Think About It

Not long ago I was in an environment where a substantial number of people with spiritual dietary restrictions were eating in restaurants where I was eating.  As I watched this process, I thought about a couple of things.  First, several of the challenges faced by the New Testament church are still around today.  Some of the letters written by the Apostle Paul included discussions about dietary restrictions and how we should approach them.  After years of looking at this academically, it was interesting to come face-to-face with this on such a large scale.  The other observation was how committed these folks were to what they ate and didn't eat.  Even to the point of what foods could be prepared together (or even touched on a plate), they were quite committed to their lifestyle.  While I don't share their philosophies, it was interesting watching them navigate the challenges they faced.   As I look back on this experience, I am reminded that as b...

I am going to ask a political question, but it is a rhetorical one.  For those of you who read this on my social media page, please do not write your answer because I will delete it.  I am not trying to promote a candidate, I am trying to promote thought.  So, with the ground rules out of the way, here is the question:  Why are you voting for the person you are voting for?  Now, notice that I didn't ask you for a name, I want you to think of the reason.  I am not trying to get you to follow my rationale, I just want you to consider yours.  Are you voting for fiscal reasons?  Is your main focus the promotion of a moral platform?  Are you doing it because you have always voted that way and you aren't about to change it now?  Why are you voting for your candidate?  Now, after answering that question, here is a bonus one, “Why is your neighbor, friend, enemy, co-worker, Christian brother or sister voting the way they are?”  Oh, by ...

One of the reasons I like to travel is that it gives me a different perspective of my world.  I remember when I was in Hawaii I thought about how big this planet is (and how far I was away from home if something happened).  When I visit Latin America, I am reminded of how many conveniences we have in the United States – but also how ignorant I sound when I try to speak Spanish.  The Rocky Mountains are a lesson in just how insignificant I feel standing at the base of a 14,000 foot mountain and a look out onto the Atlantic Ocean is a reminder of just how much more the earth there is out the that I have never seen!   While there are great natural reminders in this world, there are also spiritual reminders as well.  When the Apostle Paul introduced the church in Colossae to Jesus he told them, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.  For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, wheth...

If you were open the Bible to the Sermon on the Mount and didn't have a spiritual background, you might be a bit surprised by what you would find.  Let's be honest, there are parts of this lesson that don't make human sense.  Take, for instance, the beatitude that says, “Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:6).  Folks, that just seems backwards, doesn't it!  Most societies have advocated that we need be aggressive in pursuing what we want.  If we see what we want we should go for it.  Several of us in the United States grew up with motto, “Grab the Gusto!” … and I don't think that we are the only culture with that mindset.  We have been taught that to be successful we need to plot, plan and pursue what we really want with a reckless abandon.  I mean, after all, if we don't look out for number one, who will, right?  However, as is the case with much of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus turned His world (or at le...

The other day I was in a public area that had people from various backgrounds, languages and cultures.  As I was noting the differences, I heard a child cry (well, scream might be a better term for it).  I am not sure what set the youngster off, but I could tell they weren't happy.  The interesting thing about the cry was that it sounded like any other child cry I have ever heard.  It had the same shrill pitch and head-turning volume.  While the first thought was that I hoped that someone who appease (and quiet) the upset child, the second was a reminder of just how alike human beings are.  I don’t know what language the child’s parent’s spoke, but I understood full well what the cry was all about – I had heard it before. For the most part, we are all born with a similar spirit and human nature, then we are conditioned by our individual families, cultures and nations to become who we eventually become.  Yes, I realize that nature and nurture play a rol...

I love reading about the loving nature of God.   I find it peaceful to reflect on how far God would go to repair a relationship with His people and what He was willing to do to provide salvation to us.   Thinking about just how much God cares about us can make us feel warm and fuzzy all over.     However, there is another side of God – one that is willing to avenge those who harm His people and punish those who reject His commandments.   The God, who has a nature that can come across as comforting as a Teddy Bear, can explode also into the power and tenacity of a grizzly bear!   Personally, I believe that there is evidence that this avenging nature of God can be found in the world today, but even if He controls His response here and now, one day it will surface.   The New Testament warns us, “For we know Him who said, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.’ And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’ It is a terrifying thing to fall into the ha...

Okay folks, hang on to your hat – I am about to do something I don’t believe I have never done before … provide a quote from Taylor Swift!  (Well, at least my granddaughters will think I am cool – at least until the next time I open my mouth.)  As I was Googling “quotes by” I was prompted to check out some by Taylor Swift and, I found some that were pretty good, including, “I never give advice unless someone asks me for it.  One thing I’ve learned, and possibly the only advice I have to give, is to not be that person giving out unsolicited advice based on your own personal experience.”.  I am old enough to be able to look back at Taylor’s entire career – how many of you remember “Tim McGraw” – and she is right, no one will have a life and a career like hers!  From the kid country star in the mid-2000s to a modern music diva, she is unique and her perspectives will differ than anyone she might advise.  Interestingly, in an odd way, so is everyone else. ...