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"The LINK" is a monthly, two page newsletter published by Lauvers. It is an inspirational newsletter that is mailed, free of charge to our friends and interested persons. It is made up of an article by pastor J, editorials, announcements about upcoming events, and news of church activities.
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JUNE 2011
"JUST LET ME ALONE"
“Just let me alone, it’s none of your business. I belief what I believe” I was surprised and hurt. The words came from a close friend who was my age. I was in college at the time and had gone to visit. There were some real needs in his life. Alcohol abuse. A broken marriage. In my visit I shared encouragement for my friend to consider God’s ways. He replied with words that are typical of many Americans. “Just let me alone, it’s none of your business. I belief what I believe”
The idea that matters of faith are strictly private is not strange to Americans. It is, however, strange to God, because it is founded on a faulty premise. That premise is that there is no absolute truth regarding spiritual matters. Somehow, we don’t invoke this premise in other areas of life. When tornadoes show up in Doppler monitors, warnings are issued to all citizens. Who would say, “Just let me alone, it’s none of your business. I belief what I believe” . Likewise, physicians who become aware of malignancy or serious coronary artery disease in their patients are under legal and moral obligation to inform of such. Who of their patients would say, “Just let me alone, it’s none of your business. I belief what I believe” That could also be said of impending nuclear attack, a tsunami, or of a virulent strain of H1N1. But when it comes to matters of faith, it is used over and over. “Just let me alone, it’s none of your business. I belief what I believe”
My friend, a gifted person, went on to lead a purposeless life in many ways. Alcohol abuse continued to plague him as did failed relationships. God’s plan for his life would have made a great difference.
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer 29:11-13
God’s plans for us are good! The irony of this claim to spiritual privacy is that it cheats those who invoke it of God’s best for this life, and even worse of eternal rewards and salvation in the life to come. Everyone’s relationship to God does matter! There are absolute spiritual truths. Surely the Creator of the whole universe is able to speak for Himself. Don’t be too quick to hide behind a shield built from a false premise. Get real. Put your whole deck of cards on God’s table and challenge Him to show up in your life. Mean what you say and have your seat belt on. Your life will not be the same. Pastor John
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