Think About It

          When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian church in Ephesus he spent part of his time discussing unity.  One interesting section of the passage is how he calls them to be unified in spite of their diversity.  At one point he noted, “ And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,   for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ ...” (Ephesians 4:11-12).  As we read this section, two things are apparent – we all have different talents, but every one of us has a talent.  While this is a simple concept to understand, the problem comes in its application.  Specifically, what is our talent?  We understand that we are supposed to have one – but, how do I determine mine?  It would be nice if we all came with a label that stated our talent, but since we don’t how do we deter...

          Which is more important in a conversation – facts or feelings?  I would imagine that each of us would have our own opinion about this, but let me throw out an alternative answer of “it depends”.  It depends where I am in the discussion.  If we are discussing something that doesn’t really cause me much pain or angst, facts are probably more important, but when the focus is on something that creates a major emotional response inside me, then feelings take precedence.  It might be something as insignificant as to where my favorite college football team is ranked or something as complex as social issues, but there are typically two thoughts on the matter – one based on empirical evidence, the other rooted in emotions.           If we really stopped to think about it, most of us would naturally come to this conclusion, but the reason I bring it up is that too often we don’t honor this confl...

I am annoyed that I can’t just go hop on a plane and fly down to Cuba.   That may be an interesting way to begin this, but, hang in there with me for a little bit; hopefully, it will make sense.   I have been fascinated by Cuba most of my life.   The island nation has a rich heritage and an interesting history.   From what I understand it is stunning – filled with all kinds natural beauty and cultural expression.   There it is, just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, and because of the political environment in which we have lived during the past six decades I can’t go!    I wish someone would fix this so that I could enjoy this island paradise. Now, the reason that I share this rant is not as much about wanting to go to Cuba as it is a realization about my own state of mind.   You see, in my own life:   I would like to be happy ... I would like to find peace ... I would like to get rid of worry ... I would like to fulfill my potential. ...

          Have you ever been in a situation where one person seems to ruin everyone else’s mood?  In recent years the terminology used to describe someone like is that they have a “toxic personality”.  These toxins can be found in all areas of our life – in our families, in our jobs, in our friendships, in our social organizations – even in our churches, but they have one thing in common, they suck the life right out of us!  Their constant negativism, criticism and cynicism makes the rest of us miserable!            While most of us are familiar with these situations, we are often confronted with the challenge of what we should do with them.  Well, while the term “toxic personality” might be new, the issue has been around since the beginning of time and so has the answer.  When the wise man of the Old Testament pondered on this issue he wrote, “ Drive out the scoffer, and contention wi...

          When Jesus taught His disciples about working to influence the world, He chose a different approach.   Jesus’ disciples were about to be challenged to change the world – a world that was controlled by the Roman Empire.   The believers in this new movement would be no match for the powerful military machine, so they would have to figure out another way to exert their influence.   To accomplish this goal, Jesus told a short and simple story, “ To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?   It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three pecks of flour until it was all leavened.” (Luke 13:20-21).    The answer wasn’t in overpowering the Roman government or even the Jewish religious aristocracy – the way they could accomplish it was being active agents of goodness.   The victory would not be won on the battlefield or in the ballot box, but by influencing one person at a time.  ...

         During one of Jesus travels He decided to stay with Mary and Martha.  When Jesus arrived, Martha busied herself with making Jesus feel comfortable, while Mary was content to just sit listening to Jesus’ teaching.  As you might expect, Martha got a little miffed that she was doing all the “work” and she told Jesus to fuss at Mary.  Jesus’ response was quite interesting, “ Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42).            As I read this story, I see me – not in Mary, but in Martha.  It is so easy for me to be “doing” rather than “investing”.  I am usually pretty eager to do projects, but in focusing on the logistics I often miss out on soaking up the essence of the Lord’s message of loving my fellow man....

                    It is easy to point out the flaws in our nation or harp on past failures, but when it is all said and done, this is a good nation made possible by good people.   Our system of justice is not perfect, but it is better than most.   Our leaders may not represent everything we expect from them, but for the most part they do care about our nation and those who elected them.   Our borders may not impenetrable and our defenses may not be indestructible, but we can sleep soundly at night without fearing an invasion from our foes.   This is still a great place to live!             Thankfully, when I went to my polling place last week I didn’t have to worry about someone standing behind me dictating to me (with a rifle pointed at me) how I was going to vote.   When I woke up this morning, I didn’t have to wonder if this was going ...