Ok, I’ve resisted. I really have. Every blog, twit, news article is covering what promises to be the biggest story, or the biggest farce since OBL (who I resisted writing on too). I’m stuck though… feeling an obligation to respond, but in some respects, also feeling I am wasting my time even writing about it.
See, I am a Christian. Hardcore one at that. Not the kind that walks around with doomsday signs, or protests at Planned Parenthood buildings. I’m not on the fringe like that. I just believe in God and in His presence in my life. I also believe in the imminent return of Jesus. That being said, how should I respond to Mr. Camping, and his claim that Saturday is “it”?
Well, on Saturday, I am planning on going to Black Diamond Mines. Because of Camping? No, because I want to go. Because it looks like a pretty cool place. Aren’t you going to be sitting out on some mountain top, waiting for the apocalypse? Not at all. I’ll be taking in the sights, snapping a few pictures, and enjoying some wonderful weather. I’m not changing my direction at all because of someone’s prediction.
Neither am I going to spend time trying to refute what he is saying (what is this, you say?). Seriously. Harold can believe what he wants. Also, I think there are a ton of good sites that have posted effective refutations to his prediction. If you want to know my thoughts, I’ll tell you… tell you what… we’ll get together next week 🙂
Just kidding, kinda… You might gather from this that I am not convinced that Camping is right (the fact that he did the very same thing 17 years ago doesn’t help). For me, though, it’s not about whether he is “right” or not. One of my core scriptures is Deuteronomy 30:19 – “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessing and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants may live!” Life, or living, is more than just existing, waiting for the next, better thing to come along. I’m not diminishing the return of the Lord at all. Rather, when you look at His parables and examples, He always talks about people who are ready for His coming by living the way the are supposed to. Life is to be lived, to be enjoyed, to be experienced. I’m learning that the older I get. So, I can focus on the potential end of life, or I can choose to live. I think choosing life is better. According to scripture, so does God.
So, if it happens, I’m ready. If it doesn’t, I’m not tripping. Either way, I’m gonna have a good day.
I suppose that is the prudent approach – hope for the best but prepare for – well, not the worst, but what may come.
Yep, I think it keeps us with the right perspective. Thanks for replying
I couldn’t agree with you more. After all, no one knows the time or place of His returning. How can a mere man think he can predict what God has declared that no one can know? 🙂
What comes to mind is – the end of the world is nothing like I imagined 😉
But to get serious now, I really like your thoughts on the matter, Kenneth! There’s absolutely no way of predicting when anything will happen, much less the end of the world. And you’ve said it best – choose to live!
Hit enter too soon, wanted to add as PS: Hope you’re having/had a wonderful day!
Estrella, it was a wonderful day. Part of it is because I have new friends like you.
*blush* That’s part of my having wonderful days as well, new friends like you.