There are times I say things out of habit I wish I wouldn't say. Most of my habitual speech is a product of over fifty years of being a Christian. A good portion of that speech isn't found in the bible, but grew in Christian circles because it sounded good. The other day I was talking to a friend of over 20 years when I suddenly realized how cliche I'd become. Out of habit, he asked me how I was doing. I have a small group of answers I use based upon who I'm talking to. Some of them are cute, some of them are dull, and some of them are MEANT to be spiritual.
"Praise God, I woke up alive and breathing, so I guess I'm doing good." I replied.
As soon as I said it I felt pricked in my heart. Don't get me wrong, I've said something like this for a good portion of my life. I remember hearing it for the first time as a teenager from an evangelist who said that anytime you wake up in the morning, you are blessed. So, I've wrapped it up in my own special flavoring and done many different variations on that theme. This time, I was stopped in my tracks. There was so much wrong with what I'd said. I stumbled around for a few seconds trying to figure out what I'd just done, and mostly to listen to Holy Spirit to tell me why He'd elbowed me in my spirit. It only took a few more seconds, by which time I'm sure my friend was mystified by the look of confusion on my face. My banter is usually fluid, easy, and quick. Occasionally, I'll stumble around, but never over a greeting. Suddenly I knew what I'd said glorified this life, and not the eternal life to which I place my hope.
At 64 years of age, I am at the point in my life where my parents are nearing the end of their days. Both of my wife's parents have passed on. At one time, I had over thirteen aunts and uncles, now that list is down to four. Three of my older cousins have passed this vale, and I don't know how long I have. I'm not eager to die, nor do I believe this life is dreary enough to warrant departing by my own hand. Yet, within me is the knowledge that I have a ticket to a better life, a different home, a brighter place, and a love greater than any I can ever know on this earth, and I've known love!
As Christians, I believe we can worship this life to the point that it becomes an idol. We accumulate things that won't go in our coffins, we boast of our achievements that will be forgotten the moment we pass, and our money is more often spent on comfort than the needs of others. These are the things that Christ warned us about. We weren't supposed to make this place our home.
A few years back someone I know lost their grandfather. This simple man of God would go out every morning and walk about two miles out and then head back to his rural home. This was his time of prayer. It was when he chose to talk to Jesus. One morning as he walked, and prayed, a vehicle struck him and he passed from life to life. One moment he was talking with Jesus, and the next he was with Jesus. While people were stunned by the suddenness of his death, and brokenhearted by their loss, he was celebrated for his life, and applauded into his glorious life.
Another breath is simply more time to do the work I was purposed to do. So, as my friend sat there wondering where I went in my brain, I remembered what my purpose was, and why my glib reply bugged me.
"I'm sorry for what I said." I replied. "I'm doing well, praise God, but someday, I'll be doing better."
I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad for hanging on to this life. It is our nature to survive, and for our bodies to cling to life. I begrudge no one the battle to live another day. On the other hand, moving on isn't the end. That is where the peace of God is.
Sadly this morning, my lawn is quiet. The chatter of sparrows hasn't started because the sun hasn't even turned the horizon a dark blue yet. It won't rise for another hour and I am about to go to church. I'll worship God for the life he's given me, and the eternal life I have through His Son, Jesus. If I pass this vale today, then I'll wait for all of you who are my friends. Well, maybe I won't wait. I'll just see you there.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Light In The Darkness
Our Pastor, Eric Goff, preached a wonderful sermon the other day on light. Yep, you heard me right, light. It struck a chord with me because of my love of science, and my faith.
Light is a recurring theme in Christianity. Jesus spoke of it often, as did many of the different writers of the New Testament. In spiritual terms, light is an analogy for God. Yet, as anyone knows, light as we know it, was spoken into existence by God. He preceded light. Our existence is the direct result of life speaking into light which then illuminated the darkness. Darkness will never overcome light. It is impossible. Even the most super massive black hole is identified by visible and invisible light streaming to and out of it. Even if there was only one star in this universe, the light of that one star would shine brightly for all the universe to see. It isn't a war, and it isn't even a battle, darkness will never overcome the light. It may surround, oppress, and even suppress the light, but light will win.
While many Christians tend to look at light and dark in terms of a battle between good and evil, that isn't what God intended. This mistaken analogy is what drives people away from the truth of God's love and His plan for our lives. Darkness isn't some vast wasteland populated with the zombies of sin, anymore than the light is a bunch of hymn singing automatons repeating endless spiritual platitudes. Darkness is fear, and light is love. That is why the scripture says in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear..... This scripture in and by itself is what every Christian should live by. When we choose to live by fear, we walk away from love. The symptoms of fear are hate, envy, murder, and theft. I can distill all fear down to one sin, thievery.
The symptoms of love are life, peace, joy, tenderness, compassion, and most importantly, love. The power of love to light up the darkness is the power of the gospel. As Christians it is easy to forget this power exists in us as we see fear pressing in on us from all sides. Nothing made that more clear to me than what happened this last week with the Covington Catholic students at the Nation's capital. In less than a couple of months this crisis will be a vague memory as are all of the contrived political battle created by both side of the political divide. If you shine the light of love into the situation, there is no story. Yet, for many Christians this became one more example of the hatred of the left for people of faith. FEAR on the part of Christians. Can't we release our politics for just a few moments to state the obvious. A group of teenage boys went to the Capital to express their support for the lives of the unborn. It is part of their religious belief system. Being from Kentucky, I doubt seriously any of these teens knew about the perils of addressing adult concepts in the face of those who have different views. In defense of them, I believe they handled the situation much better than I would have. So what was the fear?
