Different shades of grave: light to the darkness

By Eva Andrade, President

You can’t go anywhere today without hearing some talk about “Different Shades of Grey.” (If you want to read the review from Focus on the Family, “Unplugged” click here.) I have neither seen the movie nor read the book and I do not intend to. I am concerned that the message it sends is not a good for one for women, most especially our youth and young adults.

In today’s society, our keiki is being bombarded with messages that lead them to believe that it is better to stay neutral rather than taking a stand for righteousness. Although I strongly believe that there are times when people need to find common ground in order to move forward, the Bible continuously encourages us to stand our ground. Especially when it comes to our faith. (Col 1:23; Eph 6:11; 1 Cor 16:13; Heb 3:14)

As Christians, we stand strongly on the value of human life and the dignity of each and every person – made in the image and likeness of God. Created for the purpose of being an example of His love to a dying world. Light over darkness. Love over hate. Life over death. There are no grey in those equations. No room for neutrality. Our life is a beacon that should draw people into the arms of a loving Savior.

As we move through this season of lent, our focus should always be on the road from sin to salvation because each of us must make that journey. At the end, we will all be judged accordingly. Revelation 3:15 is clear that the Lord desires that we not be lukewarm in this world and then He gives us a convincing visual of what he will do if we are.

In verse 20, however, we receive the promise, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, [then] I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.”

When He knocks, we either answer it or not. In that moment, any shade of grey keeps Jesus on the outside, and why dear friends would we ever want that?