Think About It

There are certain biblical passages that I have grown up with.   I may have learned them in Sunday School or was taught them in our own home, but they have been a part of my “vocabulary” for decades.   One of the ones that has deep roots in my soul is, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7).   I am sure some of my familiarity with the passage has to do with its presence in lessons on religious offerings, but as I grew up I learned its value in several aspects of life.   While we can accept this on face value, I also think it provides parallel lessons.   You see, God is not the only one pleased when we give with a generous spirit.   The people around benevolent people also appreciate their spirit.   Some because they are the recipients of the gifts, but others because generosity has a ripple effect.   People who are willing to give to offset ...

One of the challenges of maturity is viewing things through a new set of lenses.   As we are coming of age, we learn our own personal preferences and grow confident in being able to make choices based on our likes.   While it is important to feel comfortable in our own skin and self-assured with our personal choices, there comes a point in time when our desires will need to take a backseat to the needs and desires of others.   Part of leadership and development is a willingness to set aside what we want to do and assist others as they promote their own wants and needs.   Good leaders and mentors are able to step back and allow others their time to shine. While this may sound a little bit like pop psychology, it also has a biblical base.   The New Testament admonishes us, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also ...

How do we know if we have won?   We spend much of our lives pursuing a prize at the end of our lives, but have we ever thought about what awaits us as we reach the goal?   Is it having enough money to retire comfortably?   Is it living in such a way that people erect monuments to us?   Is it looking down at our adversaries and feeling like we have come out victoriously?   The other day, I was reading a portion of the writings of the wise King Solomon and came across this, “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9).   Here is a guy who had it all, indicating that sitting on the porch with the one true love of your life is the prize for a life lived well.   In essence, it isn’t riches that should define us, it’s relationships. For those of us who are approachi...

There are a lot of memorable names in the Bible, but Euodia and Syntyche may not be at the top of the list – however, they are forever linked throughout history.   When the Apostle Paul writes to a friend of his he notes, “I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Philippians 4:2-3).   I have to admit that these two women have been targets throughout Christian history, but I want us to take a break for just a second and consider another aspect of this admonition.   Sure, they could have done better to get along, but notice that Paul doesn’t write them off.   They had been allies of his and had done their part to advance the Christian cause.   He wasn’t willing to let one bump in their road detour ...

As we grow closer to the upcoming elections, I think it is time for a word from the old sage, Will Rogers.   In a quote attributed to him in 1927 he notes, “Politics is the only sporting events in the world where they don’t pay off for second money; a man to run second in any other event in the world it’s an honor. But any time he runs second for President it’s not an honor; it’s a pity.”.   While a lot of what the Oklahoman observed might be characterized as tongue-in-cheek, I find this very insightful.   We live in time and place where winning the political game is the end-all.   Yet, is that what our nation’s politics really all about?   When we reflect on the way things can be, I think it is important to keep the process in mind.   Sure, winners get a seat at the table of authority, but all of us:   the winners, the losers, the voters, the moderators are a part of the process.   By exchanging opinions (even adversarial ones), by discussing w...

Jesus’ ministry had an interesting beginning.   Set against the good news of His mission was the bad news of John the Baptist’s arrest (and eventual martyrdom).   An early historian noted, “Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mark 1:14-15).   Isn’t it bad luck that John’s trials began as Jesus went public.   Now, if you go back and reread that statement, you might see a bit of irony (if not satire) in it.   You see, nothing about Jesus happened by luck.   In fact, Jesus was well aware that His mission was ordained and guided by God.   The timing was as right as the message was righteous!   It is easy to look at life and feel a perceived victimization; but what if we believed that things happen for a purpose.   I am not saying that God pr...