Could a bunch of Catholic teens in any way threaten the group of black protesters taunting them? How is a pasted on smile a smirk? How could love change the situation from one of fear into one of love?
Can anyone speak to the wisdom of a young teen boy standing stock still in the face of angry voices all around him? Will anyone admit that this young teen and his friends behaved admirably in a potentially volatile situation? I doubt it. Yet I want to scream at the top of my lungs, 'Well done!"
I don't think I've read too many articles that haven't mentioned the 'Red MAGA' hat. It was as if it was the trigger for everything that happened. How dare a young teen boy from a conservative Catholic school in Kentucky wear a MAGA hat to our Capital. Will anyone admit that even the word 'trigger' is an acknowledgment that fear is at work. Fear needs triggers. Fear is a trigger. We can choose to ignore the triggers or we can magnify them.
Yesterday, I went to visit my aunt in Oklahoma. She is in ill health, and at 80 years old, I know that her time on this earth is limited. She is a liberal, and I am conservative. Over the years we've had many fiery debates, but at the end of each one is a knowledge that crushes the fear caused by political differences. I love her with all of my heart, and she loves me just the same. The love we feel for one another doesn't remove our ideologies but it does soften the edges where we bump against one another. All through the day yesterday it would have been easy to bring up the issues that divide us, but we both laid aside our political passions to celebrate our love for one another. It is obvious from the passage of time that I will never make her a conservative, and she will never make me a liberal. Yet, we both mourned the climate of hate promoted by both sides respectively, and said as much.
Fear can't defeat love.
It would be easy to become fearful as I watch the tide of public sentiment turning against those who practice their faith. I'm not afraid of public opinion more than I am of God's opinion. I have to admit, that as a Christian, I am heartbroken by the insinuation of racism, phobias, and accusations of hate thrown at me simply because I choose to believe in Jesus Christ. I was a Christian at 10 years of age, and I do not have the power to change the foundations of my belief. I didn't write the book I believe in. The Word of God existed before me, it exists outside of my existence, and it will exist even if every Bible is burned in a huge bonfire. If someday, I am persecuted, tried, and jailed for believing in Jesus Christ, I will gladly continue to live by faith. I will also choose to live by love. I will choose to live out the light and shine it into the fear around me.
Maybe, just maybe something will happen that will unite our great nation once again. Sadly, I know enough to know that unity almost always comes at great cost.
Sadly, I can't even look to my little sparrows for hope concerning the unending struggle between light and dark. My little sparrow friends are out in the front yard pecking at the grass. I don't know what they are eating amidst the dead blades of grass on this winter's day, but every once in a while, one bully sparrow will push another one away. Then as if to accentuate the struggle, our resident cardinal suddenly scatters every bird in the yard. With a great flurry he takes whatever he swooped in for away to a tree branch. I assure you, the cardinal has a predator that scares him.
I hope and pray for the day when people no longer live in fear. I look for the day when we choose to live in peace with each other. I know how that day will come, but some people fear it.
Light is a recurring theme in Christianity. Jesus spoke of it often, as did many of the different writers of the New Testament. In spiritual terms, light is an analogy for God. Yet, as anyone knows, light as we know it, was spoken into existence by God. He preceded light. Our existence is the direct result of life speaking into light which then illuminated the darkness. Darkness will never overcome light. It is impossible. Even the most super massive black hole is identified by visible and invisible light streaming to and out of it. Even if there was only one star in this universe, the light of that one star would shine brightly for all the universe to see. It isn't a war, and it isn't even a battle, darkness will never overcome the light. It may surround, oppress, and even suppress the light, but light will win.
While many Christians tend to look at light and dark in terms of a battle between good and evil, that isn't what God intended. This mistaken analogy is what drives people away from the truth of God's love and His plan for our lives. Darkness isn't some vast wasteland populated with the zombies of sin, anymore than the light is a bunch of hymn singing automatons repeating endless spiritual platitudes. Darkness is fear, and light is love. That is why the scripture says in 1 John 4:18 that there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out all fear..... This scripture in and by itself is what every Christian should live by. When we choose to live by fear, we walk away from love. The symptoms of fear are hate, envy, murder, and theft. I can distill all fear down to one sin, thievery.
The symptoms of love are life, peace, joy, tenderness, compassion, and most importantly, love. The power of love to light up the darkness is the power of the gospel. As Christians it is easy to forget this power exists in us as we see fear pressing in on us from all sides. Nothing made that more clear to me than what happened this last week with the Covington Catholic students at the Nation's capital. In less than a couple of months this crisis will be a vague memory as are all of the contrived political battle created by both side of the political divide. If you shine the light of love into the situation, there is no story. Yet, for many Christians this became one more example of the hatred of the left for people of faith. FEAR on the part of Christians. Can't we release our politics for just a few moments to state the obvious. A group of teenage boys went to the Capital to express their support for the lives of the unborn. It is part of their religious belief system. Being from Kentucky, I doubt seriously any of these teens knew about the perils of addressing adult concepts in the face of those who have different views. In defense of them, I believe they handled the situation much better than I would have. So what was the fear?
