Think About It

          I don’t often quote modern pundits (much less stars), but the other day a quote from Tom Hanks caught my eye.  When he was honored by the National Archives Foundation with the "Records of Achievement Award" CNN quoted Hanks as saying, "’People are upset about what's going on today. They're furious, they're frustrated, they're worked up,’ Hanks said. ‘If you're concerned about what's going on today, read history and figure out what to do because it's all right there.’".  As I reflected on Hanks’ comments it got me to thinking about the greatest reference of all times, the Bible.  I would imagine that most of us would agree that our nation and our society are facing struggles, but the Bible helps to put things in perspective.  In the years leading up to the time of Noah (and the flood) the Bible notes, “ Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his he...

Are we willing to have difficult conversations?   It is easy to talk about the weather, sports or our granddaughter’s excellent piano recital, but how comfortable are we discussing race, religion or even sin?  I remember the mantra several years ago was that nice people who wanted to remain friends didn’t talk about religion and politics – why is that?  Could it be that it wasn’t the topics that were volatile, it was that we couldn’t control ourselves?  We were afraid that the subjects would hit too close to the heart and that we wouldn’t be able to balance our opinions with our friendships? Now, broaching this subject comes with a warning – I am not referring to the type of yelling matches that are prevalent on radio, television or other forms of media, nor am I referencing a discussion on social media.  My question is are we willing to sit down with someone and discuss difficult topics one-on-one?  Some of us may have been so insulated from this...

When the Wise Sage of the Old Testament began to teach about wisdom he personified the concept and offered this admonition, “How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded?  And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing and fools hate knowledge?  Turn to my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:22-23)  As I read this passage I got to thinking about all the people who have weighed in on modern social issues.  There are many people who have a lot of things to say – but, just how wise are they?  It isn’t the loudness of the voice that makes a difference it is the deepness of the thought.  When we hear someone chime in on something, we must investigate their background to determine the wisdom of their thought. A little later in this section Solomon issues wisdom’s warning, “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but...

The other day I came across a quote by Jim Rohn, the businessman and inspirational speaker, who observed, “ Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do.  Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.”  As I pondered this thought, I began to think of it as two separate principles joined at the hip.  The first idea, that successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do, appears to be about commitment, but there may be more.  Whether it is imagination, effort, insight – or whatever else – success comes from not being willing to settle for the way things have always been.  It is about a willingness to go to the next level and re-inventing the wheel (when necessary).   It is finding better ways to solve problems and investing in different ideas to solving problems.  (After all, if a problem exists today doesn’t that mean that yesterday’s way of thinking didn’t work?)  The second part of the statement ...

I believe that autumn is my favorite time of the year.  I enjoy the coolness of the mornings, the colors of the fall flowers and beauty of the foliage.  I like seeing that the animals are a bit more active.  There is just something special about this time of year.  Isn’t interesting that there is a pattern to be noticed about the fall?  Sure, there are some years when the temperatures aren’t quite as cool or when the leaves are a bit more colorful, but all-in-all the things that happen this time of year are dependable.  There are some people who will advocate that nature is at the heart of this consistency, but that raises the question, “Where did nature come from?”.  Several people have theorized various reasons for our natural world, but to me, the simple answer is that God created nature in the beginning.  He is the reason we can depend upon the reliability of the world.   Are there natural anomalies that periodically pop up (like ...

Do we find ourselves lamenting how bad things have gotten?  While this can be discouraging when it comes to individual behavior, it is awful tempting to look at the Christian church as a whole (and even our individual congregations in particular) and be distressed by the folly we see.  What hope can we have for the future when things are as bleak as they are in the present? While there might be some logic in this negativism, it is important to remember that since the Lord’s church is made up of people there have always been problems.  One of the first great churches (Jerusalem) watched as two of their members were struck dead for lying.  The church in Corinth struggled with everything from overt immorality to idolatry to chaotic worship.  A church leader by the name of Diotrephes was so full of himself that he refused to accept the authority and teaching of the Apostle John.  Do our churches have problems – yes – but, that is nothing new to Christianity!...

Have you ever heard of “second mile thinking”?  The idea is built around Jesus’ instruction in the Sermon On The Mount, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’   But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.    And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.   If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.   Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”.  (Matthew 6:38-42)  The basic concept is that when we voluntarily inconvenience ourselves to help others we find more joy in life.  This philosophy (which is being used in various industries and organizations) basically puts a new spin on service.  The other day I heard someone say, “You cannot enslave someone who volunteers to serve.”.  When we feel compelled to do something as a cho...