Do You Love Me? - A True Story

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Do You Love Me? A True Story

Once upon a time in a Church across the sea
Was a man who had a problem, perhaps like you or me
Exactly what his problem was is not the issue here
But the pastor would not tolerate it - I suppose he lived in fear

"What would others think if they knew you hit the booze
Or smoked cigars or cigarettes after sitting in the pews!"
He excommunicated him, told him "Don't come back
'Til you quit indulging in that problem in your sack"

The church was in Romania, and it was against the law
To worship in that building, or meet there anymore.
Being caught by the secret police, they could not afford
For they'd be shot right on the spot if they didn't deny the Lord.

Then one day, the moment of truth, the dreaded moment of time -
The Church was raided, forced outside, and told to stand the line.
"Step over here, deny the Lord" the soldier said with glee
"Of those who don't, they'll all be shot, the others will go free"

Amazingly enough it seems, the pastor was the first
To cross the line, renounce his faith, and be counted with the accursed!
The congregation was amazed when they saw the pastor's deed
"Is he a shepherd or a goat of this flock that he did lead?"

In the distance was a man who saw all this take place
He came running, and as he approached, they recognized his face
It was the man who couldn't live a life devoid of sin
Everyone wondered "What would Jesus have to do with him?"

"Shoot me too! Shoot me too!" the words came from the man
"I may not live a perfect life, but I do what I can.
The point is that my heart is right, regardless of a flaw
I'd rather take a stand for Him than that denial I just saw"

Now we may think "what a waste", by the words that he just said
That he would throw away his life in martyrdom instead
But do we stop to realize that what goes on inside
Is more important than what we see, or sins that we may hide?

The way we live, we forget the commitment that we vowed
Because we often live by a grocery list of taboos not allowed
The things we think of importance are the gnats at which we strain
And the camel we easily swallow is the commandment from which we abstain

Love the Lord with all your heart, your neighbor as yourself
Are the laws that are at stake today, priorities of one's self
Mr. Goody Two-shoes does not find that priceless pearl
When he thinks that he's so spiritual after passing up the world

There are people out there dying, in depression and despair
A "legalist" of do's and don'ts just produces guilt and fear.
To demonstrate reality, and not some plastic life
We're going to have to show them love, forgiveness free from strife

Guilt or condemnation is not the way to live
When dealing with those we meet in a world of take and give
If we're committed to His plan, and our love to follow Him
Then we'll see that whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
©)1992 David Film
www.DavidFilm