Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Hate

Today marks an event in history that will influence the operative march of our nation’s defense. In a 65-31 vote from members of both parties the Clinton instituted policy “don’t ask, don’t tell” was repealed allowing homosexuals to join the ranks of our military. In opposition to many defense leaders’ advice to senior officials the ban was lifted along with any pending charges/investigations on GLBT service members as directed to the Pentagon by Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid.

I don’t find it necessary to further lament my audacious repugnance for this appeal. I’m sure most of you readers already know too well my thoughts on the matter. So here’s my teeth-gritting response to the cockamamie behavior that took place in Washington today.

Anyone who’s negotiated this issue with me knows that though I am opposed to the repeal of DADT I do believe that service members should be able to serve openly in the military. Again, just because I feel this way doesn’t mean I think it’s a good idea for the government to allow the floodgates open to GLBT. The adverse impact it will have on our training, morale, living conditions, recruitment, retention, and many other elements that contribute to our structure will compromise our combat readiness. This is my educated opinion supported by the thoughts and concerns of countless service members along with seven years of service completed by myself.

Personally I wouldn’t have an issue training with a homosexual. I mean I completed an advanced martial arts class with a female granted she was the only Marine in my weight class and she kicked my butt but that’s besides the point. I think it’s inaccurate to assume that because a man is gay it automatically means he will become aroused by performing hand-to-hand combat training with another. The chances of a woman and man having that issue are slim and I feel the odds will be the same. However, in the event one does get “turned on” by the other in a training event I’d hope assertive disciplinary actions would take place. DADT was established by former President Bill Clinton in response to the brutal murder of U.S. Navy Sailor Allen R. Schindler by an irate and disgruntled Airman Terry M. Helvey who quoted to hate homosexuals. Schindler is spending life in prison at Leavenworth.

A personal plea to my fellow service members:

You’ve come far, you’ve conquered obstacles that most will never know. You’ve laughed in dominance while facing the impossible. You’ve overcome difficulties introduced to few. You’ve shown strength and perseverance at times that kill. This is because of your honorary commitment. A commitment to excellence that you vowed to display. A commitment to protection that you obliged your country. A commitment to the service member to your left and right to have their back and bring them home to their loved ones. DO NOT allow this to negate or disrupt your commitment. I urge you to accept those of various orientations as fellow Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Sailors. To discriminate based on orientation alone is foolish. I don’t agree with the appeal of DADT but those who made the decision aren’t the ones fighting the wars. You’re bigger than them and far more honorable. Be the bigger person, accept those who will now be joining your ranks, and serve with them upholding the same pride and valor than before. Any of you who oppose this plea and act hostilely towards GLBT are showing weakness and have compromised your commitment.

It is my prayer and therefore my hope that the outcome of this law be divinely met and that the leaders of our armed forces act in a civil, assertive, humble, and just manner.


