iVoteValues

Biblical Values

Actions DO Speak Louder than Words

Posted by: Ksylan Christoper on September 16, 2008 Biblical Values •

My dad used to tell me to mind my actions around other people because my life may be the only Bible they ever read. This was hard for me to understand as a kid, but I know full well what he means by that now and it’s some of the best advice I think any parent can give to his or her child.

So it’s no surprise that Jesus told us, His sons and daughters: “We must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18).

Influence is everything. And where you’re strong, someone else may be weak. If others aren’t sure of what the Bible says about certain issues, we should always be ready and “prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).

When you live, think of those watching you. When you speak, be mindful of the words others may hear you say. Your actions may very well cause others to vote one way or another. So ask yourself: How am I living? Am I living in a way that others can see Christ in me? Am I responding to issues in our culture in a way that will lead people to truth in Jesus?

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Barna: ‘Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality’

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 15, 2008 Biblical Values •

I’m so fascinated by what Barna comes up with—with what his team of research gurus find out about Americans today. In a recent article titled “Young Adults and Liberals Struggle with Morality,” these were the results of yet another study:

“American society has become more intrigued by moral issues in recent years, as evidenced by the fact that 55% of adults discuss moral issues with others during a typical week. But a nationwide survey by The Barna Group indicates that Americans have also redefined what it means to do the right thing in their own lives.

“Researchers asked adults which, if any, of eight behaviors with moral overtones they had engaged in during the past week. The behaviors included exposure to pornography, using profanity in public, gambling, gossiping, engaging in sexual intercourse with someone to whom they were not married, retaliating against someone, getting drunk, and lying. A majority of adults had engaged in at least one of those eight behaviors during the past week.

“One of the most stunning outcomes from the Barna survey was the moral pattern among adults under 25. The younger generation was more than twice as likely as all other adults to engage in behaviors considered morally inappropriate by traditional standards. Their choices made even the Baby Boomers—never regarded as a paragon of traditional morality—look like moral pillars in comparison.

“According to George Barna, who directed the survey, the results reflect a significant shift in American life. ‘We are witnessing the development and acceptance of a new moral code in America,’ said the researcher and author, who has been surveying national trends in faith and morality for more than a quarter-century. ‘Mosaics (ages 18-24) have had little exposure to traditional moral teaching and limited accountability for such behavior. The moral code began to disintegrate when the generation before them—the Baby Busters (ages 25-43)—pushed the limits that had been challenged by their parents—the Baby Boomers (ages 44-62). The result is that without much fanfare or visible leadership, the U.S. has created a moral system based on convenience, feelings, and selfishness.

“The consistent deterioration of the Bible as the source of moral truth has led to a nation where people have become independent judges of right and wrong, basing their choices on feelings and circumstances. It is not likely that America will return to a more traditional moral code until the nation experiences significant pain from its moral choices.”

These results are scary, to say the least. And they are proof that we need to be educating our children on what’s right and wrong, what God says in His Word, and what absolute truth is. It seems many parents are more concerned with getting their kids to the next soccer practice or dance lesson than teaching them Scripture, disciplining their behavior, and protecting their eyes and ears from the filth that’s thrust their way through radio and television.

It’s time we stand up. It’s time we take responsibility and lead the next generation in the right direction. Parents should take control of their children’s upbringing. And if you’re not a parent, find a young person to mentor.

It’s time we reach out to the lost who are filling their lives with these immoralities to find temporary peace and satisfaction. It’s our job to point them to Jesus—the One who can give them hope and salvation.

Do your part before its too late.

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Remembering the Defenseless

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on September 6, 2008 Biblical Values •

It’s dark. It’s a secret. It’s usually hidden from the world. And once it’s exposed, people are disgusted to find out that another human being would do such a thing to a child. I’m talking about child abuse.

My mom is teacher and, unfortunately, she’s seen plenty of cases involving child abuse—physically, emotionally, sexually. You name it; she’s seen it. Unfortunately, one or more of the children who walk through her classroom each year are victims of it. As much as it sickens her, there’s not much she can do legally, so she resorts to the only things she knows.

During Jesus’ ministry here on earth “people were bringing babies to [Him] to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.“

Sure…we preach all day long in our churches about how to raise the children in our families. But how do we rescue and care for those who seemingly have no hope in situations they can’t get out of?

It seems that many of these children are forgotten in our society. Amidst the debates about abortion, gay rights, global warming, the war overseas, etc., it seems we’ve forgotten those in our country who are helpless victims in need of rescuing.

Just a few weeks ago, a 14-year-old disabled girl died of starvation under a Philadelphia agency’s care. Seven social workers and the girl’s mother were connected with the murder. The mayor called for reform and action within the city.

So these laws are in place and certain people are allowed to investigate abuse and neglect of children within a household. But what can we do as citizens—bystanders who are witness to these tragedies? How can we rescue the children who have no protectors and no hope?

I’m no lawyer or government official, so I’m not learned on the laws regarding this type of issue. Maybe if you’re reading this, you know full well what the legalities are of our freedom to reach in and help. And then there’s the other side of things—what can we, the church, do to get involved?

