As you may already know, my last name is St.Pierre, an abbreviated version of the original name Saint-Pierre, French for Saint-Peter. Named after Jesus’ apostle, I was often teased about my surname growing up and as a result I was never really too keen on the name. I suppose my father’s detestable behavior had something to do with the way I felt about the name he passed on to me. You see my father not only an addict, a liar and a thief, he was a bad man driven by greed. He was no saint. To this day, he still brings shame to the divine apostle of Jesus Christ which greatly troubles me.
A non practicing Catholic, my father doesn’t believe in the bible, claims there is no hell and boldly states that everyone is headed to heaven where awaits a supreme being who rules over all the earth and all religions. This is not only a contradiction of the word of God, it is pure blasphemy and will surely lead my father straight to the very place he refuses to acknowledge: the eternal lake of fire.
The truth is this:
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their lot shall be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
I wonder how and why people name themselves after characters of the bible knowing they can never live up to the name. Another disturbing misuse of the word “Saint” involves a nearby school, Saint Leo University which I believe is ruled by greed rather than faith. Located in Saint Leo FL, about one hour north of Tampa, this Catholic institution reeks of the things of this world.
During a recent visit to Saint Leo prompted by an invitation from a student affairs representative, I did not feel that God lived within the walls of this religious institution or within the hearts of the Saint Leo University staff. Instead I felt Saint Leo representatives were motivated by revenue rather than faith driven purpose.
I was shocked when I was told the University required my assistance to “draw more students to the school” with no mention of bringing glory to God through a godly establishment which according to me, Saint-Leo clearly isn’t.
During a tour of the campus, I witnessed a disturbing violation of privacy by a school administrator as he entered the private dorm room of a handicapped student, unlocking her door and walking in her room as she struggled to get dressed on her room’s floor. Throughout the Saint Leo tour, the same school administrator showed a disrespectful attitude toward students and maintenance staff.
Even the dorms at Saint Leo carried a stench I could barely endure. I was told the “old smell” was a result of decades of use and that the older dorms used to be “a convent where they sent aging nuns to die”. I could not believe what I was hearing or the tone used to communicate this information to me.
I would never recommend this school to any person of faith considering my personal experiences with Saint-Leo students in the past. Since 2002 the students I encountered were either drug addicts, sex craved promiscuous women or foul mouth individuals carrying themselves in a disgusting worldly manner.
I also noticed no one from Saint Leo ever mentioned prayer, blessings or praises toward God. Over 20 emails and a dozen phone calls and not one single praise or blessing. How can the spirit live within these people? My opinion is that it doesn’t. The bible clearly tells us about individuals who do not speak with love:
“But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a man.” (Matthew 15:18)
If you have a relationship with God and in deed look forward to the eternal rewards that are promised I invite you to let the spirit be seen through your actions and allow God’s love to flow from your lips in joyful praise.
“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live for ever!” (Psalms 22:26)
What’s my point this week? No matter the name of a person or of a church, school or business, we all will be judged by our actions and the words that we speak.
“And I will strike her children dead. And all the churches shall know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve.” (Revelation 2:23)
Make sure to live according to God’s commands remembering He watches our every move. Are you in need of help with your faith? Do you have prayer requests? I invite you to contact us so that we may praise Him together and fill your heart with God’s peace.
Let’s pray!
Father God;
We praise you for your Grace and for your blessings in our lives
For your guidance, your patience and for your ever present love,
We ask you to soften our hearts and keep our tongues
From speaking words of hatred, of lust, of greed.
Lord we pray that you will continue to look after us
And provide for us all we need in this life,
We pray that you will spread your light onto our friends,
Our families and all those who seek you.
God we ask that you put us to work for you
Because of the relationship we want with you,
And the relationships we want in our lives.
Thank you Lord father for all that surrounds us!
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