…yes, I said cockamamie

Frog Soup and Patriotism

We’re all familiar with the boiling frog theory. You put a frog in boiling water and he’ll jump out. You put a frog in room temp water over a flame and he’ll swim around till he cooks. Do we see this happening in our government? Many would say so. I think we’re ok right now personally. Some would say the Patriot Act was a hinge point and how they violated the Constitution by creating it…which is not he case but we’ll discuss that in a minute. However, this new issue caused me to raise an eyebrow. Z Backscatter Van (ZBV) are not the most recent inventions but more recently have been produced in an operative tempo far beyond their original purpose. The picture above is a ZBV. It doesn’t look much different than your standard moving van and definitely doesn’t display any indicators that there are x-ray cameras inside operated by two men. That’s right- the cameras are disguised and are engineered to see through clothes, cars, and even houses! The original purpose was to assign ZBVs in areas that merited observance in such a concealed manner i.e. borders, military installations, crime scenes etc. But now they’re going through neighborhoods at random without the consent of the citizens nor the authority of a court order. Now, does that make me mad? Not really. I have nothing to hide and anything that could be considered an embarrassment is only seen by few professionals so whatever. I’ve shown worse to doctors haha…sorry, moving on! So yes, that is in fact a violation of the Constitution which is the only thing that makes me angry. So, I’m done discussing the ZBVs. I want to discuss an issue that many have said is the reason we’re having these problems. The funnel I discussed earlier that has supposedly created a gradual increase in government control. The USAPATRIOT Act of 2001. Yes, it’s spelled that way. Contrary to common knowledge it’s an acronym! Uniting And Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. A very effective yet controversial move made by the government to seize any propaganda that may elude to an act of terrorism. The boundaries have been broadened for law enforcement agencies to investigate personnel who are possible subjects or affiliates of a crime, or crime to be. Many citizens all the way up to the political realm have deemed such an act to be “unconstitutional” by violating our rights of privacy. I asked many who opposed the Act what the constitution says about our right to privacy and some didn’t even know. Others gave very intelligent sounding answers that were so inaccurate. “Invasion of privacy!” “My rights are being violated!” “The Constitution says they can’t come in my home!”…Ignorance! Do you know what elements of infraction must be met to constitute “invasion”? The government has every right to search ones living space given an appropriate court order such as a search warrant. Amendment 6 states that we have the right to be secure in our persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Yea, I copied it. Did you see that thing about the warrant? Guess what folks- contrary to popular belief the Patriot Act isn’t random. It is used in conjunction with Amendment 6. If cops have reason to believe someone is an affiliate of a crime and the absence of their investigation could result in an adverse manner well then they obtain probable cause, take it to the appropriate authorities, be granted a warrant so their justified.
Here’s a line that infuriates me: “I’d rather sacrifice safety for freedom”. That doesn’t even make sense! You can’t have one without the other! Your safety is purchased with the brave men and women who are on the front lines of danger domestically and abroad. They keep you safe so you can have your blessed freedom! “Freedom isn’t free” we’ve all heard it. Without your safety you won’t be free, without surveillance and acts of intel ops such as the Patriot Act you won’t be safe. Therefore it is a poor argument. Rather sacrifice…psh! I bet people in New York City aren’t using that line! Who remembers last year (Sept ’09) when that haji and his dad planned to bomb NYC? I was assigned to the presidential protective detail (HMX-1) at the time and had fellow Marines there at the time awaiting Obama’s arrival. A rail system, sports stadium, and a building of high occupancy were the targets and its New York folks so do the math…that’s a lot of casualties. An FBI spokesman said that their primary line of defense was the Patriot Act, specifically phone line tapping. Potentially thousands of people would have been toast- but who cares, right? We want our freedom, we want our civil liberties, we want we want we want or we’re gonna kick and scream like a child at K-Mart. God forbid the government catch us picking our nose!
Instead of focusing on the government let’s take a look at ourselves and see how selfish we’ve become. The USAPATRIOT Act of 2001 was a reaction to the attacks of September 11th. The Act was published within days of the attacks. Think about if we were a bit more observant prior to. Think about how our shallow desires can cause such an influence. You can search any part of my house, car, office space whatever. If such measures cause a safer environment then so be it. Just a thought…