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

The life we desire vs. The life we live

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on August 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

In honor of the upcoming Olympics, I had to post a blog that somewhat related. I don’t know about you, but when I hear our national anthem and see our fellow Americans competing, giving it all they’ve got in the sports they’ve trained years for, I get a little mushy inside.

It’s also sad that I tend to only feel this kind of patriotic pride when the Fourth of July rolls around, at a hometown high school football game, or when the Olympics come every four years. Every other time, I tend to complain and analyze the problems that exist and continue to grow inside the “walls” of our great nation—especially as it relates to believers.

This has got me to thinking about what we perceive is happening and what is really happening in the hearts of believers today. It’s interesting that as I’ve been pondering this, the Barna Research Group recently came out with a report detailing what Christians—depending on the type—want most in this life.

The reality they found is that evangelical Christians, those who have committed to a personal relationship with Jesus and hold theology and doctrine that aligns directly with the Bible, were the “only group among the dozen Christian segments among which at least 90% listed as many as 6 of the 19 future-life possibilities as being ‘very desirable.’”

The things they embrace? Good health, having a close, personal relationship with God, having a clear purpose in life, living with integrity, having one spouse for life, being committed to their faith, being active in church, and making a difference in the world.

So with all of this, where’s the point of disconnect among the congregants in our churches between desiring these things and actually living a life that displays these things in action as the Bible directs? Why is it hard for us to live out and actually believe the truths we’re being taught?

Being patriotic and all this week, I think this is something to consider in light of our upcoming election. Is there a point of disconnect for you from the time you grasp biblical truth—whether it be in church, your home, or somewhere else—to the point you step out into the real world and live? If so, how can you begin to change your way of thinking right now?

If you do, your whole life will change.

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

The Good Citizenship Award

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on August 5, 2008 Biblical Values •

The “Good Citizenship” award. I remember getting a few of those in elementary school for my good behavior. It seemed like a big deal at the time—but not so much now.

That seemingly simple grade school reward, which you also may have received yourself, really isn’t so simple today. Peter told first-century Christians to be good citizens of Rome and to pray for their Emperor. And, really, nothing has changed. The same message is true for us—especially as believers.

He said, “Submit to every human institution because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people. As God’s slaves, [live] as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Honor the Emperor” (1 Peter 2:13-17).

Peter told us to honor our leaders and live righteously. Our country and government should know that if they can count on anyone in this world to do something good—it should be the Church, the body of Christ.

Good citizenship isn’t about living a trouble-free, low-key life, hidden away in the shadows. No, it’s about improving our communities through good works, sharing Jesus in our daily relationships through our actions and words, and living in such a way that challenges unbelievers to at least think about God.

Do you spend time praying for our leaders every day? How often do you go out of your way to do good for those around you? We’re blessed to live freely in a nation full of opportunity. How often do you take advantage of that?

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

The New America: A Melting Pot of Faiths

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 9, 2008 Biblical Values •

What do you get when you add a little bit of this belief and a dash of that religion and sprinkle some of your own understanding on top? You get a combined recipe for spiritual disaster in America.

I can’t begin to tell you how many people I’ve known throughout the duration of my life who have come to the conclusion that there is more than one path to spiritual enlightenment, God, and eternity in heaven. Some have recognized the path that took them there. Others are still clueless.

Our culture is rapidly becoming a melting pot of various faiths and beliefs. I recently read this article about it in USA Today:

“There is so much spiritual diversity and so much exposure to so many different ideas, that if people are searching for something meaningful spiritually, they often end up creating a religion of their own preferences that mixes and mingles spiritual ideas from a variety of sources. To them, the idea that there can be only one right way and only one path to one God is ludicrous. Religion today in the USA is a salad bar where people heap on upbeat beliefs they like and often leave the veggies—like strict doctrines—behind. There are so many ways of seeing God, public policy expert Barry Kosmin says that ‘the highest authority is now the lowest common denominator.’ And the wide-ranging ways people construct their spiritual lives could make the so-called religious vote unpredictable in the 2008 elections.”

The article goes on to quote statistics from a recent Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life’s U.S. Religious Landscape Survey of 35,000 Americans saying: “The survey finds U.S. adults believe overwhelmingly (92%) in God, and 58% say they pray at least once a day. But the study’s authors say there’s a “stunning” lack of alignment between people’s beliefs or practices and their professed faiths.”

This proves to be all the more reason why we need to KNOW what we believe and why we believe it so we can defend our faith and truth in our society. It is critical in the upcoming election that we know what each candidate stands for and how that lines up with God’s Word.

Is the Bible truth for you—through and through? Do you stand by it as the authority on what is true and what is false? Or do you find yourself siding with the majority of Americans who have tossed together a “mixed salad” of beliefs?

At this point, we as believers can’t afford to go along with the crowd for popularity’s sake. We must stand firm on biblical standards regardless of what the rest of the world may consider as being the latest and greatest trends.

