How easy it is to forget or even lose the big picture of God. I have enjoyed reading the book 'Eternity' - the story of Arthur Stace who wrote the word 'Eternity' on the footpaths of New South Wales - that much I had heard about but there was so much more to that man's life. It was such an inspirational story.
With the modern shift away from God and religion in Western society, how refreshing was it to read in 1 Kings about King Solomon's temple. Yes, I wrote about this in 'Bible Stories For Big Kids' but to be reminded of the greatness of God and why we are here, was good to read again. This is what King Solomon prayed when he addressed the assembly of his people.
"The Lord our God be with us......so that all peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God - there is no other." ( 1 Kings 8:57 ff) Now that is a clear, concise statement - a Big Picture.
In the previous chapter, in his prayer of dedication of the temple, King Solomon acknowledged the magnificence of this temple, but conceded " But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built."
Arthur Stace may have previously been an alcoholic and a thief but on encountering God, like King Solomon thousands of years before him, he realised the Big Picture of God and devoted his life to ensuring that as many people as possible heard of this one true God.
An interesting Moral Dilemma came to my attention the other day. A Christian is head of an organisation which overseas millions of dollars put through gaming machines - gambling. The article presented this person's attitude to his job and he was clear to point out that in his position, he was able to ensure that procedures were put in place to encourage responsible gambling and to recognise and assist those who have a problem - the Salvation Army is part of that support process. Then I read the article by a person opposed to gambling/gaming machines ( for good reason) and in response to the question, 'As a Christian, should this person hold this position( job)? ' and the answer was a decisive 'No'. Hence the Moral Dilemma.
I don't agree with abortion and prostitution but is it a better outcome for these to be legalised? You don't have to do much research to find the horror stories of backyard and criminal operators, situations which led to the legalising of these activities, (not that legalising them has solved all the problems). Making moral decisions on behalf of others can be fraught with difficulties and in a perfect world, these dilemmas would not occur, but we are not in a perfect world.
Looking back over the changes in ladies' swimming costumes, for example - from a neck to knee to a bikini - is a clear example of the changes in attitudes to moral situations. There will always be many sides and opinions to any question regarding morals and quite frankly, I had to agree with the person mentioned above, who is in charge of the gaming machines. If it is going to happen, make sure it happens responsibly. ( in this example).
Now I have started this topic, I can hear all sorts of arguments going round in my head, but the question will always remain as to what stance I should take on a given issue. For me, that is up to God to show me how to think through a situation, and what may be a right answer for me, may not be correct for someone else.
And that is the 'Moral Dilemma'.
With the modern shift away from God and religion in Western society, how refreshing was it to read in 1 Kings about King Solomon's temple. Yes, I wrote about this in 'Bible Stories For Big Kids' but to be reminded of the greatness of God and why we are here, was good to read again. This is what King Solomon prayed when he addressed the assembly of his people.
"The Lord our God be with us......so that all peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God - there is no other." ( 1 Kings 8:57 ff) Now that is a clear, concise statement - a Big Picture.
In the previous chapter, in his prayer of dedication of the temple, King Solomon acknowledged the magnificence of this temple, but conceded " But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built."
Arthur Stace may have previously been an alcoholic and a thief but on encountering God, like King Solomon thousands of years before him, he realised the Big Picture of God and devoted his life to ensuring that as many people as possible heard of this one true God.
An interesting Moral Dilemma came to my attention the other day. A Christian is head of an organisation which overseas millions of dollars put through gaming machines - gambling. The article presented this person's attitude to his job and he was clear to point out that in his position, he was able to ensure that procedures were put in place to encourage responsible gambling and to recognise and assist those who have a problem - the Salvation Army is part of that support process. Then I read the article by a person opposed to gambling/gaming machines ( for good reason) and in response to the question, 'As a Christian, should this person hold this position( job)? ' and the answer was a decisive 'No'. Hence the Moral Dilemma.
I don't agree with abortion and prostitution but is it a better outcome for these to be legalised? You don't have to do much research to find the horror stories of backyard and criminal operators, situations which led to the legalising of these activities, (not that legalising them has solved all the problems). Making moral decisions on behalf of others can be fraught with difficulties and in a perfect world, these dilemmas would not occur, but we are not in a perfect world.
Looking back over the changes in ladies' swimming costumes, for example - from a neck to knee to a bikini - is a clear example of the changes in attitudes to moral situations. There will always be many sides and opinions to any question regarding morals and quite frankly, I had to agree with the person mentioned above, who is in charge of the gaming machines. If it is going to happen, make sure it happens responsibly. ( in this example).
Now I have started this topic, I can hear all sorts of arguments going round in my head, but the question will always remain as to what stance I should take on a given issue. For me, that is up to God to show me how to think through a situation, and what may be a right answer for me, may not be correct for someone else.
And that is the 'Moral Dilemma'.
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