Tuesday; January 9

I think it is a common belief that we should judge our success by the way our efforts are received.  In essence, it is tempting to feel that if people applaud us we have done good, but if we are at odds with them, we must be doing something wrong.  While this may be society’s point of view, when it comes to righteousness, acceptance by the majority might not be a good measuring stick.  Now, before we go any further, we need to remember that just because we are out of step with society doesn’t mean that we are walking in the light (there is nothing inherently admirable in just being odd).  However, if we take a stand based on righteousness, we must be prepared to be viewed as weird or even worse, as being wrong.  Everyday life has probably taught us this lesson, but even if it hasn’t, the language of the Bible should prepare us for this challenge.  The word translated “church” comes from the Greek word that means “called out” and indicates that Christians are going to be set apart or unique and often out of sync with a carnal world. 
History teaches us that the First Century church routinely faced this issue.  In addition to espousing a “new” approach to spiritual living, they often found themselves at odds with their pagan neighbors and in conflict with the Emperor worship of the day.  To combat this, the early Christian writers would remind them that being persecuted did not necessarily mean that they were wrong.  One inspired man of God noted, “But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated.”.  (Hebrews 10:32-33) 
Let’s stick to our commitment to being true to God’s ways and godliness.  We may not win a popularity contest, but will win a place in the heart of God.
Think About It!

Popular posts from this blog

Tuesday; November 29

The biblical story of the Good Samaritan has changed our world. Notice I didn’t say that it had change religion or even Christianity, it has influenced the world. There are very few people who don’t know the moral of Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan. In fact, the phrase has become a common description of everyday people doing good to their neighbors. While Jesus’ parable from Luke 10 shares several spiritual lessons, one of the most practical is that good can be done by anyone. You don’t have to be a church official to do good, it is not only possible for each one of us to help, it is required of all of us. If a Samaritan can be good, so can we! After presenting the parable, Jesus asked the man who had originally asked the question about being a good neighbor which character in the story was a good neighbor, “… he said, ‘The one who showed mercy toward him.’” at which point, the discussion from theoretical to personal, “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do the same.’” (Luke
Read more

Thursday; January 12

The other day I was watching a television show that used a rather common term applied to overcoming challenges. When organizations experience unexpected setbacks – especially when they lose key people – they rely upon the concept of “Next Man Up”. In essence, when our starters (or stars) go down, effective organizations rely upon their next levels to step into the vacancy. While this is an effective response, have we given much thought as to how we prepare to be the “next people up”? First, we must know our job. Even when we aren’t the primary players, we need to be preparing ourselves to be ready when we get the opportunity to shine. Second, we must do our best when we get the chance. Knowledge is important but what turns potential into talent is effort. Yet, maybe the most underappreciated aspect of this concept is a willingness avoid excuse-making and whining about the unfairness of our situation. When we complain about the circumstances that caused the need for replacements
Read more

Monday; September 25

When I was a youngster, I remember hearing about this thing called the Generation Gap. I was a little bit too young to be active in the social movements of the 1960s, but I do remember listening to the challenges the generations were experiencing way back then. Interestingly, now that I have been on both sides of the aging process, I have to admit that the Gap of the 1960s was nothing new. With the development of each generation comes conflict. The young people don’t feel like the older people understand them and the older folks tend to believe their input is being underappreciated. Too often trust is the casualty when two generations collide. The sad thing is that it doesn’t have to be this way. When we can capture the innovation and energy of the younger folks and harness the wisdom of those who have been around for a while we can develop a winning combination. No, we won’t always see things eye-to-eye nor will we necessarily speak the same emotional language, but when we app
Read more