They have no idea what happens

Commentary: McMahon shouldn't be the face of foreclosure

Excerpt:

Unlike many others, McMahon was not looking for a handout or to put the blame on anyone but himself. "Well, if you spend more money than you make," he told Larry King, "you know what happens."

Unfortunately, that's exactly the problem: Most people have no idea what happens when they overspend. And even if they do, they're not willing to take responsibility for their own actions.

"How can this be?" they demand. "I was guaranteed the American dream! I was told to buy as much house as a bank would let me, and then take out another loan to make the house even bigger. I was told to buy big televisions and luxury cars and to take great vacations and drink great wine."



Comment: From Warren Vanhetloo today:

Most of us would do anything to keep from being different. We'd much rather blend into the woodwork. One of our greatest fears is being ostracized, rejected by 'the group.' There are other fears - fear of being made to look foolish, fear of being talked about and misunderstood. We are like Gulliver of old, tied down and immobilized by tiny strands of fear, real or imagined. The result is both predictable and tragic: loss of courage. It takes courage to think alone, to resist alone, to stand alone - especially when the crowd seems so safe, so right.

Let me suggest four thoughts to help bolster your courage: 1). 'I am responsible.' I said that to myself so many times in the Marine Corps that I got sick of hearing myself say it! Today I still repeat those three words. 2). 'I must not forget.' We must not forget the Lord our God and what He has done for us. 3). 'I am accountable.' I am accountable to God whether I am in Asia, at the tip of South America, or at the North Pole. 4). 'I get my standard and security from God.' Not from my friend, not from my business, not even from within myself. Christ is my surety. Remember, just because 'everybody's doing it' doesn't mean it's either safe or right. Keep flying high above the crowd. Up there it doesn't just seem safe and right, it is safe and right." - C. S.
Further:

Our study in Ephesians last night was from 5:1-17. This is not about the housing crisis or about overspending or about foreclosures.

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ... For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience".

There are millions of people who "have no idea what happens" with regard to one's relationship with a Holy God. The Gospel is the answer!