Little Known Lyric...

Why am I smiling
And why do I sing?
Why does September
Seem sunny as spring?
Why do I get up
Each morning and start?
Happy and head up
With joy in my heart
Why is each new task
A trifle to do?
Because I am living
A life full of you


~Singin' in the Rain~

:)

Hate... But Cling to What Is Good

Hate... But Cling to What Is Good

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."

-Romans 12:9

Christians have a great deal to fight against these days: Pornography. Corruption in government. Abortion. Homosexual rights. Euthanasia. Humanism and secularism in schools.

But our campaigns simply can't be aimed at what is wrong in our society. We can't rebuke evil, expose the works of darkness, and simply stop there.

Rather, God calls us to lay down our lives for the people behind the issues we support. Heroism is an extraordinary feat of the flesh, and campaigns are occasionally won that way. But not people. Holiness is the only power that not only defeats darkness but changes our lives, including the lives of those behind the issues we oppose.

That means praying for the pimp who exploits wayward teenagers on the street. It means interceding for the homosexuals who march against city hall for sexual civil rights. It means campaigning in prayer for the pornography mongers. It could mean connecting with the director of a nearby abortion clinic, or contacting a government leader who's on the "take," and letting them know you care about their spiritual needs. It could mean taking a right-to-die advocate out to lunch to discuss life worth living.

Fighting and winning a campaign may bring one personal glory, but fighting for souls in prayer and winning them to Christ brings glory to God.

Approach problems in our society with a Romans 12:9 frame of mind. Hate what is evil. But, in prayer, love the individuals behind those hateful issues. As Jesus said, bless those who persecute you and love your enemy.

Oh Lord, I confess I am so critical of so many wrongs in society, but I don't pray for the people who perpetuate the wrongdoing. May my love be sincere and may You use my prayers to win those people to You.

Taken from Diamonds in the Dust. Copyright © 1993 by Joni Eareckson Tada.