"PERFECT"
My father-in-law, Dr. John R. Waters used to say, 'Brother Dennis, we have a perfect Bible, a perfect Savior, and a perfect salvation, but you and I are not perfect." We see that in the fact of what different Christians disagree about all the time.Christian schools vs. public schools, speaking in tongues, Christian-sponsored boycotts, sex education, Rush Limbaugh, the ecumenical movement, playing the saxophone in church, Halloween, interracial marriage, Christians in politics, Sunday night services, true Christians in liberal churches, The Lord's supper, Christian counseling, faith-promise giving, women wearing makeup, women cutting their hair too short, clapping in church, traditional vs. contemporary worship, Hollywood movies, drinking wine, watching TV, eating out on Sunday, playing cards, women wearing pants, the King James Version, picketing abortion clinics, men wearing beards, using credit cards, divorced men serving as ushers, home schooling, mixed swimming, smoking, rock music, Christian rock music, women working outside the home, birth control, guitars in a church service, working in a restaurant where they sell beer, working as cashier where they sell cigarettes, pocket knives, guns, the rebel flag, divorced deacons, divorced preachers, and The Baptist Bible Trumpet articles are just a few things we can name.
My father-in-law taught a great truth above: We are all imperfect in some ways and areas of our lives. He taught me that we as imperfect people can get caught up in the issues and forget to feed the flock of God, visit the flock of God, and do the work of a true shepherd. Some times we're so busy fighting and making a point that we forget the main point - to preach the word and live a life that pleases God. By these, folks will know where you stand on any one of the above issues. Dr. Waters used to say at Faith Baptist Church, "Will Mr. & Mrs. Perfect please stand up!" Some will probably read this article standing rather than sitting down! Thanks, Dr. Waters, your life and teaching helped me.
Dr. Dennis Carter
Trinity Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC.