Light and darkness

I recently overheard someone say, "it's really hard to be a Christian nowadays." Many of the people nearby nodded their heads in agreement.

With all due respect, I must disagree. I think it's never been easier because of the razor sharp contrasts between what we experience in the world and what we know God expects. Maybe those are the rough edges that led to that statement, but for me---it clarifies and crystallizes in a powerful and easy to understand way.

By easy, I don't mean we aren't encountering our share of nicks and bruises, slights and affronts. There are plenty of those things. I mean the difference between good and evil nowadays makes it very easy for me to pick my path.

Some people describe their coming to faith like the slow unfolding of a flower. Not me, I had a road to Damascus experience not unlike a 2 x 4 upside the head. It's what I needed as I was far too lost to learn subtly. Lost in darkness, messed up beyond belief, I cried out and received--in less than an instant--an indwelling spirit that helped guide me out of that pit.

So, as I come across the crap on TV at night when I am sorting laundry---or the junk on the Internet while surfing--or during my search up and down the radio dial for something intelligent---I am presented with the constant reminder of what my life was---what the world is---and why the choice is so very, very clear.

There's a lot of talk about voting early this election. I already did--8 years ago with my knees. I'm just waiting for that final inauguration.