Could a bunch of Catholic teens in any way threaten the group of black protesters taunting them? How is a pasted on smile a smirk? How could love change the situation from one of fear into one of love?
Can anyone speak to the wisdom of a young teen boy standing stock still in the face of angry voices all around him? Will anyone admit that this young teen and his friends behaved admirably in a potentially volatile situation? I doubt it. Yet I want to scream at the top of my lungs, 'Well done!"
I don't think I've read too many articles that haven't mentioned the 'Red MAGA' hat. It was as if it was the trigger for everything that happened. How dare a young teen boy from a conservative Catholic school in Kentucky wear a MAGA hat to our Capital. Will anyone admit that even the word 'trigger' is an acknowledgment that fear is at work. Fear needs triggers. Fear is a trigger. We can choose to ignore the triggers or we can magnify them.
Yesterday, I went to visit my aunt in Oklahoma. She is in ill health, and at 80 years old, I know that her time on this earth is limited. She is a liberal, and I am conservative. Over the years we've had many fiery debates, but at the end of each one is a knowledge that crushes the fear caused by political differences. I love her with all of my heart, and she loves me just the same. The love we feel for one another doesn't remove our ideologies but it does soften the edges where we bump against one another. All through the day yesterday it would have been easy to bring up the issues that divide us, but we both laid aside our political passions to celebrate our love for one another. It is obvious from the passage of time that I will never make her a conservative, and she will never make me a liberal. Yet, we both mourned the climate of hate promoted by both sides respectively, and said as much.
Fear can't defeat love.
It would be easy to become fearful as I watch the tide of public sentiment turning against those who practice their faith. I'm not afraid of public opinion more than I am of God's opinion. I have to admit, that as a Christian, I am heartbroken by the insinuation of racism, phobias, and accusations of hate thrown at me simply because I choose to believe in Jesus Christ. I was a Christian at 10 years of age, and I do not have the power to change the foundations of my belief. I didn't write the book I believe in. The Word of God existed before me, it exists outside of my existence, and it will exist even if every Bible is burned in a huge bonfire. If someday, I am persecuted, tried, and jailed for believing in Jesus Christ, I will gladly continue to live by faith. I will also choose to live by love. I will choose to live out the light and shine it into the fear around me.
Maybe, just maybe something will happen that will unite our great nation once again. Sadly, I know enough to know that unity almost always comes at great cost.
Sadly, I can't even look to my little sparrows for hope concerning the unending struggle between light and dark. My little sparrow friends are out in the front yard pecking at the grass. I don't know what they are eating amidst the dead blades of grass on this winter's day, but every once in a while, one bully sparrow will push another one away. Then as if to accentuate the struggle, our resident cardinal suddenly scatters every bird in the yard. With a great flurry he takes whatever he swooped in for away to a tree branch. I assure you, the cardinal has a predator that scares him.
I hope and pray for the day when people no longer live in fear. I look for the day when we choose to live in peace with each other. I know how that day will come, but some people fear it.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
NEW YEAR, NEW THOUGHTS
The holidays are over and I'm wondering what the new year is going to bring. I've never been big on new year resolutions because they infer knowing that we have more than today. None of us know how long we have left in this life. I'm not morbid, or fatalistic, but there are some things that are simply the truth. I don't care who you are, how rich, powerful, strong, or healthy you are, you have no promise of tomorrow. So, New Years resolutions are a waste of energy.
What is the promise of New Years day? Why is it different than any other day? I think we make a big deal about it because we as human beings like to believe there is hope for something better. I used to view my days on this earth in terms of how old I am, and how many days I think I have left. With this new year has come new thoughts.
All I have is the next heartbeat, the next breath, the next thought. Everything I've framed my life in since I can remember has been focused on 'time.' Even my relationship with Jesus Christ is focused on time. Who I am is determined by time. To wax biblical, my days on this earth are marked by my white hair, and the wrinkles upon my face, but they don't define who I am inside. Still if someone were to see me, they would say I was 'old.' For a vertically challenged person like me, looking old was all I wanted to do. There was a day when it didn't matter how old I was, I was often viewed as being younger than 18. So, being old isn't something I'm worried about. Being at peace with God, myself, and others is.
Through faith in Christ, being at peace with God came a long time ago. Through that faith in Christ I have been able to live at peace with almost everyone around me. However, being at peace with myself is something that is a recent development. Even within that peace, I've been going through a major conflict in my life that has challenged me in every aspect of my life, even in my faith. I've alluded to it over the last few posts, but it seems to have come to a place where I don't think it will turn out the way I'd hoped. Time moves on, putting it's stamp upon every millisecond, minute, hour without seeing the resolution I'd hoped for. I wanted nothing but good in this situation, but it hasn't happened. For a long time I was walking around gritting my teeth, feeling helpless, and wishing for love to rule the day. Now I know I can only hope for this minute, this instant, this moment. I can't change others around me. I can only change me.
The first time I mentioned this in my blog I said it would be something I would look back on with an assurance that God has been with me throughout the whole thing. Even then I knew I would be at peace with the situation, but I wanted to be honest with my feelings as I went 'through' it.
It is time to reveal what I felt: First and foremost is a sense of deep disappointment with people I thought I knew as well as I know myself. I didn't feel betrayed, just disappointed. It's hard to judge someone when they disappoint you, because I know I've disappointed so many people in my life. I can't even be angry, just disappointed. Almost 60 years ago, someone I love made a fateful decision that has changed my life today. Nothing can alter the consequences of that decision, but I am determined to live every moment celebrating the love those consequences has brought into my life.
