Remembering Charlotte Digges Moon

I have been a Southern Baptist for my entire life (35 years), I’ve been a minister in a Southern Baptist church for 11 1/2 years, and somehow, in all that time, the story of Charlotte Digges Moon has eluded me. And I think I am a lesser person for it.

It is simultaneously inspiring and convicting to reflect on the life of this incredible servant. I read how she cared for the ill and the indigent out of her own pocket, worked tirelessly to promote China missions among Southern Baptists, ministered to persecuted Christians with little regard for her own safety, and ultimately lost her life by refusing to eat because those around her had nothing to eat. I thought to myself, “Missionaries like Lottie are a rare breed. They must be wired differently that the rest of us.” What an unfortunate thought.

Lottie Moon was simply living as her Lord had called her to live. We remember her life as extraordinary, an exceptional life lived for Christ. But should Lottie Moon’s life be the exception rather than the rule? Can we really be comfortable with the disparity between the life of the typical 21st century Christian and that of a revered and highly-esteemed few?

As difficult as it was for her, Lottie Moon learned to put her own desires in subjection to the will of the Father. When asked by her neice if she had ever been in love, Moon replied,

Yes, but God had first claim on my life, and since the two conflicted, there could be no question about the result.

Sacrifice is a concept that is lost on many, if not most, 21st century Christians, particularly in America. But perhaps sacrifice is the difference between living an ordinary life for Christ and an extraordinary life for Christ.

Practically speaking, does God have first claim on your life?

To read the biography of Lottie Moon, click the link below.

Lottie Moon Bio

One More Reason to Dislike KLOVE

I find it ironic that one of the main promoters of Christian ‘worship music,’ KLOVE, is caught up in the wonder and majesty that is ’American Idol’.  I seem to recall that God is a jealous God, vehemently opposed to idolatry.  He’s probably not too pleased with a show that’s sole purpose it to create another idol for America to worship.  I suspect He is even less pleased when air time purchased by money given to make His Name known is used to sing the praises of ‘American Idol’ like it’s the best thing since sliced manna.

This morning, their conversation centered on the fact that, apparently (can’t say for sure ’cause I don’t watch), one or more of the contestants performed a ‘Christian’ song.  They went on and on, gushing about how great it was that Jesus was being mentioned on ‘American Idol,’ marvelling that such a song would even be allowed the show.  The conversation reached its peak (in absurdity) when one of the hosts, I believe it was John Rivers, made an allusion to last night’s program, calling it ‘the Christian version of American Idol.’

Kinda oxymoronic, don’tcha think?

At Least She’s Honest

Last week my lovely daughter Elyse startled her mother and me when she announced to us:

“I’m tired of Jesus dying on the cross.”

We were quick to explain the importance and necessity of Jesus’ death (though I’m not sure a three-year-old can fully grasp substitutionary atonement or propitiation), wanting to underscore how important Jesus was to us.  She left, as satisfied as a questioning three-year-old can be, and went about playing with her little brother. 

Reflecting on her statement, I observed the following:

- her childish sentiments are not unlike the vast majority of evangelicals today, leading to a church culture in which the Gospel is not proclaimed, but rather assumed…

- her statement indicates that although she doesn’t understand all the implications, we have at least been effective in communicating that Jesus did die on the cross…

- her weariness with the message of the death of Christ on the cross tells me that she is hearing about it often, both at home and at church – and that’s a good thing!

I pray that as she begins to grasp the magnitude of Christ’s death, it will become sweet to her ear and dear to her heart.  May the same be true for us as well.

Thoughts on Freedom of Speech

The First Amendment of the US Constitution prohibits Congress from making laws that abridge the freedom of speech.

We would do well to differentiate between freedom of speech and free speech.

Freedom of speech is the right of every American to speak in favor of or in opposition to the government. The First Amendment was written to prohibit Congress from silencing detractors through legislation.

Free speech is the idea that we can publicly express our views, ideas, or beliefs with no accountability, consequence, or reprisal. This idea of free speech is wrongfully understood to be protected by the Constitution; in reality, it doesn’t even exist.

We are free to speak what is in our hearts and on our minds. But though we speak without governmental restraint, we must understand that what we say often comes with a great cost.