Irresistible Revolution

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover. For the most part I’d agree with that…but you can judge a book by its author and you can assume the content based on its affiliates. That’s why off the bat I was hesitant to read Shane Claiborne’s “Irresistible Revolution” because of those who advertised their support for this book. The foreword writer, Jim Wallis, has for years been an eye sore to the lost and has behaved in ways that aren’t necessarily consistent with Christianity. He’s been arrested over twenty times for civil disobedience, holds tight to the Christian left (which I have a hard time believing in), and is a spiritual advisor to Obama (and if you’re up to date on them you’d understand why he’s not in my “favorites” category), Rob Bell (Need I say more?), Brian McLaren, the big cheese of the emergent church etc. Plus I knew the gist of this book and from reading the foreword and other brief synopsis’ I gathered it to be another love, love, love book with a watered-down gospel and scriptural perversion. However, that wasn’t enough- I had to dig deeper and read it for myself…and by doing so it affirmed my theory that you can in fact judge a book by its author or those associated with them. Shane obviously has a zealous heart that he aims toward reaching the poor and oppressed which is highly admirable but such passion can be neutralized or worse counter productive when it conflicts with the scriptural guidance we’ve been given. One example is his actions during the Operation: Iraqi Freedom orientation AKA “Shock and Awe” when he was on the frontlines of the Baghdad bombing in March ’03 not to be confused with a service member but a claimed advocate for Jesus as he went around witnessing in a combat zone that was, in my opinion, rightfully being destroyed. Now, is this gonna me complaining about some anti-war lib and rantin’ and raving over whether or not we should be there?...not so much but more so trying to balance out this inaccurate portrait of Christ that Claiborne and his pacifist pantomimes have painted. This book is offensive to me. VERY offensive to me. I was in coffee bean merely educating myself on what Claiborne had to say and as I reached the end I read a part that made me want to throw this book across the room. Claiborne discusses his journey to Iraq and makes some comments that hurt me so badly. If you know someone who perished in a combat zone or if you have any sense of patriotism or yearning for justice…then it’ll hurt you too. I tear'd up as I read the following passage:

“I am going to Iraq to stand in the way of war. Thousands of soldiers have gone to Iraq, willing to kill people they do not know
because of a political allegiance. I go willing to die for people I do not know because of a spiritual allegiance.”

WHO DOES THIS GUY THINK HE IS!?!? A political allegiance!? Nobody was drafted to Iraq, pal! Sure they swore in but they decided to swear in as a voluntary means to establish justice among the nations and protection to our country! This guy makes me want to puke! Who is he to judge the motive of our brave service members!? Hey Claiborne- maybe, JUST maybe, our guardian troops have answered the call to duty because they know that they can make a difference in a young Iraqi kid’s life. Ever see the children on the streets of Iraq holding up signs saying, “thank you USA” “Thank you US Troops” and yes even “Thank you Mr. Bush”…how bout that? The kids of Iraq walk the streets innocently with the fear of being shot merely because a terrorist stubbed his toe. If we don’t do anything about this then they’ll continue to be killed (that’s love, right?) See the photos below before you assume the military is a bunch of animals on a mission to kill with no regard for justice or morality.

“There are Muslim and Christian extremists who are willing to kill for their gods.”

What!? I can understand the Muslim part but where do you get the Christian part? I don’t know about that…I wouldn’t call them Christians. He also states that war is a “myth of redemptive violence”. Shane, God lead men into battle. He did I promise you he did. It’s in the Bible. DO NOT tell me that just because it’s in the Old Testament that it doesn’t apply. SPARE me the argument. What part of Christ fulfilling the law negates the method of war? Oh, and I do believe Romans is still in the New Testament so why not check out chapter 13 and start from the beginning.

Friends, I encourage you all to be weary of such authors. Many of whom write sugar coated messages with concepts that are pleasing to the ear but are not accurate and are not what people need to hear. Please make sure that before you pick up any “Christian living” book that you have taken time to read your Bible, spent time in prayer, and have been silent before the Lord in obedience and acceptance to his Spirit.

Racial Reconciliation vs. Kingdom Reconciliation

This note was written in responce to a chapel I attended at Biola University where I plan on attending next spring. This note is in no way intended to slander Biola but to approach this stirred up craze of "racial conflict" that the body of Christ so frequently entertains...enjoy!

