Think About It

          The Apostle Paul lived amid one of the most incredible eras in human history.   The Roman Empire influenced a lot of people across a wide area – socially, politically and religiously.   I think that is what makes this observation so powerful, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2).   The Christians in the First Century faced daily influences to become a part of their modern world – Paul reminded them that they needed to be distinct.          Often, when I read Romans 12, I think about the similarities...

I feel like I have to walk an interesting tight wire.   On one hand, I need to talk more to some people than I do.   This is especially true of my family, particularly to my wife, Jeane.   I find it easy not be as vocal as I ought to be.   Then, on the other side, there are times I need to speak less.   In some circumstances, I am tempted to talk too much – and maybe even too forcefully.   I have some pretty deeply held beliefs and can be somewhat quick on the trigger.   While I can’t speak for you, it wouldn’t surprise me if you find yourself in similar circumstances.   So, what do we do?   I think we get a glimpse of resolution in Proverbs 10:19-20, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.   The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little.”.   In other words, we need to have the wisdom to know when to speak and wh...

Twenty-five years ago, my week was beginning to get busy.   Our community was preparing for a couple of significant celebrations over the upcoming weekend and I was about to have to adjust my schedule to fit the demands.   I was about to have to go out of my way to do my job – and then all of a sudden, our world changed!   In a matter of moments on that Tuesday morning, our nation was turned upside down and even our smaller community thousands of miles away from the east coast was impacted. As I think about the events surrounding Tuesday; September 11, 2001 a lot of things come to mind; but one of the more pragmatic is that we can do all the planning we want to do, but life doesn’t always follow a script.   Just because we plan doesn’t mean that it will play out the way we expect.   I think there are a couple of lessons we can learn from this:   First, while we should make future plans, let’s not get so wrapped up in them that they overwhelm life for us...

Why do we work?   I am sure there are a lot of accurate answers to that question.   Some of us work for the money.   Others of us work because we are enthralled with the purpose of our vocation.   There are even people who work because their families expect them to follow in the family business.   Yet, let me throw out another option – as Christians, we need to be working for the Lord.   No, not that He needs our efforts or even our money; but because everything we do reflects on our relationship with Him.   The Apostle Paul noted, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” (Colossians 3:23-24).   Now before we dismiss Paul’s admonition because “he doesn’t know my boss” or that “mine is just a menial job”; the context of this message focuses on slaves (in verse 22)...

For some of you, this may not mean much; but there are a lot of us who remember the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethons.   In fact, I think what I learned about raising money using emotional pleas and telephones came from those weekends.   Now, let me offer a bit of explaining.   During the 1960s and 1970s Jerry Lewis, a famous comedian from back in the day, hosted a telethon to raise money for the Muscular Dystrophy Associations of America.   To do this, he would bring on guests for a marathon television event.   As a kid fascinated with entertainers – and looking for one last hurrah before the beginning of the school year – I spent a lot of late nights anxiously awaiting the next singer or comic.   Knowing I could sleep in late on Labor Day seemed to make it all worthwhile. Interestingly, as I look back on these telethons, I remember the good times, but what really made them stand out was the good work.   Millions of dollars were raised to help the p...

          In yesterday’s post, we discussed the impact of the 1935 hurricane on the Florida Keys.   One of the key’s most notable residents during that time was Ernest Hemmingway.   The author had made a successful career out of describing human conditions, but the events following the devastation seemed to derail him.   The incredible loss of property and the futility in the loss of so many lives challenged him to tell the story to the outside world.          As I read some of his observations from the days following the storm, I found another quote of his from his book “The Garden of Eden”.   In the novel he notes, “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.”.   On the surface, this might seem to be a bit odd, but as we dig deeper into the thought, it seems to become quite accurate.   Interestingly, for me, there is another author that seems to underscore this, King...