A Kid's Ear

     My doctor told me today that I had a "kid's ear," one of the worst cases of an ear infection that he had seen in years.  I know now why infants and young children fuss, fidgit, and cry when their ears hurt.  It is a true case of "walk a mile in my shoes."

     Non-believers and some more liberally minded believers use this idea to declare that Christians have no right to criticize, or even question, the actions and beliefs of others.  We must take into account their life experiences, their religious heritage, their nationality, their race,  ... whatever.  The effect is paralyzing moral relativism, the inability to admit that right is right and wrong is wrong.  It all depends on the situation.

     Of course, Christians should understand the influences which have shaped a person and their beliefs and actions, but the influences to which a person has been exposed are no excuse for bad actions.  Each person, and no one else, is responsible for their own choices and actions.  A truly great man, George Washington Carver (1864-1943), who was born as a slave and sold as an infant for a horse. became a scientist, inventor, and educator rather than a bitter twisted man. 

     Christians are called to be compassionate and caring, not judgmental, and to perform good works.  We are also not to dilute the gospel in any way, not to change the gospel in any way, not to compromise to win the favor of other people, and not to be afraid to speak the truth.