The Struggle is Real

The conflict between the flesh and the Spirit is a common theme in the Christian life. It refers to the inner struggle between our sinful nature and our desire to live according to God's will. The Bible teaches that the flesh, or our sinful nature, is opposed to the Spirit and that these two forces are constantly at war with each other. As Christians, we are called to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, which requires us to crucify our flesh and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. This can be a complex and ongoing battle, but by relying on God's strength and guidance, we can overcome our sinful nature and live a life that honors Him.

If we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Disappointed

I have been a lifelong Republican, but I am extremely disappointed with our current governor's leadership. It appears that she is manipulating the board of corrections and lacks the necessary skills to guide education in the right direction.

I recently discovered that an African American former Secretary of the Department of Corrections was paid $40,000 less than Joe Profiri, a white male. As a white male myself, I find this pay discrepancy troubling. It's alarming that only the Governor has control over Mr. Profiri's pay, and the Board of Corrections has no say in the matter.

During Leslie Rutledge's tenure as Attorney General, she paid her staff $30,000 more than the policy permitted. When an audit uncovered this, she claimed that she was unaware that the policy applied to the AG's office. 

And I haven't even touched on the character issues of Trump! If this is what the Arkansas Republican Party stands for, then I am afraid it's time to say goodbye.

I Can Do It!

At the start of this year, I set four guiding principles for myself. Looking back, I feel proud to say that I have been able to successfully implement them in my daily life. 

In the month of January, I spent a considerable amount of time decluttering my house, office, and other aspects of my life. This is something that I had not done in the last fourteen years or perhaps ever. The process of decluttering has had a significant impact on my attitude and stress levels. 

Another principle that I have been trying to follow is living in the moment. I have been purposely focusing on the task at hand each day and trying to be faithful in the little things of life. Reflecting on each day has brought me peace of mind and the realization that I did the best I could. I am learning that it's not about winning or losing, but simply doing my best. be faithful in the little things of life. Reflecting on each day has brought me peace of mind and the realization that I did the best I could. I am learning that it's not about winning or losing, but simply doing my best.

Self-reflection is crucial for self-awareness. Every day, I spend some time reflecting on my actions and attitudes from the previous day. I make a note of the actions that align with my guiding principles and those that don't. I am committed to improving my character, and that requires acknowledging my blind spots, dark areas, and shadows. I have realized that most of my character flaws stem from pride and fear, and I am actively working on overcoming them.

I am excited about the upcoming year and the many opportunities it has in store for me to challenge myself in areas that I typically find challenging. I believe that change happens when we step outside of our comfort zones. One of the most important lessons I am learning is that failure is not fatal, but rather it is the failure to change that is fatal. I am also discovering that failure can be a cause for celebration, as it provides us with valuable data and knowledge that can help us in our future endeavors."

Responsible Freedom

While pastoring First Baptist Church in Purcell, Oklahoma, several church members had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Romania with the Singing Church Women of Oklahoma.

During a group tour, one of the Romanian pastors shared his experience of the 1989 revolution, which led to the downfall of communism in Romania. He talked about the religious persecution and oppression that the Christians had to endure under the old regime.

Romanians who had been free from communism for over two decades started questioning the value of freedom due to economic hardships and irresponsible behavior. Many believed that irresponsible freedom was harming the country. Visitors noted Romania's shift from heavy-handed communism to irresponsible freedom.

In the book of Galatians, Paul addresses two extremes that can enslave or lead to irresponsible freedom for Christians.

Paul addressed extreme bondage and slavery because false teachers in Galatia promoted it. They went to such an extreme because of God's grace.

God's grace teaches that salvation is the work of God, not our good deeds. False teachers turned to legalism, believing that grace alone wouldn't produce good works. They feared that the freedom of grace would create irresponsible behavior, leading to the opposite extreme of legalism. Paul reminds us that our call to freedom in Christ is a call to responsible freedom.

Freedom in Christ is a call to responsible freedom.

Galatians 5:13 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

This particular verse marks the shift from legalism that has been addressed in the preceding chapters towards irresponsible freedom. The verse can be broken down into three main points: the appeal for freedom, the obstacle to freedom, and the outcome of freedom. Verses fourteen and fifteen further elaborate on these three ideas.

Paul reminds us that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are called to freedom. The word "called" implies that it is God who takes the initiative when it comes to our call to freedom. The call to freedom is equal to the call to salvation. The call of freedom is a call of grace that God initiates, and we respond to it by faith.

The verb "called" used in Galatians conveys the beginning and continuous nature of an action. Our freedom in Christ is not a one-time event but rather a lifelong journey that we are called to.

