By Larry P. Stover
The Selma Times-Journal

Today is “Father’s Day.” The Stover family will be “firin’ up the grill” like so many others. It is a time to relax and chill for a little while.

In the midst of the celebrations, I wonder what it would be like if the Christian men of the area decided to take a stand for their beliefs and convictions and make a ‘county changing decision’ to make Jesus Christ the center of their lives and homes. It would be the most awesome revival ever experienced in this area.

It could be a dream, but it doesn’t have to be. Imagine if the Christian men of the area took the initiative to be a reflection of Jesus Christ as a man, husband, father and churchman.

Let’s join together and use Philippians 3:10 as our launching pad for a transformation among the men of Dallas County. The first part of that verse reads, “I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.” If we could tap into that supernatural power, Jesus Christ could raise up a Christian army that would change our county and every community in it.

First of all, could we move beyond the mentality of being “good enough” to get to heaven? They go to church because that is what is expected of them.

Secondly, could we move beyond being partially committed to Christ? This involves a relationship with Jesus Christ that we control. This lifestyle is reflected in those who want to be comfortable in their church pew, and have no guilt in their life choices.

A lot of us would be called “radicals” by fellow Christians if we took Biblical mandates to heart. Isaiah 29:13 issues a warning. “The Lord says” ‘These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”.

My prayer for the men of this area is multifaceted. Following the declarations of 2 Chronicles 7:14, we need to seek the Lord. That needs to be our first prerogative. Secondly, we need to ask God to forgive us for being less of a Christian than He wants us to be. That may include asking Him to forgive us for not being the kind of husband or father we ought to be. It may include seeking His will for our life and not just running after the virtues of our modern, self-centered society. God may be leading you to get involved in His mission through your church.

Most of all, God may be asking you to be a leader in changing our communities. That verse concludes with a promise to “heal our land.” Most people I know want the healing without paying the price for it. This involves families, communities, nations and the world. Let’s begin with healing in our homes. It would make life “Simply Beautiful.”