Something to think about

Something to think about

Every now and then I say or write something controversial within the Christian community. I do it in the hopes it will make Christians really look inside of themselves. While at the same time asking God to show them what is right. This is one of those times.
The story is simply called Margaret Elizabeth.

"That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” she said relief surging through her body, as silence engulfed the assembly.  
I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that.  That is why I have asked to speak to you, to give you my testimony and then allow you to ask questions.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life.  I was married for over thirty years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who died several years prior to my coming to this assembly.  I have a wonderful family, all of whom support me and are here today.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If so they did not commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  He has chosen not to and thus, I have accepted that I am what I am.  A child of God, who knew me according to the Psalms in my mother’s womb.
I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today, only to ask you to accept me as I am.  In fact, the only reason I stand before you today, is because I was asked to come onto the staff of this church and wish to be completely honest with you.
Now, I will open the door to all questions and endeavor to answer them to the best of my ability.  Nothing is off limits. After the questions, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, then the pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our pastoral staff, please rise to your feet.”
How would you vote?
Please think carefully and prayerfully about it.

If you want

If you want

If you want to be judged, 

judge someone. 

If you want to be treated as a bigot,

 act like one. 

If you want to be hated,

 hate, 

If you don’t want to be listened to,

 don’t listen to others.

Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” 
Matthew 7:12.
Do you treat people in the same way you like to be treated? Think about it. When you present the gospel to friends do you point to their sins or do you point to the message of Love and salvation Christ offers.
I watched with interest the other day a preacher who with all the best of intentions started spouting off about the ills of society. He seemed to spend an inordinate amount of time bashing one particular group. Still by my count he did manage to bash almost every group in our western society that he disagreed with.
As I listened I thought to myself what a waste of time, energy and money. It was obvious he and the organization he represented spent a lot of time and money on the television program. Television and Radio time doesn’t come cheap.
The reason I say he wasted all that money is the fact he bashed so many groups telling them that they wouldn’t get to heaven, that his message of salvation was lost.
The moment you criticize anyone you loose them.
While his message may have rang true with the believers in his church it was definitely was a turn off for non-Christians watching.
He portrayed God as a God of do’s and do not’s. A God with a big stick ready to bash you. That’s not what the Bible says.
James writes,
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.  
But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.  
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.  
For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  
because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement! 
                    James 2:8-13

The bible is a book of mercy.
Jesus said,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” 
                                                   Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus makes it clear to all men everywhere what his principle purpose in coming to this world is when he said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”                         
      John 3:16-18.
Please think about it.