I have heard so often that our biggest problem in the USA, in the entire world, in fact, is climate change. Really? Granted, the industrial revolution, has sped up the natural course of climate changes, but you do not have to be much of history aficionado to know that there have been numerous climate changes through the ages. Whether changes constantly. I saw the temperature drop 29 degrees in less than an hour! Before I knew it, there was something huge hail stone hitting the roof. Before going further, I should explain that I have lived most of my life in California and Washington State where it is relatively rare occurrence to have a pea-sized hail storm, the fact that something that large could fall from the sky was a big shock! Granted, the roofers were busy for a while, and several automobile dealers had scratch and dent sales, it did not make it onto the national news!
I feel that our country needs to leave the anything and everything goes philosophy behind, especially in the Church and show more integrity. We cannot be hypocrites! Integrity is something that every person on this planet struggles with, me included, at least from time to time. Just what is integrity? Dictionary.com defines it as follows:
[inˈteɡrədē]
NOUN
the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
“{H}e is known to be a man of integrity.”
synonyms:
honesty · uprightness · probity · rectitude · honor · honorableness ·
How many people live up to that high standard consistently, without even a hint of exaggeration? I know I cannot say that I always do! It is a difficult standard to live up to these days; society considers being “politically correct” more important – even if a person must be dishonest to achieve it.
I also feel that Jesus/God needs to be prominent in our lives once again! The Church must be proactive in expressing themselves. It is not right that some churches are being fined and considered non-essential even if they are following the safety protocols., e.g. meeting in parking lots in vehicles. How is that unsafe? Our freedoms are gradually stripped from a few are saying much to oppose it. I feel this virus is a warning for us to return to God. For the last 60 years, various legal decisions have made it more difficult for people to worship. Little by little, the mention Jesus has been removed from our lives. Not long ago, it was not politically correct to say, ‘Merry Christmas.’ Covid -19 has shuttered numerous churches across the country. So far, church is still open to us on-line and on-line attendance has risen dramatically since the virus began to spread last winter!
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition
8 For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
NIV
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.}
It should be our goal as the Church to hold ourselves and others to a higher standard. We all need more love and truth – the characteristics of God.
K-popawheely 