Think About It

We hear a lot about wise men this time of year. After the birth of Jesus, the Child received a visit by some magi or wise men. We aren’t told how many of them there were, but we do know they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. While I have never received gifts like this (and may not be impressed by them in the 21st Century), they were notable enough to be recorded in the Bible. While the gifts that these men brought get a lot of attention, the most important part of their visit was the fact that they traveled all that way to see Jesus. When they came “from the east” to seek out Jesus their presence transcended their presents. The impressive part of this whole process is summed up by Matthew, “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.” (Matthew 2:11). As I thought about this historical (and spiritual) account, I got to thinking about what it teaches us about parenting. This time of year, it is e...

As I drove through town the other day, I noticed someone sitting all alone in their vehicle having a very animated conversation – complete with hand gestures. Interestingly, I didn’t really think much about it other than how normal it has become. A few years back, if I would have seen that I would have wondered what was going on. It was one thing to talk to yourself, but actually moving your lips and your hands seemed a bit over the top. Now, with handsfree phones, seeing people engaged in animated conversations is pretty commonplace. Not all of them are talking to someone else – but it just doesn’t strike us as odd on the surface. As I thought about changing times, I got to thinking about how common immorality has become. What used to shock us, has not only become commonplace, it is also accepted as the norm. Things that used to cause us to blush (or even prompt us to action) are merely accepted as a part of our society. The problem with this is that much of immorality – by ...

A week from now people will be well on their way to enjoying Christmas, 2021. Thankfully, for most of us, this year’s Christmas holiday looks to be better than the one last year. Hopefully, we are getting back to being able to enjoy some of the more traditional aspects of the holiday season – including travel and time with friends and family. As we spend this week getting ready for the Christmas, I want to take a minute to remind us to relax and enjoy the season. While this can be the season for stress, worry and impatience; let’s make it a point to remember principle of love, hope and joy. When we realize that this is not a season of “stuff”, we will be able to appreciate this time of year a bit more. Rather than concentrating on finding the perfect gift or making the perfect meal, let’s make it a point to make a difference in the lives of the people around us through kindness and patience. Let’s not get caught up in meeting everyone’s expectation, but in sharing kind words a...

Last week, America lost a long-time civil servant. When Bob Dole passed away at the ripe old age of 98 he had out-lived many of his contemporaries – and even some of their descendants! While Senator Dole never made it to brass ring of American politics – the White House – it would be an error to say that he wasn’t successful in his political life. Interestingly, as I read about Mr. Dole, I came across a quote they may have been prophetic, “When it’s all over, it’s not who you were … it’s whether you made a difference.” 20th Century United States history is interwoven with the influence of the man from Kansas. As I pondered this quote, I was reminded of a lot of people who influenced my world, but never held a significant position in society. You may have never known them, but they changed my life. They didn’t make the news, rather they were teachers, preachers, community leaders, friends and confidents. You won’t find their quotes in Wikipedia, but you can see their influenc...

What is the most important aspect in being faithful to God? Is it having all the answers? Is it always doing all the right things? Is it teaching the gospel with consistency? The other day I got to thinking about the evidence of our relationship with God and something came to mind that is too often forgotten. When Jesus taught His earliest disciples about the thing that would set them apart, He focused on love. In addition to saying they had to love God, He also taught them that they needed to love their fellow man. When telling the story that seems to be corresponding to judgement, He indicated that an important consideration would be the way they treated people – especially those people who fell outside the traditional mainstream. Jesus shares the affirmation, “Come you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Matthew 25:34) with those who demonstrated kindness to their fellow man. (A short time later, Jesus dri...

What is the difference between being open-minded and being wishy-washy? Often, we think of ourselves as being deep thinkers when we consider several angles of a situation – however, to others they might view us as merely being unable to make a decision. To some, focused and unwavering thought is the only way to preserve truth. Not long ago, I was confronted with a situation that has caused me to rethink some of my opinions. On one hand, I felt like I was weak for doubting what I had believed … then, I would refocus and believe that information I have recently considered might provide increased insight. After bantering this around for a few days, I doubt that I am not much smarter and am definitely a lot more confused. I kind of liked it when I could believe one singular point and call it truth; but when I look at the credentials of those who held differing opinions, I wonder if it is arrogant to think that I am smarter than them. I don’t want to water down the truth, but I al...

I don’t like good-byes. We recently had to say so long to a friend of ours and it reminded me of the pain caused by being “out of sight”. When I was younger, moving meant not only the end of an era, but all too often an end of friendships. Sure, there have been a few that have lasted through the years, but as the child of a minister, way too many relationships came and went. Thankfully, with the types of media we have today long distance friendships are not merely relegated to a long-distance phone call. Yet, even though we do have ways to stay connected, there is a sadness associated with not being together. As I have thought about this recently, I find comfort in the fact that we will get a chance to see friends and family again. Maybe not in this world, but in the life to come. Investing in faithfulness doesn’t just mean that we get to spend an eternity with God, it also allows us to look forward to an eternity with our loved ones. Remaining righteous doesn’t just produce ...