Sterling Griggs

So, if I want to donate toys to "Toys for Tots" so that needy children can have toys on Christmas - the day that we observe the coming of Jesus into the world - I need to make sure that I don't give any gifts that might be taken as too Christian in nature? That's what this article says! In an effort to not offend the recipients of the Christmas gifts, "Toys for Tots" has decided that a donation of 4,000 Jesus dolls, which quote Bible verses, will not be accepted. Who can blame them? I mean, I wouldn't want to offend someone on a Christian day of observance by actually observing Jesus. They fear that a Muslim or Jew might be offended by the gift. Since when do Muslims and Jews celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ? I'm not trying to be testy here, but it's almost like saying that you can't shoot off fire works on the 4th of July for fear that you will offend someone who doesn't like the idea of war. So I guess these Jesus dolls will ...

Not long ago there was a lot of talk about the disease known as foot and mouth disease. This disease is highly contagious and cows and pigs are especially susceptible to it although humans rarely get it. Even though people aren't likely to get foot and mouth disease, we are especially vulnerable to what is known as "foot in mouth" disease. James tells us in 1:26 that one of the ways true religion is defined is by a tongue that is under control. In other words, if you are a follower of Jesus then your mouth needs to be in check. All of us would agree that words can do a great amount of damage but too often we hear vitriol coming from the mouths of those who claim to speak for the faith. It seems as if our "evangelical leaders" are constantly being scrutinized because of the ill-advised comments that they make, hence making them lethal carriers of foot in mouth disease. This form of the disease is highly contagious and often the masses will repeat what they ...