It’s Chapel, 9:30 a.m. in the Calvary Chapel building. Three students begin the service with prayer and two worships songs, one in English and one in Spanish. After that three different students individually take the stage and give their testimony as a student of a particular race. One was African-American, one was Hispanic, and the third Caucasian.
Forgive me in advance if I use a term to identify a particular race that isn’t considered to be “politically correct”. My intentions are the purest. As the students were speaking one topic that the minority races both discussed was the desire to be treated entirely like anyone else. No special attention, no special treatment, nothing more or less than the average white kid. I imagine this desire is consistent throughout all races across campus, at least it should be. I would expect nothing less than the utmost in respect delivered to and from fellow students regardless of their racial background. However, in what way are we granting students of various races the equality and “normal life” that they desire by having these services? How is it not special treatment to specify multiple days out of the year and furthermore substituting chapel (a time to sing praises to God and meditate on his Word) to recognize them and talk about how we can treat them better? I can’t escape the thought that these behaviors are counter-productive to equal opportunity and to the desires that these students have so clearly communicated. At the same time though I approach the minorities and hold their feet to the fire by asking them why we have BSA (Black Student Association), BASA (Biola Asian Student Association), Korean Association of Biola, Hispanic clubs etc. You’re creating the very source of what you denounce! Question, would I be in good state to start a “white club”? I think not! I would permanently be labeled a racist…but why? Why am I now the racist when we clearly have a whole list of race-specific clubs on campus? This is hypocrisy, affectation and a deceitful means of attention seeking on many parts.

So what is the solution? Simple…

A little background on me before I continue... My name is John Reid. Biola is kind of in my family having a sister and two aunts who’ve graduated from here. I’m a prospective student as well but have been an active duty Marine for the past six years. The last four of which I’ve spent attached to a Presidential security detail out of Washington D.C. This duty has given me the opportunity to travel inter-state as well as internationally where ever the president goes. I co-lead the college/career group at my Church and have a passion for missions. My plans right now are to major in Philosophy then go to Talbot. I want to pursue a career in ministry. What in particular? Not sure…I want to write and speak so the combination of those in ministry…sigh…time/God will tell.

Anyways, the solution…

As stated above I’m a leader in the church and very well understand the complexity and energy it takes to manage programs for students therefore I can relate to what all goes into creating these “racial reconciliation” events. My friends, if we channeled all of this energy and effort towards learning how to live like Christ then all of the pieces (including racism) will surely fall into place! If we practice the fruits of the spirit and earnestly seek righteousness to the point where we have no other desire but to emulate the life of Christ then these issues of racism won’t need to be addressed! Do you see where we’ve substituted growth and development in righteousness for generic subjects that shouldn’t be an issue for Christ followers!? “But they are issues for Christ followers” one would say. Well, yea because we’ve fallen away from good old Bible teaching and accountability! I can’t stress enough that daily devotion to prayer and scripture will boost your walk with the Lord and will allow no less than the spirit of God to be evident in our every day lives. This is the real issue folks. Quit your race-specific clubs, quit complaining about racism, quit being racist and remember that regardless of race, nationality, cultural background etc. we all belong to one club and that is the Kingdom of God. How about we claim that club and do everything we can to ensure it is NOT secluded but that all can learn how to join!

Be Blessed my siblings in Christ!
John

Philippians 1:9-11"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God."
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The Kingdom's Generation of Tomorrow

