THE SPIRIT OF WORLDLINESS

Last week a longtime friend sent out a group email informing everyone he knew that his wife has breast cancer. My wife and I have known these friends since college, thirty-five years ago. My friend described the situation and asked for prayer.

You've probably done it yourself. Asked for prayer, I mean. If not, I'm sure somebody has asked you to pray for something, some time or other.

That's a pretty simple request. For a couple in their fifties facing cancer is a serious matter. This couple has served the lord most of their lives. They turn to Him now in a time of uncertainty and fear. They ask friends and acquaintances to lift them up in prayer. I did so and continue to do so.

Imagine my surprise when I received an email directed to the original group. Two guys answered my friend's plea with corrections to the WAY my he had asked for prayer and how he should do it right, so God will answer. Sure, it's easy, just rub the lamp, say the magic word and God is required to do your bidding. They didn't use those words, but that's what they are saying.

Can you wrap your head around such colossal arrogance? I and another man answered back that this was not the time for a sermon. We got back corrections of our own. I went to their web site and read an looooooong scrolling list denouncing phariseeism and replacing it with their own rules and regulations for pleasing God. Silly me, here all this time I thought salvation was by grace through faith.

This is worldliness, plain and simple. WHAT? you say, I thought worldliness was evil and corruption.

My friend RP pointed out that the New Testament speaks of the world piling on rules and regulations that people cannot bear. Jesus said the rulers of the world like to lord it over on others. These two clowns are doing both.

I've asked them nicely to REPENT!