Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Think (09/02/10)
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TITLE: If the Baptistery Leaks, Fix It | Previous Challenge Entry
By Virgil Youngblood
09/07/10 -
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“Sshhh” Clare said, entering the den quickly with an index finger held to her lips. She was carrying a plate of lemon-square cookies just out of the oven. “Don’t wake the kids. I just put them down.” Setting the dish on the coffee table she sat down beside her husband on the sofa. “I’ve read that phrase somewhere. What about him?”
“I wish it was true, what he said.”
“Its not?” She picked up a cookie dusted with powdered-sugar and popped a corner in her mouth. “Ummm.” Pointing to the snacks she said, “Defend yourself buster, or I’ll eat yours and mine.”
“I’m not sure I know what to think sometime.”
“Uh, oh. Does my preacher man have a problem?”
“Monique Simpson called me today. Randy Tugglewhite finally proposed as everyone thought he would and she said ‘Yes’. They want to marry in our church next summer and Monique asked if I would marry them?”
“Oh, your first wedding. I’m so excited. I know her mother must be on cloud nine. I’ll bet she’s already organizing receptions and decorations and leaving no detail to chance. That fellowship hall will never look the same.”
“Do you remember the Old Testament story where the midwives lied and didn’t kill the boy babies? And Rahab lied and hid the spies? But the Bible says God hates liars. It seems lying is at least accepted when it’s for a greater good and not for personal gain.”
“And this has what to do with Monique’s wedding?”
“I’m having a hard time with the scripture that counsels against being unequally yoked together. The Bible says we shouldn’t be, but applying it is hard.”
“Better get’cha a lemon square.” Clare reached for the cookies, stacking one on top of another. “You don’t think those two are a good match? I think he’s going to graduate with a Finance degree from the University and go to work for his father. He has a bright future.”
“In every way but one – he’s not a Christian. How can I yoke them together when the scripture prohibits it?”
“Do you think that’s what that scripture means? Roger, surely you didn’t tell Monique no. Her mother will be fit to be tied. Her family is the backbone of the church.”
“I told her I’d have to check my schedule and get back to her. I’ll check but I already know it’s clear.”
“Oh, honey. We need to pray about this. Of course, you know I’ll support whatever decision you make.”
“The way I see it, a Christian is travelling through life heading upward to heaven. Everyone else is travelling in the opposite direction. If a Christian marries a non-believer, what happens the next Sunday? Will they go to church? How will they decide issues that arise? It will only get more difficult when children arrive. Clare has more influence now than she will ever have. If she can’t win him to the Lord, she best not marry him.”
“Didn’t they give you any guidance in seminary on how to handle this?”
“If they did, I must have been asleep. I sure didn’t expect a crisis this early in our first pastorate.”
“Can’t you ask other pastors what they do?”
“I anticipated this would come up some day so I’ve been talking and asking questions. I just didn’t know today would be the day. Some don’t think the scriptures prohibit it. They try to lead the non-believer to Christ during the pre-marital counseling, or to plant seeds that will eventually bear fruit. I just don’t know if that is scriptural.”
Clare picked up the last lemon square and licked her index finger, using it as a squeegee to lift the powdered sugar from the plate. “Well, my favorite pastor, husband, lover, I’m sure you’ll make the right decision. We are going to be alright. I still have a teaching degree and worst case, well --- let’s not go there.
“You plus God have the majority vote. Let’s expect Him to resolve this in a wonderful way. Daddy always said, ‘If you are praying for rain, bring an umbrella.’
“In your case, make sure the baptistery doesn’t leak and go call on Randy Tugglewhite.”
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