A few days ago I returned from Passion 2010. The four day conference consists of many well known speakers and praise bands and allots time for small groups to meet and reflect. White attending I kept mulling over the thought that we as the "kingdom's generation of tomorrow" are horribly unprepared. We have many recourses such as "Christian Living" books, praise bands, mentors etc. and though they are all being utilized to great extends there is still a terrible neglect of two major tools: The Bible and Prayer. Seriously folks, we are SO enthusiastic for reading the popular books by the popular authors who right ABOUT Christianity yet we neglect the very book and author who are the FOUNDATION of Christianity! When you read these books they all reference the Bible...so you'd think there's something good in there, no? Hmm...yet it still collects dust. I think we cater too much to the youth of today in the name of love yet fail them by not exposing the entire capacity of it. This capacity of which I speak is the aggressive, direct kind of love. The kind that says, "I'm willing to accept some tension in our friendship if it results from me throwing some truth at you that will ultimately benefit you in the end!" I can't stand "contemporary love". The kind of love that only displays the kind and sweet emotions. Now I know that sounds weird but what about being firm? What about instilling some self-discipline in a fellow believer that will greatly and positively influence their walk with the Lord ultimately influencing those who they encounter and so the pyramid builds on. When we dish out one side of love we distribute an unbalanced collection of emotion that inaccurately trains our mentees or our "Joshuas" to carry on the torch of discipleship. I'm a fan of gettin' in a face when a face needs gettin' into and layin some law down! If a friend comes up to me saying he's struggling in his walk with the Lord first thing I'm gonna ask him is if he's been in the word and in prayer. If he says no then the problem is solved most, if not all the time. How sad is it that reading the Bible isn't cool? Oh sure reading Rob Bell, Francis Chan, John Piper etc. that's cool, I mean you're just not "hip" if you're not reading them...but the minute someone brings up something they read in the Bible the conversation starts to die. Now I have my favorite authors and I'm all about Christian Living books, however, they become no better than a CD or a magazine that you have to be 18+ to order when they start to replace the time you're spending in the Word of God. Prayer and scripture are the answers to most of your questions. It's simple. I mean to have further questions is normal and fine but for a lot of problems out their the cure is right in black and white...and in some cases red lol

I find it sad that these conferences have become so much about Self. The social aspect of these things is fun yes but when that becomes the motive for attending...when who else is going determines if you're going...it's just so disrespectful. It's basically saying, "Who wants to go to the conference to Glorify God?" and then basing your attendance on your friends’ answers. It broke my heart to see students so enthralled in worship during a band's performance and so passionately crying out to Jesus...yet later that same evening neglecting a friend, gossiping, being blatantly disrespectful to authority...it makes me question the legitimacy behind their "worship". For me to say that may sound very sketchy but so is imitating worship. To me if the Holy Spirit was in you to the point where you couldn't help but raise your hands, close your eyes, and shout the name of Jesus then the little things would fall into place. It's like the individual who goes on a mission trip to a third world country yet neglects his own family...it just doesn't make sense and does NOT reflect Christ.

Now, you're probably asking yourself why I'm writing this after just coming back from an amazing time at Passion 2010. Listen, I had a great time there. The speakers were inspiring, the bands led worship very well and my time with friends was encouraging. I'm just saying that I think it's more important to fix the problems right now than to go on saying everything is peachy...

You may criticize me for saying this or accuse me of judging but if you hear anything hear this question...what if the same message you just read came from an unbeliever?

Turn to God and Live!

I was privileged to attend Liberty University’s graduation last weekend. For the past four years LU has served as a haven for me to escape to for a few days to visit friends and absorb the Christ centered atmosphere. Many of my friends just graduated so it was a fun opportunity to see them all again before they leave. The commencement speaker this year was Fox News commentator and personal political role model Glenn Beck. I’ve been a fan of Beck for a while now as anyone who knows me well can vouch but have only seen him share from a political standpoint. To hear him speak of his faith, share his testimony, give spiritual advice…my admiration for the man went through the roof. The concern, affection, and guidance that was so passionately displayed was very inspirational and clearly reflected the love of Christ. The spirit of shepherding that he clearly demonstrated is highly indicative of his character and is a comforting witness to fellow believers. I’m going to take a minute to kindly slander the media. This liberal community who selfishly and dishonestly portrays an inaccurate picture of Beck is only embarrassing itself (once again) when the truth is presented. I’ve seen multiple excerpts from Beck’s shows that are taken way out of context but the ignorance of many will take it and run with it regardless. I hope his commencement speech makes its way around Youtube and other networks as fast as these “excerpts” do. For those of you who have something against Glenn because of something he said I encourage you to quit being so narrow minded and watch the entire episode vice a 45 second Youtube clip posted by some lib who doesn’t even know left from right (pun intended). Also- check out his story, see where he’s coming from, and you may see that his theories are consistent with…truth. I'm not writing this merely to praise Beck but to expose a figure and message that's been twisted. I wa s honored as well as the students and staff of Liberty were honored to have him speak.

