Remembering A Dark Past

Yesterday, millions of Americans celebrated the annual observance of Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the announcement of slavery's abolition in the state of Texas. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Lincoln almost three years prior to this date, it was not until June 19, 1865 that the first official declaration of freedom for all slaves was made in Galveston, Texas. On that day, General Gordon Granger and 2,000 of his men arrived to take possession of the state and enforce the law that Lincoln's signature had put in place three years earlier.

This is a day that brings joy to every freedom loving American. However, it is also a day that brings to memory one of the darkest parts of our great nation's history. Though not every slave was treated as badly as others, most accounts and photos we see from the 1850's and 1860's tell a grim tale of human oppression.

The basic problems are these:

1. A slave's person is deemed the property of another human being.
2. A slave's will is completely subject to the "owner's" authority.
3. A slave's labor is obtained against their will by coercion.

Truly, one of the most sinister and perverted states of mind any man can have is to view another human being created in the image of God as his own property. Consider these basic Bible principles:

1. Since all human beings are created in the image of God, they are all equally worthy of our respect (Genesis 1:28).
2. All human beings are loved equally by God (John 3:16).
3. Every man and woman is to love their fellow man as themselves (Matthew 22:39).

It is difficult to imagine very many scenarios that violate more principles of God's word than the practice of slavery. And though this nation has come a great distance in the past 150 years, the problems of racism still exist (and perhaps always will). As long as there are men and women who will not demonstrate love and compassion for everyone on an equal plane, this will always be a problem -- amongst all races.

At the very least, let's do our part to show the world that the people of God will not only speak about "the golden rule," but will actually live it as well. The next time you hear someone use a derogatory racial term, let them know (kindly) that you do not concur. The next time someone stereotypes a certain group or tells an off-color joke about a certain set of people, don't laugh (not even that nervous and uncomfortable laugh). This is an area where we can have a significant impact on a regular basis.

Let your light shine every day.

r2

A Balanced Life

These days, we hear about the importance of balance on a regular basis. Balanced diet, balanced bank account, balancing one's time wisely, balance beams........okay, that's one too many.

Truly, balance is a virtue. You and I should be striving for spiritual balance. The Bible says,

Therefore, be very strong to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning aside from it neither to the right hand nor to the left...
Joshua 23:6, ESV

The people of God ought to avoid extremes. We should be committed to being Biblical -- ignoring terms such as "conservative," or "liberal." Can we not simply strive to be "Biblical?" Consider a handful of practical suggestions on creating and maintaining balance:

God's people ought to be...



SELF-RELIANT, but not Self-sufficient


STEADFAST, but not Stubborn


TACTFUL, but not Timid


SERIOUS, but not Sullen


UNMOVABLE, but not Stationary


GENTLE, but not Hypersensitive


TENDERHEARTED, but not Touchy


CONSCIENTIOUS, but not Perfectionistic

r2

I've Heard Of Wolves In Sheep's Clothing, But This...

Most students of the Bible are well acquainted with Jesus' words regarding wolves in sheep's clothing (see Matthew 7:15-20), but have you ever heard of pigs in tigers' clothing? I didn't think so.

Well, prepare to be amazed. Inset at right is a photo taken at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo in Chonburi, Thailand (near Bangkok). These photos have been used in an email hoax to go along with a fabricated story about a mother tiger whose prematurely born tiger cubs all died after birth.

According to the ficticious tale (which is passed off as genuine, by the way), the keepers at a zoo in California (they didn't even use the real location) were trying to save the life of this mother tiger who went into deep depression after the death of her cubs. When they were unable to find any orphan tiger cubs, in desperation they wrapped piglets in tiger skins and encouraged her to nurse these little pigs in tigers' clothing.

As already noted, this is an inaccurate account of what the photo actually portrays. The zoo in Thailand where these animals truthfully reside is known for "creating successful relationships with animals of different species." Since this facility may more accurately be described as part zoo, part circus, these relationships are strictly for entertainment value. This same attraction features basketball playing elephants.

By the way, the mother tiger was herself nursed by a pig as an infant. This explains very well why she views pigs as family instead of prey -- companions instead of pork chops!!

Now friends, if a tiger and five helpless little piglets can live peaceably in the same envirnonment, surely so can we! The Bible says...

"If possible, so far as depends on you, live peaceably with all."
Romans 12:18, ESV

A wise person once said, "Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the ability to cope with it." If you have lived on this planet for more than five minutes, you are well aware that conflict will arise even amongst the best of friends. God is looking for peacemakers. Those who cope with conflict in a Godly manner are the true peacemakers, and the Bible says they are the ones who shall be called "sons of God" (see Matthew 5:9).

R2