Think About It

“Faith” is an interesting word that can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Some define faith as a trust in cause while others use the word to define their standards of belief. Still one more definition of faith in Christianity is a belief in the presence and power of God. It is accepting that God is who He claims to be in the Bible. I think a lot of our issues within Christianity could be resolved if we just took the time to define what we mean when we use the word “faith”. At the heart of a Christian’s understanding is a belief in the existence of God. When we have faith in Him, we acknowledge His presence. The other day, as I was thinking about faith I was reminded of what David wrote, “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:1-2). As I reflected on this passage, I was drawn to the most basic definition of faith – ...

What do we do when we find ourselves at odds with people? Maybe a different way of asking this how do we handle it when we catch someone doing what they aren’t supposed to do? Okay, let’s narrow it down a bit further, how do we deal with people within our faith who don’t do what is right? Honestly, when we find ourselves on opposite sides of debates with people who think differently that we do, we can do a pretty decent job of having casual (if not informational) discussions. However, some of the most intense debates we have are with those we call our “fellow workers”. When we get into snits with people we are supposed to have relationships with, it can be quite contentious. We feel that they should know better and do better, so we tend to have less patience with them. Interestingly, a few centuries ago the New Testament writer, Jude, came face-to-face with this issue. On one hand, he advocated that believers should contend for the faith, but he also said something a bit less ...

Have you heard of the ripple effect? This concept stems from the impact of something thrown into a body of water. We might expect it to disrupt the point of contact, but the amazing part of the principle is that ripples extend out from the source and can impact the water quite a distance away from the epicenter. This physical principle has been adopted by people to explain how our actions as humans can have an impact on others – even those we’ll never meet. If we are nice to someone, they might be nice to someone else … and the ripples can extend out from there. (The same is true of negative interactions – but, let’s stay positive for a minute.) Maya Angelou seemed to grasp this concept when she observed. “I am convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they are stones that don’t matter. As long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late to do some good.”. Most of us are familiar wit...

Do you believe that peace is possible? I think that a lot of us have given up on the idea of peace and we have a pretty good rationale. Just take a look at our lifetimes, how many wars have we had just in the last few decades? Some were fought on an international scale while others were more regional. Yet, people seem to be dead-set on fighting with each other! I believe that international unrest has provided us with a cynicism that people are destined to not get along. Even in times when religion was heavily embedded in nationalism, nations have been going to war with each other. Unfortunately, this political view may have soured our personal perspective. Yet, I do believe that peace is possible. No, it may not be on a worldwide scale, but it can be had in a couple ways that influence our day-to-day walk. Paul advocates that we can be the purveyors of peace in our interactions by stating, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18). ...

As much as I hate to admit it, we are entering into the election season. Several years ago I subscribed a to satellite music provider to get away from politics … then I moved on to streaming video services … I am not sure where I will have to go to avoid the current political poison. Now, let me pause here for a minute and explain myself. Yes, I believe in the American political system, and I do believe there is value in a multi-party system; however, what gets me is when the volume drowns out the issues. I find it interesting discussing governmental and social issues, but I am turned off when those discussions cease, and the cries become venom spewed for the sole purpose of disparaging those who don’t agree with us. Interestingly, this isn’t just an issue with American politics, it has been a challenge in religion for centuries. The other day I was reading through the wisdom of the Old Testament and came across an interesting observation, “A fool does not delight in understandin...

Where were you fifty-five years ago? Now, let me start by saying that a growing number of people may be reading this and smirking with the comment, “I wasn’t even alive back then.”. Okay – I get it – but don’t give up on me quite yet … even you young pups might find some inspiration in what follows. On July 16, 1969 a good number of us were watching the Saturn V rocket lifting off from Kennedy Space Center carrying the Apollo 11 crew to the moon. It was an exciting time – not just for star-stuck kids fascinated by our heroes (the astronauts) or even the Americans who were funding the adventure – a lot people where fascinated by what was going on. At that point in history, no one had walked on the moon and despite an international war going on Viet Nam and a cold war that was separating much of the rest of the world, we watched and hoped and prayed that history was about to be made. In a sense, a lot of the world interrupted their day-to-day routines to follow the antics of Michae...

Do you get tired of people changing things? I am one of those guys who likes what I like and I am not a big fan of people messing with what I like. I have found this distasteful in the foods they change and disheartening when they alter the shoes I like. However, one of the places I find it hardest to adapt is in the digital world. It seems they are always upgrading me – in other words, changing things I don’t really want changed. I like the way we have always done them! While this is comfortable living, I look back on the changes that have been made in the past few decades and honestly, I am happy we are no longer having to wait five minutes to connect to the internet or having to open multiple apps just to navigate, listen to my music and talk (handsfree) on the phone. Change can be uncomfortable, but it can also bring us to new and better places. While changes in electronics can be frustrating, they often pale in comparison to the changes we face in our emotional and spirit...