Think About It

I think that one of the challenges of Christianity in the 21 st Century is that we have “Americanized” it a bit.   Now, please bear with me for a bit before tuning me out.   What I mean by that is we have applied American principles to what we expect from religion.   To be successful, it is tempting to believe that we have to be the biggest.   We need to be politically powerful and socially viable.   We need to be the movement that everyone follows.   Now, while that does have some appeal, I am not sure that is the case today, nor has it ever been the focus of God.   In fact, Jesus noted, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14).   We shouldn’t be surprised if we aren’t the powerhouse; that was never the intent.   Sure, when it ...

I don’t know how many of us know Denton Young; but mention his nickname and most of the sporting world has heard of “Cy” Young.   According to legend, Denton was nicknamed “Cyclone” which was shortened to Cy.   This native of Ohio became the standard by which pitchers would be measured when the award for the year’s best pitcher was named after him in 1956.   Young ended his 22 year career with 511 wins – the most ever.   There are a lot of things that could be said about him, but in one of his quotes I found something interesting.   Young is quoted as saying, “All us Youngs could throw.   I used to kill squirrels with a stone when I was a kid, and my granddad once killed a turkey buzzard on the fly with a rock.”.   Now, while this prowess is impressive, there isn’t much call for rock-throwers, but when he was taught to throw a ball, I would imagine that’s when he became popular! The reason I mention Cy Young is to wonder what unrefined potential we...

Does it really matter what people think of us?   Now, I think that answer to that question has several opportunities for discussion.   On one hand, we need to protect our reputation so that we can be positive influences on the people around us; however, there is another take that we must answer with a “No!”.   You see, when it comes to how we deal with people, it doesn’t matter what they think of us, we should treat all of them with love and respect.   After Jesus dropped the bombshell to love our enemies He went on to explain, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?   If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?   Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:46-48).   If we hope to follow the example of our Lord, we need to treat people the way they should be treated no matter how they t...

Last Sunday was one of those days that was best fit for waterfowl.   It started out being rainy and dreary and continued throughout a good portion of the day.   Now, while I am not a meteorologist, I understand the weather that influenced us was the lingering effects of what had been Hurricane Isais.   No, we did not get nearly the severe weather that affected the Gulf Coast, but the storm shared some of its make-up with us. As I watched the gray day, I got to thinking about the lingering influence that our moods can have.   Most of us will have momentary “explosions” of anger, but those dissipate pretty quickly.   Yet, when this does happen, the lingering effects can last for a period of time.   There are times when the immediate impact is obvious, but how often do our flair-ups ruin other people’s days or our influence?   I would love to advocate an anger-free lifestyle and, while I think that’s what we should seek, I also realize that most of us...

If there has been a guy that has taken a beating during my lifetime it is Christopher Columbus.   When I was a child, not only did we have a day that honored his accomplishments, he also helped a lot of us pass history.   How many of you marked western history by rhyming, “In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue”.   However, in the past couple of decades, not only has Columbus lost his reputation, in many places, he has lost his day. Now, I am not going to get into a spat with anyone about what Columbus stood for, but I have to admit that much of his modern impression is based on what others (especially those who are quite vocal) think about him.   A “hero” has lost his place in society and in many of our minds because of what others believe.   As I thought about this, it reminds me that Columbus is not the only one whose reputation has been diminished by the opinions of others.   How many of us think less of our friends and neighbors – not b...

It would be futile to argue that we are not in a contentious time.   All we have to do is look at the world around us and realize that we have issues with prejudice and disunity.   That’s the bad news, the good news is that we are no different than any other time in history.   As long as there have been differing appearances and opinions, there have been conflicts.   Yet, the fact that the world has existed for as long as it has gives me hope that we are not doomed.   Actually, the fact that there are differences is a reminder of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   You see, one of the key aspects of His message is that He is the single point of lasting peace.   Through Him we can find the key to unity.   Centuries ago, the Holy Spirit affirmed the message, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the wor...