“There is a stark difference between morality and moralism. The problem we face in the conservative church can be seen in treatments of subjects like this one . . . “What about the children?” Let us consider the question this way: Is the book of Leviticus PG-13? Is the Song of Solomon an R? What …
Used or Useful?
“When we use one another in a way contrary to God’s law, the end result is that we use one another up. But when we remember the natural use of the woman, and the natural use of the man, the results are usually very pleasant. All of this is in the context of love, which …
Which Only God Can Do
“Wealth is a blessing, but God can bless by withholding it. Long life is a blessing, but God can bless by shortening life. Food is a blessing, but Paul learned the secret of contentment when he had none” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 142).
So Don’t Clutch Harder
“If you are clutching something, then God needs to break your fingers to get at it” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 141).
Thy Very Own
“The great Pauline principle is one for the ages — mind thine own beeswax” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 140).
More Is Involved Than That
“Samuel would not have been more greatly blessed if he had seven sons who took bribes instead of two . . . God did not call us to be mere breeders of covenant-breakers” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 140).
True Alignment
“The basic Christian duty is to be pro-God and align everything else in accordance with this. When we absolutize things like ‘life,’ ‘marriage,’ or ‘family,’ we routinely get into trouble. When John the Baptist confronted Herod, he was not being pro-marriage, but rather anti-marriage (Mt. 14:4)” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 139).
More, Not Less
“Jesus says that in the resurrection, we will not marry or be given in marriage (Lk. 20:34-36). At the same time do not conclude from this that your relationship with your spouse will somehow be less than what it is now. When you have ‘been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,’ you …
Nun of That
“We might think of these widows as Protestant nuns. As best as I can make out, the early church enrolled widows (of a certain character) who were over the age of sixty, and the church expected ministerial service from them. If they departed from this service into idleness, it was a disgrace. If they married …
Feeding the Cockroaches
“Feeding the cockroaches is not a good long-term strategy, even if they spend most of their time out of sight behind and under the cupboards. Keep short accounts, and time will have no chance to amplify your (initially small) sins” (For a Glory and a Covering, p. 133).