This afternoon I wandered past the deli section of our supermarket and spotted a roll of Lebanon baloney (bologna). It most likely is one of the unhealthiest things ever processed for human consumption. But despite its nutritional value, or lack of, I paused for a moment of nostalgia. My fatherloved Lebanon baloney. His idea of a great meal was a Lebanon baloney sandwich made with spongy white Wonder Bread layered inside with yellow mustard. This was then washed down with an ice cold Pepsi that had been in the freezer right up to the moment before freezing solid. Wow. It is no wonder he did not live as long as I am old. Sometimes I am tempted to imbibe. Fortunately my head rules over my heart.
My Dad was educated. He was a graduate of Shippensburg State University and was a special needs teacher. He taught his students about healthful living and the food pyramid. He was a living example that just because you know something it doesn’t take the place of actually acting upon that information.
Some of the world’s foremost New Testament scholars are Jewish. They know more about the text and content of the Gospels and writings of Paul than most Christians. But knowledge is not going to save them. I grew up in a church that valued being more right than other Christians. One day the light bulb went on and I realized being more right about things isn’t what Christianity is all about. Being a Christian is about being Christ-like. It is trusting Jesus to save us and then living the kindest, most generous, most caring life possible. “Truth” doesn’t save. Jesus does!
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 16, 2016
PO box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org