Do you remember the old “choose your own adventure” books?  Each story was written from a second person point of view, with the reader assuming the role of the protagonist and making choices that determine the main character’s actions in response to the plot and its outcome.  Sometimes, people often take the “choose your own adventure” mentality when it comes to the Bible.  People can get in the habit of picking and choosing the verses they want to believe if it fits their lifestyle and throwing out the ones that make them feel uncomfortable.   Does this make the person unworthy of calling themselves a Christian?

With recent debates looking at what it means to be a Christian, the definition can become quite cloudy.  Recently I have seen people ask: does the movie Prince Caspian contain Christian values? Is Barack Hussein Obama really a Christian? Can you be a Christian and a homosexual? These questions further reveal how confusing the term “Christian” is and what it truly means to be a Christian.

Many people call themselves Christian and claim to have Christian values. But this must include more than just saying some nice words about Jesus. Faith needs to be more important than just words.  What about morality? Are there moral principles you have to agree with to be called a Christian? If so, what are they and who decides what they are? Can they change over time?

Faith is a personal thing that is between you and God.  Whether you are a homosexual, or living with someone you are not married to, or still think abortion is OK, or vote Democrat rather than with the religious Right, these beliefs do not deem you unworthy of being a Christian.   However, to be a Christ follower, you should be willing to follow His Word as close as possible.  There are definitive areas of morality within the Bible.  You cannot pick and choose what you want to believe in the Bible.  You either believe it or you don’t.  God’s Word is never changing and stands the test of time.  If you truly believe His word shouldn’t you being willing to commit to follow His ways rather than the world’s ways?

Are you willing to take a stand – in your life as well as your finances?  God has given us a blueprint for how he wants us to live our lives.  If we stray, it does not mean He doesn’t love us anymore or we are not Christian, but as Christ Followers, we should seek to be closer to Him.  This means obeying His Word and standing firm in the principles He has laid out in His word.

Today, on Memorial Day, we remember the soldiers of old and new who have lost their lives in battle for our country.  Today serves as a reminder that our soldiers fight for our freedom, including freedom of religion.  Are you willing to stand for what you believe in?   Christ, like the ultimate soldier, laid His life down for each and every one of us.   Will you stand for Him?  With His example, I need no further motivation to want to live my life to be more like Jesus.  As I attempt to do this, I want to make sure my faith is incorporated into my financial plan.

Today, remember those who have lost their lives in battle and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way.  May God bless you and bless America!