Apples of Gold

Long ago, in a childhood far, far away, there was a popular children’s book called: The Emperor’s New Clothes. The essence of the story is that two con artists convince an Emperor to allow them to make him a new wardrobe. They collect copious amounts of gold in order to “purchase” special material and thread, only they purchase nothing. They proclaim that the special cloth is only visible to those who are very intelligent. They work diligently on the new “outfits” and proudly display them to the Emperor and his leaders who-afraid of revealing their lack of intelligence-rave over the non-existent garments. Finally the emperor holds a parade to show-off his lovely outfits and as he confidently makes his way through the throngs in his underwear, a child yells out: “The Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes!”

Sadly, the concept of this story is being lived out daily in our society. A carefully constructed rouse is playing out before our very eyes as we are pressured to deny what we know to be true in order to placate a group that wants to live in Mr. Roger’s Land of Make Believe. The media and education system are screaming that anyone who speaks up is full of hate and intolerance. Ironically, this proclamation is actually the embodiment of intolerance. The masses seem to be sitting by terrified, feeling pressured to play pretend along with a small group of confused, struggling individuals who need guidance and correction rather than reinforcement of delusional thinking.

What, as followers of Jesus, is our responsibility in these matters?

But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:20-23

How did we get here? I believe the roots to today’s chaos can be found in a long-term plan; implemented by the enemy within our society that began with trying to replace the role of Creator with a scientifically unprovable and ever evolving theory of evolution. So if we came from goo or monkeys, or whatever is currently being taught-the theory adapts each time it is disproven… then we lose our value as being made in the Imago Dei-Image of God. Once this was accepted by many, abortion quickly followed on its heels. Marriage and family were next to be assulted, and now we have progressed to a place where people are afraid to define gender scientifically. Absolute truth, and everyone who holds to it, had to be demonized before this scheme could be pulled off on the general public.

The multitude has stood silently by, questioning their own hearts and minds as they cannot reconcile what is being propagated with what they inherently know to be true. -Am I hateful because I cannot swallow this? Everyone else seems to be doing fine with this so maybe it is just something wrong in me that keeps me from being enlightened. I wonder if the plan was devised following the model presented in The Emperor’s New Clothes? -Only the kind and intelligent people will be able to understand this new concept.

I am encouraged that, like the child in our story, who dared to state the obvious, this young generation is not buying it. They are asking the hard questions and they won’t stop until they find the truth. They wonder why the older generations are not shouting: “The Emperor isn’t wearing any clothes!”, at the top of their lungs. In this, they serve as an example to those of us who are older and know better.

Speaking up isn’t optional for the believer. We are watching hordes of individuals headed straight for eternal damnation and often holding back from speaking truth to them because they might not like us anymore.

Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchmen for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately. If I warn the wicked, saying, “You are under the penalty of death, but you fail to deliver this warning, they will die in their sins. And I will hold you responsible for their deaths. If you warn them and they refuse to repent and keep on sinning, they will die in their sins. But you will have saved yourself because you obeyed me. Ezekiel 3:17-19

God does not hold us accountable for the response, but we are accountable for delivering the message. Perhaps we need a reminder that this world is not our home. It is a temporary messed up place that is in desperate need of a Savior. May we be more uncomfortable with the condition of men’s souls than concerned with our own status and security!

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28-19-20