The other day I was discussing this with someone who is on the other side of the consequences, and they said something very profound that I'm going to hold onto for the rest of my moments. "Fear destroys Peace." I refuse to let fear, or disappointment control my life. Love is the best thing I can do, and I am determined to let love rule my life. Why? Because I don't have enough time to do anything else, I only have the next moment.
What is the promise of New Years day? Why is it different than any other day? I think we make a big deal about it because we as human beings like to believe there is hope for something better. I used to view my days on this earth in terms of how old I am, and how many days I think I have left. With this new year has come new thoughts.
All I have is the next heartbeat, the next breath, the next thought. Everything I've framed my life in since I can remember has been focused on 'time.' Even my relationship with Jesus Christ is focused on time. Who I am is determined by time. To wax biblical, my days on this earth are marked by my white hair, and the wrinkles upon my face, but they don't define who I am inside. Still if someone were to see me, they would say I was 'old.' For a vertically challenged person like me, looking old was all I wanted to do. There was a day when it didn't matter how old I was, I was often viewed as being younger than 18. So, being old isn't something I'm worried about. Being at peace with God, myself, and others is.
Through faith in Christ, being at peace with God came a long time ago. Through that faith in Christ I have been able to live at peace with almost everyone around me. However, being at peace with myself is something that is a recent development. Even within that peace, I've been going through a major conflict in my life that has challenged me in every aspect of my life, even in my faith. I've alluded to it over the last few posts, but it seems to have come to a place where I don't think it will turn out the way I'd hoped. Time moves on, putting it's stamp upon every millisecond, minute, hour without seeing the resolution I'd hoped for. I wanted nothing but good in this situation, but it hasn't happened. For a long time I was walking around gritting my teeth, feeling helpless, and wishing for love to rule the day. Now I know I can only hope for this minute, this instant, this moment. I can't change others around me. I can only change me.
The first time I mentioned this in my blog I said it would be something I would look back on with an assurance that God has been with me throughout the whole thing. Even then I knew I would be at peace with the situation, but I wanted to be honest with my feelings as I went 'through' it.
It is time to reveal what I felt: First and foremost is a sense of deep disappointment with people I thought I knew as well as I know myself. I didn't feel betrayed, just disappointed. It's hard to judge someone when they disappoint you, because I know I've disappointed so many people in my life. I can't even be angry, just disappointed. Almost 60 years ago, someone I love made a fateful decision that has changed my life today. Nothing can alter the consequences of that decision, but I am determined to live every moment celebrating the love those consequences has brought into my life.
The other day I was discussing this with someone who is on the other side of the consequences, and they said something very profound that I'm going to hold onto for the rest of my moments. "Fear destroys Peace." I refuse to let fear, or disappointment control my life. Love is the best thing I can do, and I am determined to let love rule my life. Why? Because I don't have enough time to do anything else, I only have the next moment.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Peace On Earth
As a Christian, and more specifically an Evangelical Christian, Christmas is a special time of year. I'm also traveled enough to know it isn't special all over the world. There are places where just the mention of Christmas causes people to become angry, and even some places where it is forbidden to utter the word. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm not naive. Sadly, it seems the more our western culture becomes obsessed with political correctness, the more offensive it becomes to be express your faith in Christ. The hope of Christmas as proclaimed by the angels at our Savior's birth is far from peaceful. Peace on earth is not what the angels proclaimed. The promise of peace was given with a caveat, a condition that goes to those who believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
The modern interpretation of peace seems to be a universal idea of cessation of hostility, absence of violence, or a more Utopian ideal of harmony between everyone. This is not the promise of the Messiah, nor is it the peace offered by the angelic hosts who sang over the manger in Bethlehem. The Peace of God is a state where the Father lays aside His anger at man's rebellion. The creator of the universe offers redemption to those who wish to be united with Him. Even then, He doesn't remove our will, nor does he make us automatons programmed to do His every whim without our input. A matter of fact He values our input so much, He continues to provide us opportunities to add flavor to His plans and purposes with our own creativity. It is because He is at peace with us that we are able to live a life of peace. While this is a wonderful place to be, not everyone is going to attain that peace at the same time, and there will be struggle between even the most devoted Christians. That doesn't mean Christianity has failed, nor that God has failed. It means that hope lives. In my short 63 years upon this planet, I've seen a major growth in the understanding, and unity of the Church. There are still denominations, but they are beginning to be less divided than at any time I can remember. To me it seems as if we are seeing the 'unity of faith' Paul spoke about in Ephesians 4:13. Are we experiencing the world's definition of peace? Not by a long shot. Are we experiencing God's peace. Oh yes!
This Christmas, I have only one gift to give, and that is the hope for peace with God. Peace with God is simply relaxing and knowing that He is God. In that place, you find complete Peace.
As a closing remark, let me quote you the verse in Luke 2:14 from the New Living Translation;
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Now let me share with you the translation from the Complete Jewish Bible; "In the highest heaven, Glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of good will!"
The birth of Jesus brought Glory to God, and peace to those who's hearts are filled with good will. Why? Because now, even though we are still diverse and different, even though we are messed up, confined to this earthly vale, we can be pleasing to God. That brings unexplainable peace.
