Tag Archives: Lance Armstrong

Why The World Is “Full of It.”

As a child, my father regularly used the expression “you’re full of it!” Whenever anyone in my house appeared to bend the truth, exaggerate a little or attempt to tell a whopper of a lie, he confronted them with these words.  While not 100% perfect, most of his inclinations were spot on, as one by one, my sisters and I were guilty as charged.  When you peal back the pages of history, this web of deception rises to the surface.

In the beginning, Satan introduced the world to questioning authority in Genesis 3:1.  Moments later, Eve taught individuals to be curious, going beyond the boundaries established by God, Genesis 2:16-17.  Adam modeled blaming others instead of taking responsibility for your actions, Genesis 3:12.  If this wasn’t enough, Cain illustrated denial in Genesis 4:9, Abraham mastered trusting in yourself instead of God (Genesis 12:10-13 & 20:1-2) and this nature was past on to his son Isaac in Genesis 26:7, grand children and so on.  Like catching a common cold, the sin of lying has become air born, influencing the hearts and minds of mankind, Romans 3:23.

Today, you can turn on any cable news network, then wait for someone to mislead a commentator, journalist or reporter.  At a moment’s notice, a politician will dodge a question, answer the part they want to and move on without any consequences.  Professional athletes like Lance Armstrong, A-rod and others in the future will hold a press conference, deny accusations only to be proven guilty later on.  It’s time for the world to come out of the closet and confess, “we’re full of sin!”  Only then, can you move on to the healing process, James 5:16.  May these words strike a cord, Hebrews 4:12, helping habitual liars make their way toward the road to recovery through Christ the Lord, Romans 7:24-25.

by Jay Mankus

Thrown Away

Products with the words Made in the U.S.A. were once a symbol of pride, a byproduct of the Industrial Revolution.  Unfortunately, these words are a rare find today.  As consumers searched for alternative and cheaper products, countries like China, India and Taiwan now fill most of the shelves in our stores.  However, you get what you pay for because almost every product made overseas today is created to be thrown away.

While shows like American Pickers, Pawn Stars and Auction Hunters are trying to salvage some of history’s priceless creations, we also live in a culture that throws people away.  Although people aren’t literally thrown into a trash can, individuals are daily thrown under the bus so to speak in the media, on talk radio and in our social circles.  If there was a junk yard for people, names like Joe Paterno, Lance Armstrong and Pete Rose would be present, flicked to the side of the road like a worthless cigarette after it’s been consumed.  After one mistake, the legacy of these 3 men and many others like them have been erased, thrown to curb forever.

There is a verse in the Bible read at almost every wedding, yet forgotten by most people immediately following the ceremony.  1 Corinthians 13:4 says love keeps no record of wrongs.  Unfortunately, true love is rarely displayed, as uncommon as products made in a America.  Yet, if we want to begin recycling, these words must be at the fore front of our minds.  Life is too short to throw away friends, mentors and heroes.  Rather, practice Matthew 6:14-15, forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you, Colossians 3:12-14.  Then and only then can people begin to pick up the pieces of their lives, begin anew with a fresh start and become the workman God desires for us to be, Ephesians 2:10.  Seize the day or be thrown away; the choice is yours!

by Jay Mankus