One Bad Apple

Until someone gave me my first MacBook Pro in 2006, I was mainly a PC user. That was usually my only option when using a computer at the public library. Since then I’ve grown to appreciate Apple products. Currently, I’m on my third MacBook Pro. Last fall I purchased an iPad primarily for its extra features in GarageBand (which is used to create my music). I’ve also owned two iPods. Unfortunately, some issues have dampened my enthusiasm with Apple Inc.

Whenever possible I avoid doing business with companies that support abortion and the homosexual agenda. When Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007, AT&T (a longtime sponsor of the Gay Games) was the only long-distance carrier that worked with it. That plus not wanting to be locked into a contract discouraged me from getting an iPhone. The following year, Apple donated $100,000 to oppose Proposition 8 that defended traditional marriage in California. I didn’t know about this until two years later. After Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died, Tim Cook became their CEO and came out as gay.

Apple claims to be an equal opportunity employer that doesn’t discriminate on the basis of religion. Yet they have shown a double standard in this area. In 2010, the iPhone/iPad application for the Manhattan Declaration, a Christian organization promoting family values, was removed from the iTunes Store. This was the result of a small but very vocal protest by those favoring gay marriage and abortion. The Manhattan Declaration app was originally accepted by Apple and rated as “4+”, meaning it contained no objectionable material. Meanwhile, the iTunes Store continues to allow apps by Planned Parenthood and numerous homosexual dating sites.

The Manhattan Declaration stated the following on their website…

“We emphasize with great sincerity that ‘disagreement’ is not ‘gay-bashing.’ Anyone who takes the time to read the Manhattan Declaration can see that the language used to defend traditional marriage, the sanctity of human life, and religious liberty is civil, non-inflammatory, and respectful. The Manhattan Declaration clearly calls its signers to reject ‘disdainful condemnation’ of those who disagree and declares that all people are worthy of respect, because all are loved by God.”

Apple has continued this hypocrisy by removing the apps of other organizations helping homosexuals overcome same-sex attraction. Among them were the now-defunct Exodus International and most recently Living Hope Ministries.

Changes with how Apple computers are manufactured may eventually result in me shunning them completely. Earlier this month, my 2011 MacBook Pro stopped booting up properly. I brought it to a certified Apple technician who informed me his business has decreased. Newer MacBook Pros have parts soldered together as opposed to using screws, making the laptops more difficult to repair. I suspect this is to force people into buying new Macs more often. Older models can be repaired or refurbished for less money. Even that option may disappear if Apple continues a policy of planned obsolescence.

I pray God raises up people who will come up with better computers and other products so Christians won’t have to make buying decisions that conflict with their moral convictions.

“I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.” - Proverbs 8:12 (KJV)

Does God Want Economic Equality?

The topic of money often stirs up debates among Christians. Part of the problem is so-called “prosperity preachers” who are misrepresented by critics playing or quoting selected portions of their sermons to where it distorts their original message. God wants His people to prosper but that doesn’t mean they won’t face tests and challenges along the way.

In response to a sermonette about prosperity that I posted on Facebook, a couple of friends made critical remarks about ministers owning an airplane. I unfriended one of them because he persisted in attacking a particular preacher who I happen to be a partner of. Another friend claimed God wants economic equality amongst His people citing 2 Corinthians 8:14 as her proof text…

“but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.”

You cannot build a doctrine on one verse. It must be read in context and compared with other Scriptures. Nevertheless, I looked up 2 Corinthians 8:14 in different versions. The New Living Translation renders it as Paul saying, “there should be SOME equality.” I agree the rich should help the poor but it’s not up to any man or organization to dictate how much each Christian should keep or give of their finances. That’s between them and the Lord. 

Just as I don’t like ministers using manipulative methods to extract offerings from people, I don’t like self-appointed watchdogs claiming certain preachers have too much money. One reason some Christians prosper is because they are generous givers (see Luke 6:38). I’ve heard of some who practice “reverse tithing”…giving 90% of their income and living off the remaining 10%. Their critics don’t even come close to doing that. 

My Facebook friend went on to say, “I agree with Paul about equality because he was a like a father. I am a mother of 4 children and never rewarded them for what they did. I just freely gave them all I had whether they did what I felt they should or not. They were always good in my eyes and are good today and successful and givers.”

I’ve never raised children and so I’m certainly no expert on the subject. However, common sense would tell me not to give everything a kid asks for. You wouldn’t let your three-year-old play with a loaded gun, would you? If I had a teenaged son, I wouldn’t let him have the keys to the family car if he constantly disrespected my authority by getting drunk on alcohol and staying out late.

Likewise, our Heavenly Father will bless His children who are faithful and follow His commandments. God’s love is unconditional but that doesn’t mean He rewards us equally. After being freed from Egyptian slavery, the children of Israel had a promised land set aside for them. All but two died in the wilderness because of disobedience.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus said in Matthew 25:28-29 regarding the unprofitable servant, “Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away.” This doesn’t sound like economic equality to me.

The Lord spoke similar things in the letters to the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Rewards are available “to him who overcomes.” Some Christians aren’t prosperous simply because they are lazy and won’t work (see Ephesians 4:28 and 2 Thessalonians 3:10).

I heard one minister point out if all the wealth of the world was evenly distributed, everyone would be millionaires. However, there are people who cannot handle large sums of money. Proverbs 1:32 (KJV) says, “…the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.” Many lottery winners squander their sudden wealth and fall back into poverty.

God is not into socialism. All believers can prosper if they mature and remain obedient to Him. Then when they get to heaven, they can hear the Lord say to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

“‘If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword’; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” - Isaiah 1:19-20

Who’s the Real Bully?

Three days before Christmas, President Obama signed into law a bill repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” This action now paves the way for outspoken homosexuals to serve in America’s military. Shortly after the bill was signed, I logged onto the White House’s YouTube channel expecting to see a video about that. Instead, the featured clip was called “It Gets Better” in which “several LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] White House staffers share their messages of hope and support for LGBT youth who are struggling with being bullied.”

As a Christian and as someone who was severely picked on as a child, I certainly don’t approve of bullying anyone. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek and to “love your enemies.” (Matthew 5:44) Every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. Every person deserves to be treated with love and respect even if we don’t agree with his or her behavior.

But while homosexual activists campaign for “equal rights”, many of them threaten lawsuits against God-fearing individuals and organizations that won't embrace their alternative lifestyle choices. The online dating service eHarmony.com was sued for not accepting homosexual advertisements, despite their being other match services available exclusively for gays and lesbians.

Who's the real bully?

Two doctors in California were sued for refusing to artificially inseminate a lesbian because of their personal religious convictions, even though they provided the names of physicians who would provide such services. The California Supreme Court ruled against the doctors!

Who's the real bully?

Recently while walking on the campus of North Dakota State University, I noticed the Memorial Union has a room designated as a LGBT “safe zone.” Yet last July, a Michigan woman faced a civil rights complaint after posting an ad on her church bulletin board seeking a Christian roommate.

Who’s the real bully?

Incidentally, I do not have a victim mentality like some non-believers want to claim. Colossians 2:15 says, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, He [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.” In Christ, I am “more than a conqueror.” (Romans 8:37)

The only person I want to bully is the devil.

“And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” - Romans 16:20