Today’s Thought “My Opinions, Constrained” G. Ward

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

Faith is difficult; particularly as we abide in a divided land. The many perspectives of man remains entirely arguable and those deemed persuasive, receive trophies from great crowds (cf. 1 Cor.1:1-8). Sadly, elaboration from higher intelligence created documents lacking cultural relevance onto some residents hundreds of years later, with claimants of all-inclusive while sanctioning owning people and when that portion was dissolved, created a grandiose oppression thereafter that limited a segment of society freedom their progeny wouldn’t contemplate.

We’re now insatiated with similar echoes from Israel (1 Sa.8) that demanded “Give us a king” which translates our idolatrous mindsets haven’t cured thousands of years later. There’s a faction seemingly more faithful than the aforementioned that hope more days existed like July 4^th that includes incessant chants of “God Bless America” than desire for Easter Sunday with songs of introspection like “Amazing Grace” and when any cease to become perfect facsimiles therein, they abhor the land.

As a preacher I don’t struggle with teaching any the highest regard in imitating Jesus (*Eph.5:1-2), but I must be reminded of Christ’s insistence unto those HE loves to “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. ¹⁴ For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there ARE FEW who find it.”