Pastor Brian Gilroy,
High Prairie Church of the Nazarene.

All too often when I hear people speak or read comments on the web, I want to say, “Really?”

It is not because of the message or point of view that they are expressing as we live in a country and a province where free speech and the exchange of ideas is encouraged.

My mind defaults to the comment, “Really?” when I hear phrases or see acronyms that disrespect God.

Why is it that our society has normalized the use – of the use of God, the Father, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit as expressions of surprise, frustration, or a normalized part of speech? The level of disrespect goes beyond a limited vocabulary, a bad influence, or the vernacular of the group within which you are talking with.

This level of disrespect exceeds the realm of humanity as it is a direct insult to the Creator of the universe.

Why is it we are more likely to diss God than the prophetic leaders of other religions? I believe it has to do with a greater respect for those leaders and a greater fear of reprisal or rebuke from their followers than a reprisal from God.

In the fifth Chapter of the Book of Acts, we read the story of a couple who intentionally lied to the leadership of the church. In verses, 1-11, we read a man named Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold a piece of land and decided to give a portion of the proceeds to the early church. The problem was not the donation but the intent to deceive.

In the preceding chapter, a man named Barnabas had sold a piece of property and given the total proceeds to the church as a gift to God. He was praised for his sacrificial giving. Ananias and Sapphira wanted this form of recognition as well.

This item is reprinted with permission from the High Prairie, AB, South Peace News. For the complete article, click HERE

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