Think About It

When we look back at the American Experiment, I think we tend to take too many things for granted. We have seen our democratic republic flourish over the years, but it was still an uncertainty when it began. I find it interesting to go back and listen to the wisdom of the founding fathers. The other day I came across a quote from John Adams who is purported to have said, “Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge of the people.”. As I think about this observation a couple of things come to mind. First is the need for a general education and the second is the importance of civics. Adams seems to teach us that we must have a basic knowledge of how the world works – and we must understand how our government should (and does) function. We can wander through our world fat, dumb and happy – but that ignorance isn’t going to last too long before we will either become lost or misled. As I thought about this, I saw a parallel in religion. No, there is no way that we can th...

As a minister who does weddings – and as someone who has been married over forty years to the same woman – I periodically get asked the secret to a long marriage. As I think about it, the keys to a successful marriage aren’t secrets – in fact, they are pretty simple and straight forward: 1. Friendship : When I was growing up I was given some pretty sage advice, “Marry a good friend”. There were times I am sure I had a strange look on my face, but now I understand what they were saying. Attractions come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most important is to build on a relationship where two people have things in common. Opposites may attract, but similarities keep people together. Find someone you enjoy spending time with and with whom you share common interests. 2. Faith : Sure, two people who look at life differently can have a good life together, but imagine how much easier it is to invest your life with someone who shares a common spiritual philosophy? Our spirit wil...

“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...