keep your options open

Recently, a progressive (for the lack of a better label) "friend" on Facebook posted this cute little image meant to cast doubt on the existence of God. I have seen many of these juvenile attempts to mock Christianity - most often passed on by those who have never even considered that there could be a being greater than themselves and certainly unwilling to accept rules of behavior that might spoil their fun.

What really caught my attention about this particular post was that the individual responsible for spreading this idiocy has very serious health issues and has recently undergone major life saving surgery.  My suggestion that I posted in response was a very concise heads up.

"One might think that someone who has extreme health issues would be more careful about what he mocked."

He came back with a very lengthy humanist answer making no apologies for his arrogance and included a couple purpose driven gender remarks, lots of "ifs", and a very dangerous "opt out" statement.  Without knowing for sure...just because you don't believe in something doesn't mean it does not exist.  Having almost died recently, this individual should really consider keeping all his options open.  Unfortunately, too many people don't realize how easy it is to come to know Christ and to know for sure He is real.  

"Here’s the deal: I’m a pretty good person. I don’t cheat or steal. I don’t bear false witness. I help my neighbor every chance I get. I do not hold grudges. I don’t hurt humans or animals. I try to see the best in everyone.

I don’t care what color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation my friends espouse. I believe in equality for all, fairness for all, opportunity for all. I don’t believe any one person walking this earth is worth more than any other.

I haven’t killed anyone, I haven’t endorsed killing anyone.

I have lied, much to my shame. I pulled some pranks in my youth I regret. I made some decisions in my adulthood that I deeply regret. I’ve held opinions that were wrong, I’m sure I hold opinions that are wrong today. I’ve made mistakes, but I’m pretty damned sure I’m a good person who will leave a legacy of decency. As will my wife, my brothers and their families, and my friends.

My main mission in life, other than making life wonderful for my wife, is doing everything in my power to leave this a better, a more-caring world. I believe in love for all mankind, I believe in the advancement of all mankind. I do not believe in elites – human or god.

I believe there is a supreme being; there has to be to explain what we our humble race hasn’t been able to wrap it’s collective brain around.

That said, if there is a supreme being and he or she doesn’t think that’s enough, if he or she is offended by something I say in pursuit of fairness for all, if he or she demands unquestioning obedience and faith, if that supreme being allows the horrors that have swept this planet during the reign of human beings, then I don’t care to be associated with that entity.

I choose to hope our supreme being is just and honorable and makes no judgments based on religious rules and regulations propagated by men with agendas. For what it’s worth, I believe in the teachings of men such as Jesus and Buddha, both of whom (and others) could quite possibly be representatives of a supreme being.

If we are being judged, I believe judgment reflects what we’ve done on Earth, not on some blind faith.

As to my health, I believe none of us gets out of this alive. I believe an afterlife is possible, but have my doubts. I don’t believe in hell. To me, hell is a crutch used by vengeful, angry people.

I believe I’m an old man who has decided I am not going to my grave saying: “I wish I’d stood firm in my beliefs. I wish I’d spoken up.”

If I’m wrong, at least I’ve been as true to myself as I can." 

Matthew 7:21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.