Christians are called to an inclusive freedom for all people of God.

Paul calls the people of God "brethren", indicating that all Christians are called to freedom in Christ. This freedom is achieved through the Son of God.

Christian Freedom is achieved through Jesus. 

In Galatians, Paul argues that faith in Christ justifies us. We're freed from the Law's tyranny and guilt, accepted by God based on our Sonship in Christ and forgiven by God's mercy, not human merit. We're free from sin, death, and God's wrath and judgment. Christ achieved our freedom on the cross.

Christian freedom is sustained by the Holy Spirit. 

In Galatians, Paul teaches about the importance of the Holy Spirit, which is highlighted in chapter five. He argues for justification by faith and emphasizes that the Christian life is sustained by the Spirit of God, not by rituals. Freedom is sustained by walking with the Spirit of God, which lives in every true believer.

What obstructs responsible freedom? Not walking in the Spirit. To walk in the Spirit, we must practice self-control instead of self-indulgence.

Responsible freedom requires self-control, not self-indulgence. 

Galatians 5:13 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

It's possible to misinterpret the concept of freedom in Christ. Some people think that since Jesus has already granted us freedom and we are accepted based on his sacrifice on the cross, we have the license to sin. They believe that since Christ has already paid for our sins, we can do whatever we want. However, this is a distortion of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Christ, we are free from sin's power. But being free doesn't mean we can keep on sinning. We must understand that the gospel has the power to change us. So, remember this - I am free from sin, not free to sin.

If we are Christians striving to maintain our freedom in Christ by walking in the Spirit, then we will not use our freedom as an opportunity to indulge our fleshly desires.

Indulging in earthly desires despite freedom in Christ can paralyze spiritually, similar to legalism.

In Galatians, "flesh" has different meanings. In chapters 2 and 4, it's about our physical bodies. In chapters 5 and 6, it's negative, referring to our fallen nature, self-serving behavior, pride, and indulgence. It's the sinful nature we were slaves to before Christ.

Responsible freedom requires resisting our base nature. "Opportunity" in Greek means a military base or springboard. Freedom in Christ should not be used as a license to sin. Self-discipline from God's Spirit helps us say no to irresponsible freedom.

As followers of Christ, it is our responsibility to exercise self-discipline with the help of the Holy Spirit. We should avoid indulging in our earthly desires that Christ has liberated us from. True freedom in Christ does not give us the license to be selfish, but rather the freedom to seek God with sincerity and authenticity.

Responsible freedom requires loving service, not selfish ambition. 

Galatians 5:13 ESV

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

God accepts us freely, but we shouldn't take advantage of others due to selfish ambition.

This verse teaches an interesting paradox: our freedom in Christ frees us from slavery and bondage to the Law and our sinful nature, but when we sustain our freedom responsibly by walking in the Spirit, we become slaves to others. We don’t become masters with many servants, but rather, servants with many masters.

Showing love through service is a clear indication that one is living a life led by the Spirit. The ultimate example of this kind of selfless service is demonstrated in the life of Jesus Christ. As stated in Philippians, Christ humbled himself, took on the role of a servant and ultimately gave his life on the cross to redeem us from our sins

When we walk in the Spirit and lovingly serve one another, we allow the life of Christ to live through us.

Paul's teachings in verse fourteen demonstrate that fulfilling the Law is achieved by practicing loving service in the Spirit towards one another.

Galatians 5:14 ESV

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Paul teaches in Galatians that following the Law can't justify us before God. But, by lovingly serving one another and walking in the Spirit, we fulfill the Law. Loving God and our neighbors is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law.

Christians are not justified by the Law, but by Christ crucified. Our sanctification involves fulfilling the Law, which we can do with the Holy Spirit in us.

True freedom is experienced when we obey God's Word through the power of His Spirit; it is not the absence of Law.

 Liberty is the fruit of a mature civilization," said Lord Acton. As a mature Christian community, we should fearlessly proclaim responsible freedom in Christ to protect ourselves from irresponsible freedom.

Walking in the Spirit protects the fellowship of the church. 

Galatians 5:15 ESV

15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Church problems arise when God's people live selfishly and walk in the flesh, causing them to be self-centered and disregard the interests of others. Our love for others must come from a life guided by the Spirit's freedom, enabling us to become selfless servants who help others instead of ourselves.

 Albert Schweitzer said there are helpers and non-helpers. I want to be a helper in the body of Christ, by walking in the Spirit. Responsible freedom in Christ means faith working through selfless love. The world will see our love and know we belong to Christ.

