Pastor's Corner

8 Jul
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Mid-Week Challenge

 With all the confusion on television and social media you might find it hard to put into words how you feel about our present situation.  When news media outlet leaders like Chris Cuomo and his governor brother tell us not to turn to God at a time like this https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/milton-quintanilla/you-dont-need-help-from-above-its-within-us-cnn-host-chris-cuomo-asserts.html and many other outlets telling you that you should feel guilty for having pride in your country, https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/colin-kaepernick-denounced-fourth-of-july-as-a-celebration-of-white-supremacy-in-a-twitter-message/ar-BB16mbsT it is refreshing to get a Christian perspective from someone who can speak from both sides of understanding.   

Coach Tony Dungy is no stranger to division and hardship.  Dungy is an NFL commentator, former player and coach.  He is also the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl. Over the Fourth of July weekend Coach Dungy urged Americans to “work to improve” the United States while also celebrating the “blessings” its citizens enjoy. As could be expected, his encouraging words sparked criticism. 

 “Over the last few weeks we have focused on America’s faults,” Dungy wrote on Twitter. “We must work to improve those things but today we should celebrate our country’s birthday. We enjoy a lot of blessings and I’m thankful I live in America. I pray that God will show us how to help our country grow!”  

 Several people disagreed with Dungy but he continued to find the positive.  He responded to one critique: “If we’re waiting for it to be perfect we won’t celebrate until we get to heaven. Let’s celebrate the good – and there is plenty – and work to change the bad. Which there is plenty of that too. But don’t let the negative steal your joy.”

 Still the critics continued, but Dungy held strong by ending: “All of that is true. No question about it. But are you reaping ANY benefits today? Are there any countries on the face of the earth that were founded on good, pure actions? Do any other countries have skeletons in the closet/mistreatment of some people or are we the only ones?”

https://www.christianheadlines.com/contributors/michael-foust/tony-dungy-if-you-visited-some-other-countries-youd-be-thankful-to-live-in-america.html

 I found great encouragement from Coach Dungy’s exchange because it proved to me that some people want nothing more than to argue.  If they will not listen to someone as time tested and proven as Coach Dungy, who will they listen to? His approach is best.  Don’t provoke, but don’t apologize for making the most of the situation you are born into.  The mark of a true person of character is not living in the past but taking advantage of the present to make the future better for everyone.  We cannot change our history but we can learn from it and benefit from that knowledge.  Today, try to find the positive where most everyone wants there to be negative.  Instead of unpacking division, focus on the things that bring us together.  

 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.     Philippians 4:8

 Serving the Savior

Bro. Jonathan

 

By: Dr. Jonathan Richerson

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