My friend, Chris, joined me on the road trip to LU and attended the ceremony. The following Sunday as he was leading worship he mentioned a line from Beck’s speech, “Turn to God and live” (regarding the turmoil in our nation now) and sited Beck as the author. Chris was recently emailed and criticized for quoting Beck in church. Are you kidding me!?!? Are we copy writing mere phrases now!? Beck also quoted scripture! Is the Bible now inert text that we can’t use in Church!? Look- I’m not the biggest fan of the man running the show in DC right now but I certainly wouldn’t discredit wise judgment merely because it came from him! This is the problem folks! We need to look at the big picture here. I've attached links to the commencement ceremoney if anyone would like to watch below. They're in chronological order. Enjoy!

“Someone you meet today is afraid and suffereing. Find them, find them everyday and comfort them” –Glenn Beck, Liberty University’s Graduation Commencement Ceremoney 2010

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NoFYUCKLkc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k1UUcPIxZI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Poj1OaSRf0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4rwEEGbGu4

General McChrystal's Dismissal

I wrote this note in response to President Obama’s decision to relieve General Stanley McChrystal of duties as Commander USFOR-A. The first segment is primarily quotes that very much offended me and my responses. Asterisks have been placed to establish a quote. The bottom half is my primary body of gab

*"It is fundamentally wrong to set policy on war by asking the Generals, 'do you want more troops?' That's like asking Wall Street, 'do you want more money?' That's like asking my five-year-old twins, 'do you want more candy?'" -Rep. Alan Grayson

Are you kidding me Grayson!?!? You're comparing giving your adolescents candy to supplying a General with the appropriate amount of troops to win a war!? The General was assigned by the Commander-in-Chief to carry out his intent for the mission in Afghanistan. The confidence that Obama had in him came from an extremely prestigious military record and recommendations from other senior defense leaders. General McChrystal has served near 35 years as a Special Forces officer in the Army, is well educated in civilian and military war colleges, and has obviously served in a successful and impacting manner. Stars on the shoulder aren't merely issued like combat gear, pal. Chances are he knows a thing or two more than you regarding war.

*"McChrystal has to go. But after that, we have to make our decisions on war and peace based on what's right for America, not what's right for the generals, or Halliburton, or Blackwater. Not what's right for the military-industrial complex. But rather, what's right for us." -Rep. Alan Grayson

If you want what's right for American then how bout you support the Generals who carry the colors onto the battlefield. They make it happen! Your above statement is so contradictory! What's best for America right now is to ensure the demolition of our adversaries who attacked AMERICA'S soil on 9/11 and by doing so deterring any other prospective enemy from imitating them.

*"The conduct represented in the recently published article does not meet the standard that should be set by a commanding general. It undermines the civilian control of the military that is at the core of our democratic system. And it erodes the trust that's necessary for our team to work together to achieve our objectives in Afghanistan."..."I don't make this decision based on any difference in policy with General McChrystal, as we are in full agreement about our strategy. Nor do I make this decision out of any sense of personal insult. Stan McChrystal has always shown great courtesy and carried out my orders faithfully. I've got great admiration for him and for his long record of service in uniform."

Sooo what you’re saying, Mr. President, is that his strategies, policies, and subordination are all consistent with the relationship that a General and President should have? Alright…well, this just proves that the primary reason for McChrystal’s dismissal is based on his lack of tact when talking to the Press and because of some snide remarks he made towards Obama’s administration. O-M-G! Seriously!? Are we that spineless!? Are we this elementary and thin-skinned that we’re taking out top military leaders with the most militia experience because of a few wise cracks!? I understand military structure and issues of respect- got it, believe me- but it should in NO WAY be a basis for dismissal. If we’re gonna fire people because they flipped a peer off then you may as well fire 99% of the military. My point in writing this is to show that this isn't about war, democracy, or (fill in the blank). It's another element of evidence displayed by our thin skinned and overly pompous leader we have in the White House.

