Michael Vick Finds God....Oh Really?
I've known many people who have "gotten religion" at a time of convenience, then through lifestyle to give no evidence of a true change of heart. A favorite quotation from James is appropriate, "...faith without works is dead." Equally I could quote the Wendy's commercial, "Where's the beef?" The biggest problem the public has with the Christian faith of today is not the theology of it's adherents, but their practice. Most are not interested in hearing about it. They want to see it.
And so we come to Michael Vick. I think he made a sincere and contrite apology today. No excuses, or anger. Just disappointment in himself. Before the entire world he softly stated, "...through this situation I found Jesus and asked him for forgiveness and turned my life over to God."
Is it real? I'll simply say that my initial response was to roll my eyes. Jesus seeks to be Lord of life, not an emergency parachute to use when all else fails, only to be summarily tossed aside once you get up from the ground. I was not convinced. This seemed to me a shallow attempt by a shallow man to deal with an overwhelming moment of life. Or, perhaps a jaded effort to play upon the sympathies of the judge and the public. And as such it will not work.
However, I am a Christian. I read in the scriptures of the transforming power of Jesus Christ. He turned turncoat tax collectors into loyal disciples, and foul-mouthed fishermen into preachers. Through the power of Jesus, the Gadarene Demoniac became a witness, and a prostitute a devout follower. Therefore, who am I to summarily discount the born again experience of Michael Vick? Amidst the shambles of a broken life, he claims to have found Jesus. I think such is a good place to find Him. My Bible tells me that God has a preset and ongoing disposition against pride, but an equally positive affinity toward humility. In other words, brokenness is a prerequisite to finding God. I think Vick qualifies.
From my evangelical/conservative perspective, what happens when one is born again?
*Immediate forgiveness of sin, no matter how much or how bad. Of course, this in no way wipes out any debt owed to society, or linear consequences in this life.
*Transformation of relationship with God. He now lives within your heart, an ongoing presence and guide.
*Transformation of character. It is potentially profound, but begins in infancy at the moment of conversion.
*Beginning of an intense personal spiritual warfare, as Darkness intends for this new Christian to fail miserably.
*We now have a new brother/sister in Christ. It is the responsibility of fellow believers to take this person under wing. He must be loved, discipled, and taught.
Almost without exception, the most genuine Christians I know are people who have been broken. Delve into their pasts and likely you will find some amazing stories. Look into their hearts and still there remains struggle and imperfections. Such persons are amazed by God's love. They love him in return. And, they love others.
I'm not his judge and jury. I would like to think Michael Vick has found love, forgiveness, and a Solid Rock. Time will tell, I guess.
08.27.07 (11:11 pm) [
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posted by:
squirrelzone (
reply)
post date:
08.27.07 (8:27 pm)
Yes, lets hope that he has. We do not hate the man, we hate the sin.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
08.27.07 (8:40 pm)
Yes, I really do hope and pray so too - and that it's not some posturing ploy thought up by the attorneys that vick is just repeating wilst wearing his freshly pressed suit and tie
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
08.27.07 (8:47 pm)
Yes, time will tell ~ and it is not for us to judge!
posted by:
LadyG (
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post date:
08.27.07 (9:57 pm)
I am praying for him, he made a mistake as we all have, one sin is as bad as the other in the sight of God, I have commited to many to cast the first stone.
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (7:01 am)
my son in law found Jesus right after he was sent to prison for dealing heroin out of my house to support his and my daughter's habits (unbeknownst to us of course,) and lost Jesus right after he got out of prison.
:::sigh:::
I will pray that Michael Vick keeps Jesus.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (10:59 am)
I never heard the part in his statement where he mentioned Jesus. He said all the right things, and at least wasn't reading a script prepared by attorneys. I can't tell if he was sincere. I hope he was. He surely must be kicking himself for the millions upon millions of dollars this will cost him, not to mention his revered status.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (4:40 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
"He surely must be kicking himself for the millions upon millions of dollars this will cost him, not to mention his revered status."
One would certainly hope so!!!!
posted by:
Bob (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (5:02 pm)
We had this same discussion at work today. I said "woe to him if he is using our Lord to try to get sympathy - God will not be mocked." By the same token, "woe to us if he has indeed received Jesus' gift as really only God and the person knows."
posted by:
Bob (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (5:03 pm)
What I didn't finish saying in my first post is woe to us if he did receive Jesus and we are standing in judgment saying he didn't.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:25 pm)
Reply to: squirrelzone
I think plenty appear to hate the man at this time. I am bothered that Christians so rarely, if ever, distinguish themselves by responding in a different manner.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:27 pm)
Reply to: PirateGirl
Contrition is good. I'm uneasy with his invoking of the name of Jesus. That's a very personal matter, and if his conversion is real then there will come an appropriate time for him to talk about it. Not now.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:30 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
Judge not, that ye be not judged. - Matthew 7:1
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:31 pm)
Reply to: LadyG
Indeed, how quickly we do have the tendency, when we perceive a glaring imperfection of another, to reach down and pick up a brick.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:33 pm)
Reply to: fractalmom
I've dealt with the likes of your dear SIL many times. I'm thinking, since I'm expected to love others with the love of Jesus, I cannot become jaded because of the actions of such. Just keep on loving and forgiving and believing, 70 times 7. Not easy, is it?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:34 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
I checked out his statement, with a transcript, and indeed he said he had found Jesus. Maybe Jesus can now loan him some money? Oops, a bit sacriligious, I confess.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:36 pm)
Reply to: Bob
The law can rightly judge his actions. And God will surely do the best job of judging his heart. I would have liked to hear your discussion today.
posted by:
PirateGirl (
reply)
post date:
08.28.07 (6:40 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
- agreed, and time will tell, and The Lord will know -
posted by:
fractalmom (
reply)
post date:
08.29.07 (7:30 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
No Dave, it's not easy at all. I tried to remember that when corresponding with him. Now, he missed both girls birthdays this year, no phone call or anything. ( We did move, but my cell # didn't change.) Hasn't paid child support in over a year.
However, I will continue to pray that he truly gives his life to God.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
08.29.07 (11:39 am)
Reply to: PastorDave
I wasn't questioning you...I had only heard a portion of his statement.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
08.30.07 (8:52 am)
Reply to: bawdy
Please, question what I write anytime you like. I'm not a card-carry journalist, therefore I can and do make mistakes. I enjoy your interaction. Just wish you would write more posts.
posted by:
(
reply)
post date:
08.31.07 (8:35 pm)
Seems very convenient to me however I hope he did mean it. 70x7 ? Is that to say we should forgive someone that many times? Or is that the grace Jesus extends to us?
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
09.01.07 (5:23 am)
Reply to:
Both, I believe.
posted by:
mercury (
reply)
post date:
09.01.07 (12:57 pm)
Wow....I have some work to do!
