Making A Choice

I’ve been reading this book of fiction (I won’t give its name, since I don’t want to provide free advertising) that has started making me feel really frustrated. It is clear from his writing that the author has an agenda, which includes attacking the basics of the Christian faith as mythology and self-delusion.

To say the least, the author & I are at opposite poles on this issue. But over the years, I’ve learned that you can’t force-feed someone the Christian faith. Until they change in their heart, a person is going to stay right where they CHOOSE to be.

No matter how much I pray, I also recognize that some will rebel against God’s call. And they’ve made their choice. I can’t make it for them. Because, when you get right down to it, it’s a personal thing between an individual and their God. Only God causes the planted seeds to sprout. I need to remember where I fit in the equation -- I plant, or water, but it is God who causes the growth.

It’s a personal thing,
And I find it odd
That you would question my believing
In a personal God!
I’m devout! I’m sincere!
Ask my mother if you doubt it!
I’m religious, but
I’d rather not get radical about it!

The old-time believers
Had timidity and grace,
But this new generation
Doesn’t know its place.
“You’re entitled to believe,”
Says the latest Gallup poll,
“But you mustn’t interfere --
That’s the government’s role!”

‘Cuz when you throw your hat in
The Bull Ring
You gotta know, know, know
It’s a personal thing!
And when it comes to
The Day of Reckoning,
He’s gonna say, “Uh, uh, uh!
It’s a personal thing!”

It’s a personal thing,
And I boldly state
That my views on morality
Will have to wait
Until my personal life’s
Out of the public eye,
With the limitations statute
To protect my alibi.

I’m devout! I’m sincere!
And I’m proud to say
That it’s had exactly NO effect
On who I am today!
I believe for the benefit of all mankind
In the total separation
Of church and mind!

‘Cuz when you throw your hat in
The Bull Ring
You gotta know, know, know
It’s a personal thing!
And when it comes to
The Day of Reckoning,
He’s gonna say, “Uh, uh, uh!
It’s a personal thing!”

It's a personal thing, and I plainly speak
(with the same code of ethics that I held last week)
As I promised, if elected this election day,
With the help of God almighty...I'll do it my way!

‘Cuz when you throw your hat in
The Bull Ring
You gotta know, know, know
It’s a personal thing!
And when it comes to
The Day of Reckoning,
He’s gonna say, “Back off, buddy!
It’s a personal thing!”

~~”It’s A Personal Thing” by Steve Taylor (Album: On the Fritz, 1985)