Body Piercings.....and Religious Freedom

Please allow me to get on my soap box for a moment.......

This last school year, there was a story about a Clayton High School student who wore a nose stud to school, which clearly violated the school dress code.  The school suspended her four times for failing to remove the nose stud, and her family contacted the ACLU, who filed a lawsuit against the county school system.  The girl apparently belongs to the Church of Body Modification, a little-known group that encourages piercings and tattoos as a path to spiritual enlightenment, according to the N&O.

This week, the school system settled the case with the ACLU.  The school system agreed to rewrite it's policies to allow exceptions to be made in cases like these.  They also have to pay $15,000 in court costs and fees for the ACLU.  And the student's record will be wiped clean of this incident and the suspensions.

What really got me was the comment in the N&O from the ACLU:  "We are very happy...because the policy is changed and protects the religious rights of students and their parents...".  Here's the problem with all of this.  First, the school ultimately gave in and settled because they do not have the money to fight this battle in court any longer.  Clearly the ACLU has plenty of money and resources to carry this out to completion to serve their agenda.

Second, the ACLU is also one of the leaders in threatening school systems for saying prayers, using the name of Jesus Christ, or using any other sort of "religious" language in school graduation ceremonies.  In fact, recent stories have confirmed that they and others believe this language and activity forces religious views on others.  In effect, they are restricting the ability of students who want to affirm their religious views from doing so, consistent with their rights as Americans.

I'm getting very tired of the double standard that exists in our culture.  It's systematic of the relativism and tolerance that we face every day all around us.  But I'm also reminded that the Bible tells us that if they persecuted Christ, then we can expect no less.  I wonder what would happen if a Christian student wore a Jesus t-shirt to school, or wanted to pray during recess with a few other Christian students, or maybe wore a cross nose stud to school.  I already know of situations much like this in the past that were not well received, all under the idea of "separation of church and state".  There's a Greek word for that....baloney!

Christians must stand for what is right, what honors God.  There are times that might require direct protest.  But most of all, it requires a growing trust in the Lord and obedience to His Word.  Ultimately this isn't my fight, it's God's.  He expects my obedience, and by His power, I will strive to give Him that every day.  We must let Him fight our adversaries, and trust Him to bring the best results consistent with His will.

Our job is to live a faithful witness for the King.  As I've calmed down a little while writing this, I'm reminded of two verses that keep me sane when I read stories like this:

1 Cor. 11:1 - Paul says, "imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

Ps. 19:14 - "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

Lord, teach me to trust You in everything.  Show me the fights to fight, while always trusting Your strength.  And let my testimony be used by You to draw all men to Yourself.

Pastor Randy

The NRCA 7th Grade Team

Another school year is almost in the books.  Tomorrow is the "official" last day for teachers.  It's been a great year in many ways.  I believe that this year's 7th grade students are some of the best I've worked with.  Many of them have displayed awesome Christian character throughout the year.  Many have worked very hard and will be rewarded for their efforts in the awards program tomorrow at school.

But I think I'll remember this school most for the great team I've had the pleasure to work with.  The team includes Bill Cook, Tim Gardner, Chris Rivera, Ioan Oros, and Amy Lilly.  I know I'm biased, but I think our team was the best in middle school, and maybe all of NRCA.  We complemented each other's strengths and weakness very well.  We worked together and helped one another often.  We were there to encourage each other when difficulties arose.

I lost count of the number of parents and students who commented favorably about our team and the work that was done this year.  And perhaps the most exciting part of this is that we'll all be together again next year.  I believe God will continue to do great things through this team.

So, to Bill, Tim, Chris, Ioan & Amy - thanks for a great year.  Enjoy your summer.  And let's keep our eyes on Jesus as we get the pleasure to do it all again in August.

Pastor Randy (aka, Mr. B.)