In My Own Words

In My Own Words

         In My Own Words… that’s the title I’ve settled on for this column. I appreciate Editor Jeff Herring for inviting me to share in the ministry of the Trumpet. It’s not my first trip around the block writing a monthly article for the Trumpet. Back in the day, I penned a weekly Trumpet article answering questions from students. I really enjoyed doing that. Some didn’t enjoy all of my answers to those questions, but looking back, I’m not sure that I agree with all of them either.

         The goal of this space is to simply share my thoughts, convictions and ideas about current topics. Some of those will be cultural issues. Some will be in-house BMA issues. What makes my opinion better than yours? Not a thing.

         I am under no illusion that my opinion is any better than anyone else’s. In fact, over the years my mind has changed about a lot of things from when I was a young man. Having the blessing from God of living for a few years and experiencing life’s ups and down will make you see things differently. Hopefully, I have grown in my relationship to Christ during those years. Time and experience change a man.

         Just so you’ll know, if you disagree with my opinion on a certain subject, I’m okay with that. We’ll still be friends; in fact, we’ll still be brothers and sisters in Christ.  I’ll be glad to hear from you and listen to your opinions, too. I’m interested in what you have to say. I’m still learning every day. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we can disagree and not go to war with one another. That’s called grace.

         I know many of you will find this hard to believe, but I have friends that don’t agree with everything say. I love them anyway. In fact, I love some people that don’t even like me. I remember when this used to be the norm in church life and even in some parts of society.

         Today we are living in a very polarized world. It seems that people would rather retreat to the corner of their own ideological world, then come out swinging at one another. While I realize that there are times where we must draw a line and fight for what’s Biblically correct, I still think God is honored when His people set an example of love and grace toward one another.

         So, in upcoming issues, I’ll be sharing my thoughts on various subjects… in my own words. And you feel free to talk back to me. Even at my age, I’m still learning and I’m still curious. I hope you are, too. Thank you, Bro. Jeff, for the opportunity to share.