Think About It

“What are you going to get out of this fight other than a black eye?”. Several years ago my wife, Jeane, was cautioned about getting involved in a conflict and since that time this has become one of her (and my) favorite bits of wisdom. Now, let’s stop here for a second and say that there are times and issues that are worth the fight – but, in reality, there are a lot more that aren’t. In fact, with too many issues, the only things we can expect to gain by picking a fight are a bruised ego, hurt feelings and the mark of a troublemaker. When we are intent on arguing about matters that don’t matter, we are more apt to lose our reputation before we win any influence. Additionally, often when we are strong-willed in picking a fight, not only do we hurt ourselves, we also do damage to our cause and those around us. Specific personal injury might be our choice; but this type of collateral damage over things that aren’t all that important lessen the influence of our cause and may resul...

Several months ago, when the pandemic began, there was a lot of skepticism about what to expect. As things have played out, a lot of people have come to put their faith in the science community. Sure, there are still some who are skeptical – and most of us understand that not everything presented in the name of science and medicine is the cut and dried truth, but for the biggest part, most of us have made our plans around what we have been told by the scientific community. We have been wearing our masks, practicing personal distancing and are excited about the potential of the vaccine. Even though we haven’t swallowed everything hook, line and sinker, we have followed the protocols established by the science – and hopefully, we are about to experience the rewards for our efforts. As I got to thinking about our belief in the medical and health professionals, it got me to wondering what would happen if we placed the same amount of faith in our spiritual professionals? How would our ...

If you are like most of us, it is easy to see how society seems to be drifting farther away from the principles of Christianity. Honestly, I don’t know that society is getting worse or if they are just becoming more vocal and brazen about it. Are they doing more bad things or is it that they just don’t care who knows about the bad being done? Either way, it is understandable why those who seek to live a Christian life feel their efforts are in vain. Yet are they? In fact, couldn’t it be said that now is the best time to let our lights shine? When Jesus challenged His disciples, He told them, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). In these words He reminds us that our job is to shine...

When Jesus met with an early believer, they had an interesting discussion about being “born again”. Since Christianity has spent the last several centuries discussing spiritual rebirth, the concept seems normal to us; but when the notion was first introduced to Nicodemus he had trouble getting his head wrapped around the idea of rebirth. He knew that biology would not allow him (or anyone) to start life anew and it wasn’t until he made the connection between a new spirit that it started to click. John describes the discussion that helped him connect the dots, “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’” (John 3:5-6). Through the years I have come to believe that Jesus is telling Nicodemus that the things that produce spiritual regeneration are repentance and baptism. It is a changed mindset and a spiritua...

I am starting to get a little more optimistic about the future. I think that, in the beginning of the pandemic, I held on as long as I could to positive thoughts that when it finally hit me that we were in this for the long haul it really sucked the air out of my balloon. Well, over the last few weeks I have started to allow myself a little more optimism. I believe it is becoming realistic to start thinking about how things are going to look in the second and third quarters of 2021. No, we aren’t quite there yet, but I believe we need to start thinking about rejoining the human race. I have tried to avoid using the term “new normal”; so maybe what I’d like to think about is our “renewed return”. What do we need to do to get back to where we need to be? I know that my health and fitness routine has taken a turn for the worse, so I need to get back on a plan. I also know that my work ethic has slipped a bit, so I need to get back focused on what I need to do to be my best. Yet, t...

Tribalism … nationalism … racism. Have you noticed how many “isms” there are out there these days? The thing that makes these possible is the desire to set one group apart from others. Some of them have been condemned, while others are being viewed as something positive – interestingly the same “ism” may have very different assessments at the same time. As I was reflecting on these terms, I got to thinking about another quality, spiritualism. I am not talking about those who are viewed as being different because they worship “spirits”, but those who are different because they have accepted the Lord as the leader of their lives. While the world might be tempted to view themselves as superior because of something that makes them unique, the difference in spiritualism is that it has the potential to unite us all. The New Testament reminds us, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies ...

How do we feel when our children make us proud? Depending on the age of our children, it could be as simple as sharing a cookie with their sibling or as grand as receiving the Nobel peace prize, but there is a special feeling when our children do what they are supposed to do. It may be a vicarious type of joy, but it is pride nonetheless. The other day, I was reading from Solomon’s proverbs and came across this interesting observation, “My son, if your heart is wise, my own heart also will be glad; and my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak what is right.” (Proverbs 23:15-16). As I read this, I got to thinking about how great it is when my children bring joy to my life (which they do often), but then something struck me. Can God say this about me? Do I exhibit wisdom and goodness that bring joy to Him? It is easy to focus on those times when we bring shame and despair on the Lord, but how could our lives change if we focused on living our lives in a way that we bring ...