Mr. President and those who support him in this case hear this: For years now siblings in arms have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and for the brothers and sisters to the left and right of them on the battlefied. You take a man who has served in Special Forces (the elite fighting element of the US Army) for most of his career and who has seen and done more than you'd ever wish to know and then NOT pardon him for having some disagreements with his superiors who are telling him how to fight a war when they have no experience themselves!? That's like a well trained and experienced medical doctor being told how to conduct a procedure by a business man and then expecting the doctor to comply even considering the risk of the individual's life! Look, if someone is brave and loyal enough to hover over a grenade to absorb the impact ultimately saving the lives of those around them then chances are they're ballsy enough to speak their mind. Sorry DC, you're gonna have to get over that one. The spectrum of bravery, courage, and devotion possessed by these veterans isn't going to be restricted by your idiosyncrasies!

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Holiness

Holiness. We sing it in the songs, we discuss it in our Bible studies, we speak it in our “spiritual vocabulary”, we use it to the point that it becomes a platitudinal variable used to orchestrate a profound conversation. It's interesting, if not sad, how the very adjective that God defines himself as (be holy as I am holy) has become an abused cliché. I must ask what is holiness? Here's my thought...Since there is no actual definition spelled out in the scriptures I've created a simple theory. Leviticus 11:44a - "For I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy as I am holy." Okay, so we know that we're supposed to emulate God. Now what does that look like? Well, Galatians 5 lists a myriad of lifestyles that would surely lead to destruction but then continues with those that would inherit us the Kingdom, the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Spirit being one with God then colors in the black and white of what it means to be holy. To execute the fruits of the Spirit in every aspect of our lives and to reflect them as Christ did on earth. Okay, so that was easy. We see what holiness looks like and now comes the hard part. Ready for it? How do we pursue this holiness? What steps must we take to display this glamorous portrait of righteousness? Romans 12:1-2 "I beseech thee therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God which is your reasonable service. And do not conform to the ways of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” I can’t help but consider this extra motivation to pursue holiness. “...which is your reasonable service.” No matter what we do we can’t measure up to Christ’s obedience on the cross but it would be a reasonable act to live according to his standards given that he died for the purpose of us being able to live. Romans sets a solid foundation for this race to holiness. Once we know what it means and how to separate ourselves from the world we have so much less baggage and weight to slow us down. Some examples of those who’ve stood out would be Joseph, Esther, David, Daniel...these young men and women stood out amongst the crowd in their lifestyles and love for Christ...Very admirable! But the question still stands. How do we, born in sin nature, separate ourselves from said sin that we so desire. Back in junior high I had what I affectionately refer to as a “potty mouth”. My youth leaders would give us a typical challenge of ridding ourselves of a particular sin and I would always choose my language whether it be swearing or off-color humor. Keyword here is ALWAYS because at the time it never got better. The sin never left because I depended entirely on myself to eliminate that particular action. The motive here was shallow, the source of termination (myself) was weak, and the acceleration of my sin (a faulty relationship with the Father) all contributed to my failure. It’s like I was attacking from a surface level approach and neglecting the source like when you cut a weed and it grows back whereas when you pull it from the root it’s gone for good. My weed was gone but the root was still vibrantly active. What I’m saying is that quitting a particular sin isn’t going to help any of us. So backing up again...how do we separate ourselves from sin? My answer is WE DON’T! We humbly accept the fact that we cannot be the buffer here. What we need to do is keep our sinful schnozzes in the word and commit ourselves to prayer. We must utilize the body of Christ and have siblings to keep us accountable!

All this to say that pursuing holiness isn’t necessarily pursuing a personality trait but rather a lifestyle reflecting Christ. We must quit focusing on selected areas of our lives and start focusing on the cross so in doing so all other deficiencies will fall into place.

And yes, schnozzes is the correct spelling per dictionary.com!