What a Fool Believes

Me: A pleasant Atheists' Day to all.

We wrote this at the start of an online poker tournament today.

"Huh?!?!?" regular readers may be asking.  "You're marking an Atheists' Day?"  Well, the next line we wrote explained....

Me: (My pastor calls it that, based on Psalm 14:1.)

The pastor mentioned it in passing during his weekend sermon.  Let's turn to that verse and fill in some details....

The fool says in his heart, "There is no God".... - Psalm 14:1a

Atheists tend to believe there is no God.  This psalm calls them "fools."  And this day is April 1 -- April Fool's Day.  But this stinging verse doesn't stop there....

They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. - Psalm 14:1b

If you think of the Bible simply as a "good book" preaching nothing but love, think again.  It can talk tough at times.

But instead of turning up your nose, slamming the book shut or clicking on "next blog," consider those words carefully.  What sort of deeds have you performed lately?  Are they good, uplifting and godly?  Are they tearing people down -- perhaps including your own reputation?

This is a week when many Christians should consider these things, as they prepare for the "Lord's Supper" or "New Testament Passover" service.  But it's something we all need to do year-round....

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test? - II Corinthians 13:5

Those words were written to a Christian church group which had acted foolishly at times (review I Corinthians for the details on that).

Look at your life as if Jesus is in the mirror, looking back at you.  If you see a need for changes, repent before God and start moving in a new direction.  Build a spiritual "chip stack" that will last for eternity.