Blessed are the Weak, Passive Dads...

Perry Noble, you are not getting off the hook here. Hold out the palm of your hand and get ready for some enlightenment from the Golden Ruler (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Oh, you wonder why you deserve such punishment? Sister Jen says it is not punishment, but correction. Gentle correction. Please let me commence with the background and then correction of the Golden Ruler.

Let me excerpt from your previous blog on why your Megachurch is not open for Christmas Day. (By the way, the Golden Ruler is not being used just because you and your church wishes to celebrate Christmas Day with materialistic gluttony.)

So our first Christmas together was "interesting." You see, I LOVE getting presents! I am not going to be one of those weak, passive dads who say, "Don't get me anything--it's just nice to have you around." I will instruct my children, "I had better get something from you--and if you buy me underwear, socks, or some lame cologne then you are grounded until my birthday." (They will have that date memorized!)--Perry Noble http://perrynoble.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_perrynoble_archive.html#113404991123197131

Sigh. See, this is the reason for the Golden Ruler. There are many, even weak and passive dads, who are trying to be the best Christians they can be, and some that may even look to you for guidance. You tell them that being content dads that are happy with what they have and not in want or need are weak and passive.

Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in the beatitudes? (Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5--read the whole chapter, you'll learn even more. Meek=(definition) showing patience and humility, gentle; easily imposed on; submissive.) Aren't weak, passive dads mentioned in Paul's "Love is patient, love is kind... love does not demand its own way..." (1 Corinthians 13)

Content people are not weak and passive, nor are weak and passive people inferior. "For whomever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12, Luke 14:11, Luke 18:14)

So what, you may say. Well, read the book of James.
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." (James 4:3,5-6--Read the whole chapter.) Maybe this is the reason why you don't get what you want at Christmas (re: underwear, sock, or lame cologne), so why punish your children for your own issues with God? And, maybe God is telling you something with those gifts, regardless if you wanted them or that they don't give you pleasure? Think about it.

I hear you saying "you're just spouting Bible verses, they don't apply to this situation." Or do they? Let's read Jesus' parable of the sower in Luke 8: The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. (Emphasis mine.)

Do you get it?

Oh, and on the topic of cancelling Sunday services... I believe Jesus said "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!" (Mark7:9--just read it all.)

So what, you may say. Here, let me jog your memory on one of the commandments: Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. (Exodus 20) Hmmm...now what is holy? Sure, it doesn't say you HAVE TO worship that day, just keep it holy. So, is practicing over-indulgence, selfish demands and gluttony holy activities?

And, on the topic of why other churches and Christians are upset about your MegaChurch cancelling Sunday services. It is because all Christians are the body of Christ. Regardless of your church's body part, you are an important part of the body (remember Ephesians?). The other body parts are just telling you that you need to work with the whole body and uphold God's commands and the holiness of Christmas Day.

Did we not learn anything from our time in Sunday school, CCD classes, or seminary?