Think About It

  How do we defend ourselves against those in the world who attack our values, principles and doctrine?   One thing for certain about being a believer is that someone, somewhere is going to challenge our faith and they might even get nasty about it.   There are a couple of points that need to be made about this statement – first, this shouldn’t surprise us and second, we need to be prepared to respond to it appropriately.   While it is tempting to fight fire with fire and retaliate against them with equal vigor and vile, that isn’t the way the Lord wants us to respond.   When the Apostle Paul taught the minister, Titus, how to teach others he noted, “… urge the young men to be sensible;  i n all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified,   sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:6-8).   ...

            I am not going to claim that people are more divisive than they have ever been – but I sure am not going to say that we are more united!   Throughout time, people have always struggled with getting along with others.   In fact, the number of times the phrase “love one another” is used in the Bible reminds us of how important it is and how overlooked it can be.   Interestingly, if we have to be reminded to love our friends, family and coworkers; just imagine how challenging it is for everyone else.   On one hand, this might indicate that we should be alleviated from trying to make extra effort to get along with others that we don’t like; but the Bible puts an end to that philosophy.   In direct conflict to a modern worldview Jesus said, “ But I say to you, you’re your enemies and pray for those who persecute you …” (Matthew 5:44).   If that isn’t enough, He also remarked, “ But I say to you w...

           Several years ago I worked in a position where I was a part of a team that worked on writing Administrative Rules that governed hunting, fishing and boating regulations.   It didn’t take me long in that position to realize a couple of things.   First, words mean something.   Even simple words such as “shall” and “should” may sound similar; but they have a vastly different intent.   A second thing that I realized is how hard people will work to find loopholes in the regulations.   Those who hope to get away with something try to become masters at the letter of the law rather than focusing on the intent of the regulation.   They are more interested in finding a way to get their way than they were in doing what was designed to be in the best interest of the community as a whole. I have thought about loophole lawyers quite a bit lately.  With more laws and rules being enacted to help deal with social health issues...

            The other day I was watching a baseball game and they described a major league pitcher in an unusual way.  On the surface the guy did not seem all that approachable – either by his teammates or his coaching staff – yet in defending him they called him “stubborn, but open”.  Now, if you were just casually listening, this combination of words might have just floated on by; but a closer analysis made me stop and think.  What does it mean to be stubborn, but open?  Isn’t that an oxymoron?  The commentators went on to explain that the veteran ballplayer understood his talents and his purpose and was committed to doing things his way; however, if people approached him with good information, he would listen.  In essence, he had a natural built-in filter, but he was not completely oblivious to help.           As I thought about this type of personality, I go...

          One of the most encouraging aspects of Christianity is the promise of “contentment”.  The concept of being able to live a life of emotional ease makes Christianity something to be pursued.  While this sounds appealing, for many of us there seems to be something that keeps standing the way of being contented.  This concept has been studied quite a bit, but one of the things that gets in the way is our selfishness.  The reason we aren’t contented is because we keep wanting more.  We aren’t satisfied because we want what we don’t have – and, too often, we want what other people have.            Selfishness is condemned throughout the Bible as something that can lead to negative actions and attitudes including a lack of contentment.  Yet, when we seek out what God wants us to do and trust that He will take care of us, we will be able to set aside selfishness and replace it...

What would happen if we did two simple things:   tell the truth and take people at their word?   Well, we would be happier and things would be better.   So why don’t we do it?   We say we want to have better lives; but are we willing to make two simple changes in acceptable behavior?   While these things sound easy – and they really are – truth and trust come with a price.   When we tell the truth we risk exposing our failings or confronting the failings of others.   It is much easier to lie (or maybe tell a fib and color the truth) than it is to live in a truth-filled world.   When we take people at their word we become vulnerable.   We have to lower or defenses and risk being disappointed or duped.   By being guarded (or cynical) we develop a crust that becomes difficult for people to penetrate.   Sure, there are “logical” reasons for lies and distrust; but is it worth the risk?   Deceit and suspicion take a toll on us and ...

          As spiritual people, it is easy to fuss about modern society, but have you ever thought about what is wrong?   Well, it is obvious that the world doesn’t share our priorities; but interestingly, it is not something new nor is it inexplicable.   Centuries ago, the early Christians were told, “ Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.   For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.   The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”   (I John 2:15-17).   There is no mystery as to why the world is in the condition it is in, it is because satan has drawn people into his way of thinking by using three very simple ploys:   the lust of...