Tag Archives: attractive

A Selective Society

As the 2016 Presidential election kicks off Thursday night with the first major debate, don’t be surprised by the responses you hear.  For this is the season of persuasion, a makeover to present a much broader perspective of each candidate.  Hoping the audience forgets any selective memory of their past, “if you vote for me I will speak for you, the little guy.”  Yet, like any season, campaign promises will come to an end as soon as each ballet has been counted.  Just as birds fly south for the winter, politicians will return to their normal routine, to a selective society, embracing those who share a similar worldview.

And the gospel must first be preached to all nations, Mark 13:10.

Perhaps this facade turns most people off, causing a growing number of citizens to stay home on Election Day.  This is what made Jesus so attractive to the masses during the first century.  His message wasn’t limited to the rich and famous.  Rather, Jesus’ focus extended beyond party lines, seeking to reach individuals in every nation.  Thus, as he teaches disciples about the future, one thing is clear, a selective society is unacceptable.

He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation, Mark 16:15.

When I look at myself in the mirror, the truth hurts.  Despite what I believe, I find myself gravitating toward those who like me and distancing myself from those with different opinions.  This is not the image Jesus paints in the Bible.  The gospel is not based upon feelings.  Rather, everyone is given an opportunity, a chance to accept or reject faith.  Therefore, whether you’re a politician or average person, avoid the temptation of remaining in a selective society by stepping out in faith to fulfill the great commission.

by Jay Mankus

 

Consequences of the Second Glance

One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace.  From the roof he saw a woman bathing.  The woman was very beautiful, 2 Samuel 11:2.

As the third anniversary of this blog approaches, nearly fifty percent of the comments on Express Yourself 4 Him have been inspired by The Second Glance.  Written well over a year ago, readers have requested a follow up post or more information regarding this topic.  Thus, after mediating on this subject, today’s piece was born.

Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. – 2 Samuel 11:4a

At first, the second glance is inspired by curiosity, perhaps wanting to dwell on the beauty of an attractive male or female.  However, as David learned the hard way, this double take ignites a spirit of lust.  Like an uncontrollable beast, David skipped over the fact that Bathsheba was married, allowing temptation to have its way since her husband was out of town.  This Fatal Attraction blinded David’s mind, willing to cover up his sin with an Indecent Proposal that ended in murder.

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1 John 2:16

Outside of the Bible, one of the greatest examples of the consequences of the second glance was lived out in the life of Ted Bundy.  Prior to his execution on January 24, 1989, Bundy was granted an interview with James Dobson.  Oddly enough, Ted’s addiction to pornography began with a copy of the Sear’s Catalog.  In his case, the second glance led to an addiction that exploded into a life of lust, rape and serial killings.  Unfortunately, no one can escape the words of James 1:15 below.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

May this blog serve as a warning, scaring people straight away from sin and toward a God of reason, Isaiah 1:18-20.

by Jay Mankus