Thank you, Lord for being born as we are born. Thank you for taking on my sins. Thank you, God, for forgiving me.
Merry Christmas to all.
The modern interpretation of peace seems to be a universal idea of cessation of hostility, absence of violence, or a more Utopian ideal of harmony between everyone. This is not the promise of the Messiah, nor is it the peace offered by the angelic hosts who sang over the manger in Bethlehem. The Peace of God is a state where the Father lays aside His anger at man's rebellion. The creator of the universe offers redemption to those who wish to be united with Him. Even then, He doesn't remove our will, nor does he make us automatons programmed to do His every whim without our input. A matter of fact He values our input so much, He continues to provide us opportunities to add flavor to His plans and purposes with our own creativity. It is because He is at peace with us that we are able to live a life of peace. While this is a wonderful place to be, not everyone is going to attain that peace at the same time, and there will be struggle between even the most devoted Christians. That doesn't mean Christianity has failed, nor that God has failed. It means that hope lives. In my short 63 years upon this planet, I've seen a major growth in the understanding, and unity of the Church. There are still denominations, but they are beginning to be less divided than at any time I can remember. To me it seems as if we are seeing the 'unity of faith' Paul spoke about in Ephesians 4:13. Are we experiencing the world's definition of peace? Not by a long shot. Are we experiencing God's peace. Oh yes!
This Christmas, I have only one gift to give, and that is the hope for peace with God. Peace with God is simply relaxing and knowing that He is God. In that place, you find complete Peace.
As a closing remark, let me quote you the verse in Luke 2:14 from the New Living Translation;
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased."
Now let me share with you the translation from the Complete Jewish Bible; "In the highest heaven, Glory to God! And on earth, peace among people of good will!"
The birth of Jesus brought Glory to God, and peace to those who's hearts are filled with good will. Why? Because now, even though we are still diverse and different, even though we are messed up, confined to this earthly vale, we can be pleasing to God. That brings unexplainable peace.
Thank you, Lord for being born as we are born. Thank you for taking on my sins. Thank you, God, for forgiving me.
Merry Christmas to all.
Saturday, December 1, 2018
YOU CAN BE HAPPY
On its surface, happiness seems to be elusive and difficult to maintain. Lately, in our highly charged political environment, happiness isn't just elusive, it is hiding out somewhere refusing to be found. As a handyman, I usually deal with people at a bad time in their lives. When something is broke down, needs repairing, or needs to be replaced, it is hard to be happy about it. So, it goes without saying that I am confronted with people who aren't happy, Well, at least for the moment.
Despite what people say, happiness does depend on our circumstances. I think the reason happiness is dictated by our circumstances is because we are often forced to deal with issues out of our control. Nothing affects your happiness more than feeling your life is out of your control. I'm not one of those people who believe you should paste on a smile and pretend to be happy when you aren't. As an evangelical christian, I often resent preachers who will stand in the pulpit and blast you for being down when life throws a monkey wrench at you. "have faith in God," "There is a reason for this," "just be grateful" and the thousands of other high sounding platitudes make a mockery of the biblical admonition to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Grief, mourning, sorrow, and even anger are emotions that our Heavenly Father has had. His discontent with mankind even forced him to repent of His decision to make us in the first place. So, for someone to quote a bunch of goofy platitudes is insulting at best.
So, what do we do when we are confronted with tragedy, setbacks, and bad situations beyond our control? Do you just 'look on the bright side of life'? Is there something that makes the pain go away?
I know in my own life, it took a long time for me to realize what was already out of my control, and what I had a genuine reason to be bummed out about. We, here in the west, most specifically here in the USA, are blessed beyond measure. Even those who legally qualify as living in poverty are better off than 98% of the world's population. To know that you are in the top 2% in terms of wealth should go a long way to begin stepping out of the doldrums. You won't be instantly happy with that thought, but at least you will be able to put a reference point to your situation. Our worst situation would make 98% of the worlds population feel enriched. I wish everyone could be grateful for this awesome nation we live in. Gratitude is the soil in which happiness grows best. Yet, once we have something, we are rarely grateful, which tends to make us less happy.
Speaking mainly from my own personal experience, I know that there are base things that affect my happiness, but they all boil down to one thing, time. If we would allow ourselves to be honest we all know that our time is money. Every disappointing situation in life outside of grief, can be measured in time. Loss of a job, home problems, car problems, even people problems can be taken down to a measure of time. If it wasn't true, then why would we ask how long someone was married when they tell us they just got divorced. If a friend betrays you, the question will eventually be 'how long were you friends?'
At the end of our lives, when we are more aware of our impending departure, we rarely wish we had more work, or more things. We want more time.
Time still isn't the base measure for happiness. It's what you fill that time up with. Love, in all of its higher expressions (not lust) is what makes for happiness. Even then, if our love is selfish and measured on the love returned, we have missed our opportunity to be happy.
Oh, and going back to my earlier point about the highly charged political environment, it seems to me some people are happy being angry.
At least it seems that way to me.
Despite what people say, happiness does depend on our circumstances. I think the reason happiness is dictated by our circumstances is because we are often forced to deal with issues out of our control. Nothing affects your happiness more than feeling your life is out of your control. I'm not one of those people who believe you should paste on a smile and pretend to be happy when you aren't. As an evangelical christian, I often resent preachers who will stand in the pulpit and blast you for being down when life throws a monkey wrench at you. "have faith in God," "There is a reason for this," "just be grateful" and the thousands of other high sounding platitudes make a mockery of the biblical admonition to mourn with those who mourn, and to rejoice with those who rejoice. Grief, mourning, sorrow, and even anger are emotions that our Heavenly Father has had. His discontent with mankind even forced him to repent of His decision to make us in the first place. So, for someone to quote a bunch of goofy platitudes is insulting at best.
