Think About It

Does it really matter what people think of us?   Now, I think that answer to that question has several opportunities for discussion.   On one hand, we need to protect our reputation so that we can be positive influences on the people around us; however, there is another take that we must answer with a “No!”.   You see, when it comes to how we deal with people, it doesn’t matter what they think of us, we should treat all of them with love and respect.   After Jesus dropped the bombshell to love our enemies He went on to explain, “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?   If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?   Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:46-48).   If we hope to follow the example of our Lord, we need to treat people the way they should be treated no matter how they t...

Last Sunday was one of those days that was best fit for waterfowl.   It started out being rainy and dreary and continued throughout a good portion of the day.   Now, while I am not a meteorologist, I understand the weather that influenced us was the lingering effects of what had been Hurricane Isais.   No, we did not get nearly the severe weather that affected the Gulf Coast, but the storm shared some of its make-up with us. As I watched the gray day, I got to thinking about the lingering influence that our moods can have.   Most of us will have momentary “explosions” of anger, but those dissipate pretty quickly.   Yet, when this does happen, the lingering effects can last for a period of time.   There are times when the immediate impact is obvious, but how often do our flair-ups ruin other people’s days or our influence?   I would love to advocate an anger-free lifestyle and, while I think that’s what we should seek, I also realize that most of us...

If there has been a guy that has taken a beating during my lifetime it is Christopher Columbus.   When I was a child, not only did we have a day that honored his accomplishments, he also helped a lot of us pass history.   How many of you marked western history by rhyming, “In 1492 Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue”.   However, in the past couple of decades, not only has Columbus lost his reputation, in many places, he has lost his day. Now, I am not going to get into a spat with anyone about what Columbus stood for, but I have to admit that much of his modern impression is based on what others (especially those who are quite vocal) think about him.   A “hero” has lost his place in society and in many of our minds because of what others believe.   As I thought about this, it reminds me that Columbus is not the only one whose reputation has been diminished by the opinions of others.   How many of us think less of our friends and neighbors – not b...

It would be futile to argue that we are not in a contentious time.   All we have to do is look at the world around us and realize that we have issues with prejudice and disunity.   That’s the bad news, the good news is that we are no different than any other time in history.   As long as there have been differing appearances and opinions, there have been conflicts.   Yet, the fact that the world has existed for as long as it has gives me hope that we are not doomed.   Actually, the fact that there are differences is a reminder of the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.   You see, one of the key aspects of His message is that He is the single point of lasting peace.   Through Him we can find the key to unity.   Centuries ago, the Holy Spirit affirmed the message, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.   For God did not send the Son into the wor...

Today would have been my Mom’s 87 th birthday.   I lost my mother about a decade ago, but many of the lessons she taught me still stick.   When I look back on what she shared with me there are a few things really stand out, but maybe the one keeps being replayed in my mind is, “You don’t have to tell everything you know.”   I think her primary focus was on spreading gossip and telling family secrets, but the more I ponder it, the broader this logic becomes.   It’s more than just keeping confidences, it’s controlling our tongues.   Whether it is choosing not to share stories or not talking when it isn’t necessary, being quiet can be a virtue.   Long before Elaine Wharton made her appearance on earth, the sage, Solomon, observed, “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19).   Are we willing to do more listening than talking?   When we do, we will not only gain more informati...

On this date in 1936, the 7 th place Brooklyn Dodgers fired their manager.   Why is this footnote in history 90 years old noteworthy?   The manager was Casey Stengel.   The Mighty Casey would go on to become one of best known and most beloved characters in baseball history.   In all, he would rack up over 1900 wins as a manager.   In the twelve years he was with the New York Yankees (from 1949 to 1960) he would win 1149 games, and amass a .623 winning percentage.   He would collect ten American League pennants and 7 World Series titles.   Not bad for a guy who was looking for a job a decade earlier. It is tempting to think that achievement is the culmination of a steady stream of successes, but that’s not always true.   Often, accomplishment is found in managing peaks and valleys.   It is about sticking with it when things are tough.   In essence it is getting up once more than we are knocked down.   (Yeah, I know there are a l...

How do we defend our faith?   Most of us know that, as believers, we have a need to stand up for what is right – however, do we understand the perimeters of what this entails?   You see, it is tempting to prove our rightness in a way that others won’t forget it.   Our reasoning is that if we are confident in what we believe and forceful in defending our beliefs, we win.   The question is “what” do we win?   Do we gain respect or just a reputation for being hard nosed and hard to endure?   A little earlier, I purposefully used the word “rightness” not “righteousness”.   You see rightness is knowing the answer while righteousness involves doing the right things.   I believe we can have the right answer, but if we combine that with the wrong attitude, we won’t be good influences.   We might win the argument, but lose points in the game of life. Years ago, the early Christian leader, James, observed, “And the seed whose fruit is righteousness...