Failure is not Fatal

 As Christians, we believe that the blood of Jesus can overcome failure and sin in our lives. When we a
accept Jesus as our Savior, we are forgiven and made new in Him.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death once and for all, and His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. This means that even when we fail and fall short, we can turn to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and grace.

Furthermore, the blood of Jesus gives us the strength and courage to overcome failure in our lives. When we face trials and challenges, we can draw on the power of His blood and rely on His strength to help us persevere.

As it says in the book of Revelation, "They overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Revelation 12:11). The blood of Jesus is a powerful weapon in our spiritual arsenal, and it can help us overcome failure and live a victorious life in Christ.

So, if you are struggling with failure, remember that the blood of Jesus is available to you. Turn to Him in prayer, confess your sins, and ask for His forgiveness and strength to overcome. With Jesus by your side, you can overcome any obstacle and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

An Open Letter to My Republican Representatives

 

Dear Senator Hammer and Representative Brooks,

I am a lifelong Republican, and I am writing to express my gratitude for your service to our district. I have lived in Arkansas for over 14 years and consistently appreciate the exceptional leadership you both provide. However, I have some concerns, and I am appealing to you to demonstrate your leadership in those areas.

First, both the Lieutenant Governor and Governor should be held accountable for their actions in terms of policy and the state constitution. An audit of the Lieutenant Governor's former office of Attorney General revealed that her staff was paid $30,000 more than what the positions were supposed to make. She responded, "I didn't know it applied to the Attorney General's office." This response is unacceptable.

Governor Sanders has disrespected our constitution by failing to follow the proper channels with the Board of Corrections. She ignored the board altogether about the Joe Profiri situation. Furthermore, she paid the secretary $40,000 more than the previous secretary, Soloman Graves. To make matters worse, in my opinion, the former secretary is African American, while Joe Profiri is white. As a white male, I have a big problem with the inequality of pay.

My wife is an educator, and many people in education face challenges with the LEARNS Act. Can we review the decisions made last year and evaluate their effectiveness? We don't want representatives who approve everything because they belong to the same political party. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely, 

Patrick Mead

Benton, Arkansas

I Have a Dream: In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

When I was eight years old and living in Balch Springs, Texas, I watched a significant television series based on the book "Roots" by Alex Haley. The series was aired in January 1977 and had a lasting impact on me. Haley traced his heritage back to Africa, showing how his ancestors were brought to America for slavery. One of the main characters in the series was Kunta Kinte, who fought against slave owners who wanted to change his name to Toby. One scene showed Kunta Kinte's right foot being amputated to prevent him from attempting to escape. I will never forget the powerful story of this series.

The show made a deep impression on me because of the mistreatment that black people endured. It also made me realize, as a young boy, that some people in our society have been and sometimes still are mistreated solely based on the color of their skin. Even after slavery was abolished, being a black person in the South carried an unfair and ungodly social stigma. I hope and pray that one day, any social stigma in people's hearts because of one's skin color will be eliminated from every heart.

I'm Not Racist...

 

"Do we need to have another conversation about race relations?" Eight years ago, I would have answered with a firm "no." The culture I lived in was not racist, and I grew up in a household that wasn't racist either. Nor did I hang around with individuals who held racist beliefs. Therefore, I saw no need for a conversation about race relations. However, things have changed since then.

After spending 20 years as a Southern Baptist pastor in the South, I searched for a secular job. Eventually, I landed a role as a community corrections chaplain for the state of Arkansas. This transition put me in a culture that differed vastly from what I was used to, with a majority of my colleagues being people of color. 

As time went on, my colleagues became my friends. These friendships enabled me to empathize with their challenges as black Americans in the South. The empathy started to open my eyes to the subtle racism in my life.  

My personal beliefs and intentions convinced me that I was not a racist. Still, I was unintentionally contributing to racism through my actions and beliefs, which perpetuated inequality and discrimination.

In the past, I used to feel angry when I saw a sign indicating that a business was black-owned. But now, I understand the challenges that black Americans have faced. It's crucial to recognize that in the past, it was illegal for black people to own businesses. However, black entrepreneurs should be celebrated for their accomplishments. Labeling a business as a black-owned business acknowledges the progress made toward equality.

Previously, I used to perceive a high school with only three black students as a decent institution. However, I have come to understand that such a scenario only serves to maintain the status quo of inequality. While some may argue that discussing this issue is unnecessary, such conversations are crucial.

I believe it is important to discuss race relations, but equally crucial to cultivate relationships across races based on empathy and understanding.