For those of you who don't know me, I have always wanted to be a writer. After many years of struggle and strikeouts, I finally had my first book published two years ago this month. (Three more are in the works, and as of a few weeks ago I am now represented by one of the leading Christian literary agencies in the US.)

But enough about me. That's not why we're here.

My success would not have been possible without the support and encouragement of my local writer's group. In particular, I have had the privilege of being mentored by a gentleman named Don Patterson, the pastor of the Southern Baptist congregation in whose facilities we meet.

Just a few months ago, Don decided to excercise his writing muscles by creating an online weblog, or "blog." I was particularly moved by his entry on April 25:

Last week a longtime friend sent out a group email informing everyone he knew that his wife has breast cancer. My wife and I have known these friends since college, thirty-five years ago. My friend described the situation and asked for prayer.

You've probably done it yourself. Asked for prayer, I mean. If not, I'm sure somebody has asked you to pray for something, some time or other.

That's a pretty simple request. For a couple in their fifties facing cancer is a serious matter. This couple has served the lord most of their lives. They turn to Him now in a time of uncertainty and fear. They ask friends and acquaintances to lift them up in prayer. I did so and continue to do so.

Imagine my surprise when I received an email directed to the original group. Two guys answered my friend's plea with corrections to the WAY my he had asked for prayer and how he should do it right, so God will answer. Sure, it's easy, just rub the lamp, say the magic word and God is required to do your bidding. They didn't use those words, but that's what they are saying.

Can you wrap your head around such colossal arrogance? I and another man answered back that this was not the time for a sermon. We got back corrections of our own. I went to their web site and read an looooooong scrolling list denouncing phariseeism and replacing it with their own rules and regulations for pleasing God. Silly me, here all this time I thought salvation was by grace through faith.

This is worldliness, plain and simple. WHAT? you say, I thought worldliness was evil and corruption.

My friend Robin pointed out that the New Testament speaks of the world piling on rules and regulations that people cannot bear. Jesus said the rulers of the world like to lord it over on others. These two clowns are doing both.

Through this short essay I was reminded of the spirit of legalism from which I came, and which once was all too common within our brotherhood. No doubt we haven't quite "arrived," but by the grace of God we are learning and repenting one day at a time.

May we always seek to serve God and his people, and not our traditions.