Written by David P. Nolte
FROM DAVE'S DEN:
I received an interesting e-mail from a good friend. It was interesting
and ambiguous. It consisted of but one word, "NONE." I e-mailed
back for an explanation and am waiting his reply. But the one word suggested
an article, so here goes.
To me, it is frightening to learn how much contaminant is permitted in
the foods we buy, such as candy bars. LEGALLY speaking a certain percentage
of rodent feces, hair, and other matter is allowable. NOT BY MY BOOK! The
officials will permit a given percent of random materials: rocks, dust,
wood fibers and so on. GET NEW OFFICIALS! A prescribed percent of a gamut
of foreign matter seems not to be too alarming to those in charge. WHO'S
IN CHARGE? Yet, in all probability, other than the aesthetic and appetite
concerns, we are presumably unlikely to suffer much harm from the relatively
small portions of rather unseemly stuff.
In the spiritual realm, however, more exacting standards ought to be followed.
If we ask the question, "How much lust ought to be permitted in a
believer's life?" NONE!
How much arrogant, conceited pride ought to be tolerated? NONE!
How much self-seeking, self-oriented, self-absorbed egocentricism is desirable?
NONE!
What percentage of an unforgiving, grudge-bearing, vengeful spirit is acceptable?
NONE!
How much self-righteous, holier-than-thou judgmentalism ought to be found
in a follower of Jesus Christ? You figured it out: NONE!