Just say yes or no but never maybe

Terry Dashner (www.ffcba.org)

The story is told of an American tourist in Russia who was visiting the Moscow Zoo for
the first time. To his amazement he found a little lamb sharing the same cage that
housed a fierce looking bear. The tourist expressed surprise to his Russian guide.
The guide smiled and said, "That is peaceful coexistence." When the tourist
shook his head doubtfully, the guide reluctantly went on to explain, "Of
course we have to put in a fresh lamb every morning."

Many times in life questions come to us that require a "yes" or a "no" answer, but we prefer a "maybe." Yes and no cannot coexist together. We may speak one or the other, but to blend them together on principles is to compromise. And although compromise is necessary in a Democracy, compromise of righteous standards by a Christian is never good. Some things in life are just wrong and must be answered with a resounding "NO!" We must say no to a temptation to love God only occasionally. The Bible says to love Him always with all one's heart, soul, and mind. We must say no to the temptation to put other things before God. The Bible says that we should never put other "things" before God. Any and all "things" that take precedent over God are idols. We must never lower the name of God by using it in a mundane or vulgar way. To blaspheme the name of God is wrong. Murder is wrong, Adultery is wrong. Stealing is wrong--I think you get the point.

If we see injustice being done in society and remain quiet--not wanting to get involved--that is wrong. The Bible says to him who knows to do well and doesn't to him that is sin. We live in a world that is looking for somebody to stand up for what is right. Generally the world doesn't want to hear that it is wrong and will denounce any resistance. But overall, a man or woman who stands up for right will be respected. The Bible also declares that it's okay to suffer persecution for doing right; however, if you suffer incarceration because you did evil then the magistrate is required to serve you with judgment.

The Bible is for law and order. Make no mistake about that. And where there is law and order there is leadership, harmony, and general peace. It is good to obey the laws of the land. It is rebellion against God to disobey them. We can say "yes" to right living. We can say "no" to wrong. But we should never suspend judgment with a "maybe" when we know what is right and what is wrong.

Standing on principles is the right thing to do. When something is a matter of taste, a compromise will work; however, a matter of morality is either right or wrong. It's never right to do evil against your neighbor, yet you may disagree over his choice of shrubbery. One is a matter of principle, and the other is a matter of taste. Not everyone wants red carpet in the community center; therefore, a compromise is worked out. But everyone should be against burning the community center down because it's an eye sore. What is wrong is wrong either for conscience sake or for the law's sake. And what is right by conscience or law is right and good for all.

Keep the faith. Stay the course. Jesus is coming again. Pastor T.