Hot and cold

If you read my previous entry, you may note a few comments left regarding what I had to say. I appreciate all those who comment in good faith as part of a dialogue. You may disagree with my attitude regarding young Mr. Lindberg's decision. Would I apply such admiration to the resolve of Muslim suicide bombers or people like them? I totally disagree with their rationale and their theology and their hatred, but they are standing up for what they believe, however twisted it may be.

In a world where you can't tell the Christians from the non-Christians quite often; when we claim to follow the man/God who gave his life IN LOVE so that we might be forgiven all our sins; I must give credit (not agreement or absolution!!) to anyone who gives everything for what they believe.

In the Book of Revelation the angel says to be hot or cold, but God will spit out those who are lukewarm. Too many Christians have become lukewarm about the Gospel, the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. We must choose to be the stark contrast to hatred and lies and neglect. We must act and boldly so. I am not perfect. I am too often lukewarm. But I know hot and cold when I see them and I have to admire them even if I won't condone them.

Dying for your faith

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/29/jehovahs.witness.ap/index.html

Did anybody else catch the news about Dennis Lindberg, a 14 year old who died from leukemia this week? He was a Jehovah's Witness and decided against a blood transfusion that might have helped to cure him because it violated what he felt God asks of believers. The court system was asked to step in, and the judge in the case decided that he was mature enough to make the decision for himself.

How many of our high school students have the conviction of faith to face death rather than violate their faith? It's hard to know that. How many adults would make that decision? Maybe even fewer, if we are honest about it. What part do youth workers play in helping to form such strong faith?

I am sad that he thought God would want him to make the choice that way, but I admire him for sticking to his faith.