Labels

I dislike labels more than most people. I know labels are sometimes necessary. It’s just when we use them to slander another that bothers me. Someone asked me recently what I was and I replied, “I’m a male Christian Southern Baptist and depending on who you ask, I am a conservative, moderate, fundamentalist, or liberal, without enough points to be a Calvinist but not pointless. I’m a democratic Republican with independent thoughts, white, middle-class, suburban American, tax-paying, flag-waving, God-loving, senior citizen, retired, Seminary professor emeritus.” I wonder what God thinks of our categorizing people. Oh, here it is – “Do not speak evil of one another” (James 4:11). A disciple said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” (NLT) Jesus replied, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side” (Luke 9:50). Whose side are you on? Whose corner are you in? Which camp do you live in? What group do you hang with? I just want to be pilgrim, on his way toward Christ-likeness.

If you haven’t already categorized me and quit reading, join me in remembering these global concerns:
• Pray for people moving into three new suburban housing areas west of Toronto, Canada where about 25% of the new residents are expected to be immigrants holding to a major world religion.
• Pray for the new Family Refugee Ministry in Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Give thanks for several visa renewals granted to Western Europe personnel.
• Pray for Stephen who is in Korea for 8 days working with a world-wide steering committee of leaders in oral teaching.
• Pray for the Kiev Mobile Ministry Team as they lead the Backyard Bible Clubs each afternoon this week.