Think About It

How does the world look at Christians?  It is easy to become defensive about the perception the world has of us and, while sometimes it is unjustified, there are other times when we bring some of the negativism on ourselves.  Take, for example, their perception of us when it comes to politics.  I get the feeling that some of the American public looks at believers in Jesus as being out of touch … blinded by certain issues … filled with vitriol aimed at those who disagree with them.  While most of us usually have a good handle on our emotions, it is easy to get riled up in political arguments.  The problem with this is that our critics have trouble justifying our message of love when we are intolerant of certain social and political segments.  Now, please do not misunderstand me – I believe there is a difference between right and wrong and we must always stand on the side of what is good and righteous – however, when it comes to the game of politics, we need ...

I recently read about a friend of mine who had passed away.  I call him a friend even though the miles and years had separated us to the point that I read about his death through an online obituary.  Yet, through the years, his underlying influence has inspired me and has been a teaching point in many of my presentations on dealing with crisis.  My background has a connection to emergency services while he came from the mental health world, but together we worked with First Responders who were dealing with difficult situations.  We would travel miles to meet with people who had been a part of something horrific and it was on one of those trips where I learned that when we would finish with one of these interventions, he would have to live with the images presented in the discussions for hours or days later.  I was wired to be able to leave the stories in the room, he carried them with him.  Yet, the thing that impressed me was his willingness to keep going ...

Do you binge?   Most of us have heard of binge-watching (spending hours at a time watching shows, movies or podcasts).   Unfortunately, too many of us have been guilty of binge eating – sitting down with massive amounts of food and just going to town.   I would imagine that there are even a few of us who are binge-exercisers – spending hours lifting, running or cross-training.   Now, you might be surprised that I lumped a notoriously healthy thing (like exercise) in with a couple that aren’t considered good for us.   My point is that there is a part of many of us that can become so focused that we can become obsessive.   Interestingly, this is not always a bad thing.   When Jesus was introducing His new movement He challenged His believers, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Matthew 5:6).   When I read this the first thing that comes to mind is someone who sits down with the Bible and becomes...

I know absolutely nothing about a book called, “You Can’t Hide” that was supposedly written by someone named J. D. Bradford.  (I have to be honest with you, I did some research and can’t find the title or the author listed together – but, I digress.)  Anyway, the reason I bring up this obscure book is a quote that I came across the other day.  According to the book review the writer makes the observation, “The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think.”.  Wow, when I read this, it stopped me right in my tracks because I think about how many years I have personally lived with this type of incarceration.  Yes, what people think of me is important to me – often too important to me.  As I have thought about this through the years a couple of realities have become clear.  First, I don’t mind failing as much as I fear letting other people down.  I realize I am not perfect, but I worry people will find out about it and will fe...

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...