So, what do we do when we are confronted with tragedy, setbacks, and bad situations beyond our control? Do you just 'look on the bright side of life'? Is there something that makes the pain go away?
I know in my own life, it took a long time for me to realize what was already out of my control, and what I had a genuine reason to be bummed out about. We, here in the west, most specifically here in the USA, are blessed beyond measure. Even those who legally qualify as living in poverty are better off than 98% of the world's population. To know that you are in the top 2% in terms of wealth should go a long way to begin stepping out of the doldrums. You won't be instantly happy with that thought, but at least you will be able to put a reference point to your situation. Our worst situation would make 98% of the worlds population feel enriched. I wish everyone could be grateful for this awesome nation we live in. Gratitude is the soil in which happiness grows best. Yet, once we have something, we are rarely grateful, which tends to make us less happy.
Speaking mainly from my own personal experience, I know that there are base things that affect my happiness, but they all boil down to one thing, time. If we would allow ourselves to be honest we all know that our time is money. Every disappointing situation in life outside of grief, can be measured in time. Loss of a job, home problems, car problems, even people problems can be taken down to a measure of time. If it wasn't true, then why would we ask how long someone was married when they tell us they just got divorced. If a friend betrays you, the question will eventually be 'how long were you friends?'
At the end of our lives, when we are more aware of our impending departure, we rarely wish we had more work, or more things. We want more time.
Time still isn't the base measure for happiness. It's what you fill that time up with. Love, in all of its higher expressions (not lust) is what makes for happiness. Even then, if our love is selfish and measured on the love returned, we have missed our opportunity to be happy.
Oh, and going back to my earlier point about the highly charged political environment, it seems to me some people are happy being angry.
At least it seems that way to me.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
The Truth and Consequences
A couple of weeks ago I had a pleasant conversation with the Associate Pastor of our faith fellowship. The conversation eventually ended up on the topic of young people and some of their decisions. I'm a firm believer in the idea that most young people's frontal lobes aren't fully developed until they are at least 25 years old. That's not to say that everyone's frontal lobes develop at the same time, but having been in the Air Force for over 15 years, I've observed that a good portion of young people make terrible decisions before they reach the age of 25.
As we both lamented the poor decisions of teens, and pre-teens, we wished that most of them could learn that their actions have consequences. Then I thought more about that word 'consequences' and wished I hadn't used it the negative way I did. Sometimes I do that to myself, I'll find a word, concept or idea that changes my view about something, and then slip right back into using it the wrong way. So, suffice it to say, one of my pet peeves is the negative use of the word 'consequences.' In today's society, the word has gradually lost its true meaning, and is now tied to the results of bad decisions. In actuality, consequences are the result of any action. If I put in an eight hour day, the consequences of my actions is that I will be tired, but that I will also get paid for my labor. It is a truly simple logic that I believe every child should be taught early. Good actions yield good consequences, bad actions yield bad consequences. If a child could see consequences as the deduction of pay for bad actions, and the wages for good actions, I think they would stop more often to weigh their decisions.Sadly, I don't think many parents are teaching this to their children. Today we see our schools being run by the students, and the leadership of our universities caving in to abhorrent behavior. It seems as if in today's society criminality is rewarded with admiration in social media circles. Today, we have parents who 'reward' children for simply existing, instead of revealing the consequences of their actions.
The consequences of study should never be equated to a grade, but the power of that knowledge to affect change upon their lives, and the lives of others.
The consequences of physical training isn't in the medal, or the accolade, it is the response of their body to the will of their mind. Physical well being is its own consequence.
The consequences of kindness is kindness in return. The consequences of tenderness is tenderness in return. The consequences of...I think you understand. Everything we do has consequences. Even when we do nothing it has consequences.
As an evangelical Christian, I believe one of the most powerful consequences is the product of a life of faith. Science has proven time and time again that religious faith has good consequences in our life. People who have faith recuperate better, live longer, are happier, give more, laugh more, and love more.
Someone I love deeply is going through a terrible time in their life, and they believe that they are being punished by God. It breaks my heart to hear that, because I used to believe that way myself. If my car broke down, the heater went out, or some other 'disaster' happened, it was because God was punishing me for something I'd done in my past. I'd been raised this way, and I had to unlearn it. It took me a long time to figure out that if my sins were thrown as far as the east is from the west, then their wasn't some ledger from which God was punishing me. However, forgiveness doesn't absolve us of the consequences of our actions. The consequence of owning a car that is fifteen years old, is it will break down. The consequence of living in a home and never replacing the heating cooling unit in 22 years is that it will break down. The consequence of living a life of giving is that others will give to you. Consequences are consequences.
In past blogs I've alluded to a situation in my life that I'm working my way through. It has been a tough situation because no matter what I do, or even if I do the 'right' thing, their is no good consequence. Why? Because someone a long time ago made a bad decision and now the consequences of that decision has come to the forefront. It was always there, but the innocent actions of others have revealed the consequences. I truly believe that this situation is going to end well, but the consequences are there and are not going to go away. The person involved has asked God for forgiveness, and has even been forthright about what they did in their youth, still the consequences of their actions have become real. There are times we do things that have consequences from which no amount of forgiveness can erase them.