(2) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Independence Day Reflection

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

Some people may assume our country took a turn down the moral spiral in just recent years. But the fact is, we must remember that sin has been around since Adam and Eve. Escaping persecution, our founding fathers risked their lives to fight for our freedom and lay the groundwork for a nation built upon the principles of the living God.

Just this past weekend, our nation celebrated its 232nd birthday. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved. Of the 56 signers, 17 lost their fortunes, 12 had their homes destroyed, 5 became prisoners of war, and 9 died during the war.

When Samuel Adams signed the Declaration, he said: “We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom all men ought to be obedient. He reigns in heaven and from the rising to the setting of the sun, let His kingdom come.”

And John Adams said: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. … I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost to maintain this Declaration. … Yet through all the gloom I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory.”

Maybe not all did, but those noted gave their allegiance and obedience to Creator God alone when they fought for a free land in which to worship and live. Sin existed then as it does today, but many of us have forgotten the rich history that came before us—a history that is founded upon God’s Word.

God says to us, “If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, pray and seek My face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

It seems so simple. Yet our country refuses to give honor and glory to anyone but ourselves. It’s time we initiate the “change” in our country by obeying God’s commands.

Take time to seek God, stand firm on the truth of His Word, and daily pray for our upcoming election, the candidates, and our government, military, education system, media, businesses, churches, and families.

Source: www.americanminute.com

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Independence Day Reflection

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on July 7, 2008 Biblical Values •

It seems so simple. Yet our country refuses to give honor and glory to anyone but ourselves. It’s time we initiate the “change” in our country by obeying God’s commands.

Source: www.americanminute.com

(0) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Family Breakdowns: Is the church to blame?

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on June 4, 2008 Biblical Values •

Baptist Press published an interesting story last week titled: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27992>“Family breakdown costs $112 billion.” If you haven’t read this story and still don’t know exactly what I’m referring to, let me give you a synopsis of what has been uncovered.

The story stated, “High rates of divorce and unmarried childbearing costs U.S. taxpayers at least $112 billion each year, making marriage enrichment a legitimate policy concern, a first-of-its-kind study sponsored by four public policy and research groups said.”

Basically, taxpayers are paying for anti-poverty, criminal justice, and education programs, and for those who have been negatively affected by divorce or by being an unwed parent.

In the article written by Erin Roach, Ben Scafidi, lead researcher and economics professor at Georgia College & State University, is quoted as saying, “Prior research shows that marriage lifts single mothers out of poverty and therefore reduces the need for costly social benefits. This new report shows that public concern about the decline of marriage need not be based only on ‘moral’ concerns, but that reducing high taxpayer costs of family fragmentation is a legitimate concern of government, policymakers and legislators, as well as community reformers and faith communities.”

Are the high prices we have to pay because of our fault? Or is it the government’s fault for not putting enough priority in this area?

The BP News story said, “Public officials for years have given little attention to trends of divorce and out of wedlock births, dismissing them as social problems, the researchers said, but the study suggests marriage is more than a moral or social institution—it is an economic institution as a generator of social and human capital.”

Aside from the proposed “marriage enrichment” seminars to encourage healthy marriages, what are other ways the church can reach out to single parents—those who are victims of divorce and those who had children out of wedlock? Can the church do better job educating and counseling couples before they “tie the knot”? How better can we impact our culture with the message of hope and importance of family than what we’ve already established?

The most important question may be: Have we overlooked this area of concern to the point where it has become accepted in our culture as a way of life? If so, how do we fix it? Is it a church issue or a government issue?

(1) Comments | Permalink | Tell a Friend |

Tags:

Popularity Contest vs. Election Process

Posted by: Kaylan Christopher on June 2, 2008 Biblical Values •

In high school, I remember running for the position of Vice President in the Student Council. Back then, it was a big deal to go all out when campaigning. I remember hanging posters, handing out flyers, and coming up with catchy slogans to get the attention of the student body.

But what I remember most is thinking, “I have to gain the approval of my classmates, so I need to make sure I’m putting on the right face and attitude in front of each person until Election Day.”

It’s true. Our election was a popularity contest. If people liked me, then they would vote for me. It didn’t matter what I promised or didn’t promise to do for them the next school year. It didn’t matter if I didn’t regularly hang out with all the various demographics populated around campus. All that mattered was that if they knew and liked “Kaylan” more than the other person I was up against, then I’d get their votes and win the election.

Luckily, my opponent dropped out of the race at the last minute, so being the only person on the ballot, I was a shoe-in.

Remembering how seemingly intense I thought the school elections were back then made me think of how insignificant and petty that particular process really was. Ultimately, my position as Vice President turned out to be a glorified “party planner” for school events. But I think it’s safe to say that this could be loosely compared and discussed next to today’s elections.

Many times, it seems that today’s election process is also nothing more than a popularity contest. This thought, in itself, should cause us to consider whether or not we’re voting on the person because he or she is likable or on the values, morals, and standards he or she believes in and endorses.

Each time you vote, throw out the popularity factor and focus on the integrity, character, and beliefs of the candidate. Do these things match up with godliness? Does the candidate uphold biblical principles in line with God’s Word? Or are you voting on him or her simply because he has a great smile and a way with the people?