Think About It

If you have spent much time studying the Bible, it is quite possible that you have heard Abraham referred to as the “Father of Faith” (or maybe even the “Father of the Faithful”). Have you ever wondered why he was given that title? No, it wasn’t because he got everything right – rather, it is because he followed the Lord’s direction. There are several examples of his faith throughout his life, but to me, one of the most impressive occurs when Abraham (or, as he was known at that time, Abram) followed the Lord’s direction when he was told, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, the land which I will show you …” (Genesis 12:1). The Lord followed up with the blessings Abram and his descendants would receive, but it was contingent on his willingness to go. God didn’t give him a map, nor step by step instructions on how he would achieve his reward – he was told to go and the great patriarch went. He was convinced that God had something speci...

Have you ever thought about what makes the difference between a victim and a victor? When we first consider it, we might attribute the difference to talent or opportunity – and while that might have something to do with it – the bottom line is persistence. Too often, victims are those who just give up too soon while victors are the ones who keep going until they have the ability to get what they want or need. The phrase “victim of circumstances” is often used as a regrettable fact of life; but could it merely be that someone gave up too soon? One of the challenges of modern society is the acceptance of victimization – and in some cases the pursuit of victimization. When we look for excuses to give up, we can easily find them and, when we do, we have a built-in reason for not being successful. What would happen if, rather than settling for what is easy, we press on for what we desire? No, we won’t always get what we want, but when we keep going we’ll have a chance to win more t...

Are we spending too much time debating the Second Amendment and not enough time discussing the Sixth Commandment? I am one of those people who can see both sides of the gun argument. Growing up as political conservative, I learned to read and value the United States Constitution. Living in the places where guns were used for hunting and recreation as well as protection, I believe there is a legitimate place for firearms as tools. However, being involved in Law Enforcement for decades has taught me that not everyone should possess a gun. Having consoled families and conducted funerals for people who have died as the result of gun violence, I realize the damage they can do. I get it – on both sides. We have been arguing about gun issues for decades and I don’t know that we have made a lot of progress. Could it be that we are seeking answers in the wrong place? Maybe the issue isn’t political, maybe it is spiritual. Frankly, illicit killing has been around a lot longer than guns....

April 19th and 20th have the reputation of being troubling dates in our nation’s history. April 19th, 1993 was the day the government’s conflict with the Branch Davidians came to a head in Waco, Texas. While much of the nation was focused on the events in Waco, many of us in South Dakota were mourning the death of Governor George Mickelson and his staff who died the same day in an airplane crash. Two years later, in 1995, Timothy McVeigh blew up the Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Not only was April 20th Adolph Hitler’s birthday (1889), but it was also the date two killers invaded Columbine High School (1999). No, not every April has been horrific, but for a while I got to where I would have gladly skipped this week and moved directly into May. I must admit that this week can weigh heavy on me, but this year I would like to propose something different. Rather than allowing ourselves to get down because of the events of our past, let’s look forward to the hope of the future. Le...

Have you noticed how easy it is to see the failures in the world? We are good about noticing all of the limitations of our systems. We are fascinated by the gruesome details. We are eager to chime in with our opinions on the controversial topics to keep them smoldering. While it is natural to see the problems, the issue is when we focus on these things we are apt to stay discouraged and disheartened. When we seek out things that keep us stirred up, we are bound to stay down. While it is easy to get riled up, it is important to remind ourselves that we have to look hard to find the good. The previous statement is true on two levels. First, good news doesn’t make the front page nor is it discussed on social media or even at home over dinner. We have to make it a point to find it. Second, it is important to look for good news. If we try to live on a steady diet of negativism, it is going to eat us up! Not only will it have a negative impact on us emotionally and spiritually, i...

I have thinking about how smart I am lately. While that might come across as an arrogant statement, believe me it isn’t because the older I get, the less I feel like I know. I find myself shaking my head and asking “Why?” and coming up with the answer, “I don’t really know.”. People, especially religious people, often pride themselves as always being able to have an answer, but is that really a requirement for believers? Sure, we need to have an answer for why we do what we do or believe what we believe, but do we have to be able to explain the world? I know there are a lot of things I don’t know and, if I were honest, I don’t think I am the only one who needs to feel that way. I think it is important to not only admit there are things we don’t know, but we should also seek out wise people who seem to have insight. One of the greatest sages of all times was King Solomon. The Bible says of Him, “In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and...

Have you noticed how easy it is to avoid doing good? I mean if we have reason to do good, most of us will jump at the opportunity; but we are also apt to avoid going out of our way to help. If we can find an excuse to not do something, it is tempting to take the out. When someone we know and respect needs help, most of us are willing to give; but when we are ask to donate to someone that we don’t know – or more importantly – someone who lives in questionable circumstances, we are less apt to donate. It is tempting to process our liberality through questions like: “Are they helping themselves?” … “What is their immigration status?” … “How many times have they been helped before?” … or “What are others doing to help them?”. While there is a human legitimacy to each of these questions, they seem to ring hollow when compared to the scriptural admonition, “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” ...