As a sheet metal man in the Air Force, I cut myself numerous times. My hands, arms, legs, and yes even my torso bear the consequences of my actions. I'm scarred from one end of me to another. Over the years I've learned to be more careful, but that doesn't mean the scars will go away. It is the same way with our bad decisions, and our good decisions, they all have consequences. How we deal with those consequences is what determines our happiness level.
As I sit here in my office, I know that my little sparrows have moved further south. I think this is going to be a tough winter because the birds left early, and we've already set into a colder weather pattern. I miss the chitter chatter of the sparrows, and I know one of the consequences of the changing of seasons is that they disappear for awhile. I can either be at peace with that, or I can blame God for my sparrows being gone. However, there is a sure knowledge in me that the consequences of spring is that they will be back in force. That is the truth about consequences.
As we both lamented the poor decisions of teens, and pre-teens, we wished that most of them could learn that their actions have consequences. Then I thought more about that word 'consequences' and wished I hadn't used it the negative way I did. Sometimes I do that to myself, I'll find a word, concept or idea that changes my view about something, and then slip right back into using it the wrong way. So, suffice it to say, one of my pet peeves is the negative use of the word 'consequences.' In today's society, the word has gradually lost its true meaning, and is now tied to the results of bad decisions. In actuality, consequences are the result of any action. If I put in an eight hour day, the consequences of my actions is that I will be tired, but that I will also get paid for my labor. It is a truly simple logic that I believe every child should be taught early. Good actions yield good consequences, bad actions yield bad consequences. If a child could see consequences as the deduction of pay for bad actions, and the wages for good actions, I think they would stop more often to weigh their decisions.Sadly, I don't think many parents are teaching this to their children. Today we see our schools being run by the students, and the leadership of our universities caving in to abhorrent behavior. It seems as if in today's society criminality is rewarded with admiration in social media circles. Today, we have parents who 'reward' children for simply existing, instead of revealing the consequences of their actions.
The consequences of study should never be equated to a grade, but the power of that knowledge to affect change upon their lives, and the lives of others.
The consequences of physical training isn't in the medal, or the accolade, it is the response of their body to the will of their mind. Physical well being is its own consequence.
The consequences of kindness is kindness in return. The consequences of tenderness is tenderness in return. The consequences of...I think you understand. Everything we do has consequences. Even when we do nothing it has consequences.
As an evangelical Christian, I believe one of the most powerful consequences is the product of a life of faith. Science has proven time and time again that religious faith has good consequences in our life. People who have faith recuperate better, live longer, are happier, give more, laugh more, and love more.
Someone I love deeply is going through a terrible time in their life, and they believe that they are being punished by God. It breaks my heart to hear that, because I used to believe that way myself. If my car broke down, the heater went out, or some other 'disaster' happened, it was because God was punishing me for something I'd done in my past. I'd been raised this way, and I had to unlearn it. It took me a long time to figure out that if my sins were thrown as far as the east is from the west, then their wasn't some ledger from which God was punishing me. However, forgiveness doesn't absolve us of the consequences of our actions. The consequence of owning a car that is fifteen years old, is it will break down. The consequence of living in a home and never replacing the heating cooling unit in 22 years is that it will break down. The consequence of living a life of giving is that others will give to you. Consequences are consequences.
In past blogs I've alluded to a situation in my life that I'm working my way through. It has been a tough situation because no matter what I do, or even if I do the 'right' thing, their is no good consequence. Why? Because someone a long time ago made a bad decision and now the consequences of that decision has come to the forefront. It was always there, but the innocent actions of others have revealed the consequences. I truly believe that this situation is going to end well, but the consequences are there and are not going to go away. The person involved has asked God for forgiveness, and has even been forthright about what they did in their youth, still the consequences of their actions have become real. There are times we do things that have consequences from which no amount of forgiveness can erase them.
As a sheet metal man in the Air Force, I cut myself numerous times. My hands, arms, legs, and yes even my torso bear the consequences of my actions. I'm scarred from one end of me to another. Over the years I've learned to be more careful, but that doesn't mean the scars will go away. It is the same way with our bad decisions, and our good decisions, they all have consequences. How we deal with those consequences is what determines our happiness level.
As I sit here in my office, I know that my little sparrows have moved further south. I think this is going to be a tough winter because the birds left early, and we've already set into a colder weather pattern. I miss the chitter chatter of the sparrows, and I know one of the consequences of the changing of seasons is that they disappear for awhile. I can either be at peace with that, or I can blame God for my sparrows being gone. However, there is a sure knowledge in me that the consequences of spring is that they will be back in force. That is the truth about consequences.
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Kings, Despots, and Other Foolish Notions
As I write this, the 2018 Mid-Term elections are only two days away. As an evangelical Christian, I have to admit to a great deal of trepidation concerning its outcome. As a fiscal conservative, and a Republican, I'm concerned about the path people seem to be taking in what I consider to be the greatest nation on earth. I won't mention names, nor will I vilify members of either party in an attempt to justify my long held beliefs. There are two forces at work in our current political system and no one seems to be dealing with them head on. Even if you took out the religious factor of which I am a proud proponent, the issues remain the same. At the core and central to this election is the rule of law. Those who profess a progressive political bent, are demanding that laws be interpreted, and applied based upon emotional criteria dictated by a current situation. On the other side is the idea that laws should be followed, and enforced without consideration of mitigating circumstances. The problem for both belief systems is this amazing document called the Constitution.
