If I don't care about Jesus' comment, “The one who loves Me is the one who obeys Me,” things are going to get difficult. When God wants something for my life that doesn't mesh with what I want for my life, something's going to have to give. Sadly, for an increasing percentage of Christians, they are not the ones who are willing to humble themselves “under God's mighty hand.”

Modern “Christians” are a curious group who through their behaviours say, “I don't love Jesus nor am I willing to obey Him, but I fully expect to spend eternity with Him in heaven.”

Looks Who’s Watching!

The Arizona Atheist is convinced that cameras are watching him. The "Man" is out to get him, or so he thinks. As he drives down the street, this atheist is certain that he’s seen cameras move for no other reason than to find out where he’s going. The guy even blames Red Light Cameras for rear end collisions.

Chris Hitchens has a similar issue but this time it really is The MAN upstairs who’s bugging him. Chris can’t stand it that God sees everything that he does.

Personally? It makes me chuckle.

“He’s watching you poo Mr. Hitchens!”

Who cares if the police are watching? Really - who cares? Ya, you know who cares. It’s those who are doing or who would like to do something wrong. They’re the same ones who hit the brakes every time they see a speed trap ahead. They need to do that because without being watched they can’t make themselves do the right thing.

I say, “Let em watch." The only time that the law will have an interest in me is when being a Christian becomes a crime. And if that happens in my lifetime they can come and get me. I want to live my life so transparently, so consistently that it will be impossible to not convict me.

The following is a copy of a note found written in the office of a young Pastor in Zimbabwe, following his martyrdom for his faith in Jesus Christ.

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made - I’m a disciple of His. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed
My present makes sense
My future is secure.

I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, smooth knees, colourless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, fake friendships, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean in His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and I labour with power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my Guide reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitated in the presence of the enemy, pander at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me.

And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me - my banner will be clear!