Despite the best intentions of my conservative friends, and family, I believe the Constitution was meant be a living breathing agreement between people to allow us to grow into wiser, and more compassionate people. The PEOPLE are the governors of this mighty nation, if we allow it to function the way the framers intended. However, if we begin to nibble away at the foundations of the document, we run the risk of moving away from the ability to govern each other with wisdom, and compassion. Our Constitution is the closest thing to how God intended men to live together short of His Kingdom on earth. I believe it is the best Government you will find on the face of the earth. Its purpose was to give every man rule over himself within the framework of forbidding the imposition of my will over another. It is a delicate balance that I believe was set askew by using the courts to legislate.
There is Biblical precedent for this in the moment that the Hebrew people surrendered their God given government for a man driven government. The minute they told God they wanted a king, they surrendered their liberty. Prior to that, God had given them a set of laws to govern how they should live among themselves. In those laws were the precepts that our Constitution is based upon. In the beginning, God desired that men would live by the laws He gave them. In doing so, He promised He would protect them, shield them, and heal them. The big IF was the necessity to follow those laws. His laws encouraged people to live above their base natures. His laws made allowance for every nuance of everyday life with the understanding that the limit of your reach was your fingertips. Then again, that is never enough for people.
As the Children of Israel stood and demanded a king, they also declared their slavery to another person. How heartbreaking! Kings, despots, and other foolish notions begin in the stew of stupidity that is compassion without wisdom. When you surrender your liberty for safety, you surrender your ability to govern yourself over to another. To me, this is the same lunacy that is expressed in demanding that companies print the ingredients on the labels of food products, and that fast food establishments give you a calorie count. Eventually you will surrender the control of what goes in the can to government bureaucrats. You have just surrendered your liberty to eat whatever you want to someone else.
What does all of this have to do with living a life of peace? I encourage anyone who reads this blog to go and watch the sparrows. We could learn a few things from them. They do not fret themselves with where they will get their next meal, nor do they exact their needs upon another. They know one thing that the Israelites didn't learn, God provides. It is something we need to reacquaint ourselves with if we intend for our nation to survive.
So as the mid-terms happen in a couple of days, I will be watching with a keen eye upon the mindset of the nation. Do we wish to surrender our liberty in exchange for a false sense of safety, or will we determine to be the wiser shepherd of our own life. It's simple, but sadly hidden in this desire to have others tell us what we are thinking. The problem with kings, despots, and other forms of government, is that liberty is quickly surrendered to democracy. If you don't know what that means, I can't help you. Long live our republic, and the dream it was built upon.
Despite the best intentions of my conservative friends, and family, I believe the Constitution was meant be a living breathing agreement between people to allow us to grow into wiser, and more compassionate people. The PEOPLE are the governors of this mighty nation, if we allow it to function the way the framers intended. However, if we begin to nibble away at the foundations of the document, we run the risk of moving away from the ability to govern each other with wisdom, and compassion. Our Constitution is the closest thing to how God intended men to live together short of His Kingdom on earth. I believe it is the best Government you will find on the face of the earth. Its purpose was to give every man rule over himself within the framework of forbidding the imposition of my will over another. It is a delicate balance that I believe was set askew by using the courts to legislate.
There is Biblical precedent for this in the moment that the Hebrew people surrendered their God given government for a man driven government. The minute they told God they wanted a king, they surrendered their liberty. Prior to that, God had given them a set of laws to govern how they should live among themselves. In those laws were the precepts that our Constitution is based upon. In the beginning, God desired that men would live by the laws He gave them. In doing so, He promised He would protect them, shield them, and heal them. The big IF was the necessity to follow those laws. His laws encouraged people to live above their base natures. His laws made allowance for every nuance of everyday life with the understanding that the limit of your reach was your fingertips. Then again, that is never enough for people.
As the Children of Israel stood and demanded a king, they also declared their slavery to another person. How heartbreaking! Kings, despots, and other foolish notions begin in the stew of stupidity that is compassion without wisdom. When you surrender your liberty for safety, you surrender your ability to govern yourself over to another. To me, this is the same lunacy that is expressed in demanding that companies print the ingredients on the labels of food products, and that fast food establishments give you a calorie count. Eventually you will surrender the control of what goes in the can to government bureaucrats. You have just surrendered your liberty to eat whatever you want to someone else.
What does all of this have to do with living a life of peace? I encourage anyone who reads this blog to go and watch the sparrows. We could learn a few things from them. They do not fret themselves with where they will get their next meal, nor do they exact their needs upon another. They know one thing that the Israelites didn't learn, God provides. It is something we need to reacquaint ourselves with if we intend for our nation to survive.
So as the mid-terms happen in a couple of days, I will be watching with a keen eye upon the mindset of the nation. Do we wish to surrender our liberty in exchange for a false sense of safety, or will we determine to be the wiser shepherd of our own life. It's simple, but sadly hidden in this desire to have others tell us what we are thinking. The problem with kings, despots, and other forms of government, is that liberty is quickly surrendered to democracy. If you don't know what that means, I can't help you. Long live our republic, and the dream it was built upon.
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