Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?

Researches have discovered that people who break more rules are generally found to be more likable, even after brief meetings. They have also discovered that these people contain a certain gene that can be linked to rebelliousness. It is pretty obvious that children labeled as “teachers’ pets” are the most targeted by bullies. I can support this from a series of personal experiences. I will allow you, the reader, to determine which side of these infractions I found myself on most often.
Alexandra Burt, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University stated, “Your genes are to some extent driving your social experiences” (telegraph.co.uk). The behaviors of those who carry the “rebel” gene include heavy drinking, lying, dangerous driving, or drug usage. Between 40 and 60 per cent of the population carry this gene. Studies have included male college students. It will be interesting to see if girls are really interested in “bad boys”, as I have often heard. Do nice guys really finish last?
There are several ways I could go with this concept as it pertains to the lives of Christians. If half of us carry a “rebel” gene, shouldn’t we be more aware of our behaviors and potential to do wrong? In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states that “No one can serve two masters”. There isn’t a fine line that we are allowed to walk. It is sad to consider that one might prefer the company of a “rebel”. Proverbs 24:17 states that we must not rejoice when our enemy falls. Is there anyone who prefers judgment to love? Jesus tells us not to judge (Matthew 7:1). We need to be the loving arms of God, not boastful Pharisees who push others away. Remember: “The last will be first” in the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 20:16). You may not be liked, but what really matters to God?

Go Wings!

I found myself doing something yesterday that I promised myself I would never do again. I prayed for something completely out of my own selfish desire. I’m sure most of my requests are rather self-centered, but not since the days I prayed that Santa would bring me the die cast Voltron (still selling for over $100 on Ebay over 20 years later!) have my requests been so egocentric. I actually asked God to help the Red Wings win yesterday. Overcome by the intense anxiety brought on by seeing my favorite team losing to what I feel is a rather mediocre hockey team, I was motivated to seek God’s intervention. I use this example not to make this article my own personal confessional, but to lead you to consider the meaning of prayer. The Red Wings lost the game, but I did not loose faith. Maybe a little girl of pure faith from Colorado prayed a little harder than me. Maybe God wanted me to recognize that the purpose of prayer is greater than sports.
Looking at scripture, there are several purposes we find for prayer. John 14:13 states that when our requests are made through Jesus, glory is brought to God. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to pray continually to do God’s will. In Act 4:23-31 we find a powerful prayer that resulted in several individuals being filled with the Holy Spirit. They use prayer to praise God and ask him to give them the boldness to be God’s witnesses. In Matthew 9:38, Jesus tells his disciples to ask God to “send out workers into his harvest field.” We are supposed to make our requests known to God. Our continual prayers need to fit our personal needs. We have to also remember to give God the glory and pray that God will give us the desire the serve others and bring people to know him. This is our mission and purpose. It is something that we should never take for granted.

Updown Court

Christmas is the most fascinating time of the year to me. People seem to lean in a couple different directions during this season. The more positive direction is found towards a spirit of giving and love. I feel as though I get a few more smiles than usual from the people working in the places that I shop. This could be because of threats issued by employers, but I’d like to think otherwise. The other direction that individuals appear to lean towards is that of rampant consumerism. We spend ridiculous amounts of our hard earned cash on toys, clothing, body lotions, plastic junipers, and lights that adorn our house from the day after thanksgiving until we get the motivation to remove them.
An article in Esquire (I read a lot of different things on the internet!) listed a few extravagant items one might purchase this holiday season if he or she possessed a billion dollars. The first, Updown Court, is a home in the English countryside with 103 rooms, several pools, a greenhouse, tennis court, stable, etc. It has been for sale for a number of years and even with a drop in real estate prices costs $139 million. One can automate every part of the house from the television volume to the temperature in every room for the low price of $16.5 million. What home would be complete without the world’s largest television, the 103 inches by 102.5 inches Panasonic plasma that will run you $69,995?
James 5 has some pretty strong words against rich oppressors. Now… the Bible doesn’t state that being in a certain tax bracket is an automatic ticket to Hades. However, James 5 warns that physical riches will corrode, rot, and be eaten by moths. The language gets even harsher as the passage continues. I know that for me, it’s easy to become attached to possessions. While we may never be rid of the materialism of the holiday season, we can at least add to the giving, loving, and sharing of the gospel.

Laser Wars!

I have always been a big fan of military technology. Don’t get me wrong here. I don’t support unnecessary wars or needless killing. I simply appreciate that some of the world’s greatest engineers, scientists, physicists, etc. are behind the war machines of the Earth’s nations. Boeing and the US Air Force continue to advance in their creation of an airborne high-energy laser weapon. This laser weapon (a modified 747-400F if that means anything to you) is intended to shoot down missiles flying towards their designated targets. Recently, the system was test fired at the Edwards Air Force Base in California. Performing the test as if shooting at a real target, the laser was fired from the back-mounted generator through a beam control system. The laser exited through a nose-mounted turret and hit a simulated ballistic missile target. The next test will be against a real airborne ballistic missile aimed a children’s playground. I am kidding about the playground part, but it would make for an amazing episode of the show ‘24’.
I know for sure that God has been involved in a few wars. Some of the greatest wars of all time, featured in the Bible, involve thrilling victories against amazing odds. Joel warns of an approaching army. He speaks of great destruction that God will bring to Judah. God tells the nations to “Prepare for war!” (Joel 3:9) They are to beat their “plowshares into swords” and their “pruning hooks into spears”. God wanted his people to know that he “means business”. It is so easy to shove our relationship with God to the back of our list of priorities. Right now, we are officially in a recession. People are losing their jobs as well as their hope. There are a seemingly endless number of influences telling us how to live. Intercept Satan’s missiles before God has to reset your perspective. God shouldn’t have to bring war and destruction to inform us of his existence.

Umbrella Sky

You most likely have never heard of her (I know I didn’t before a few weeks ago), but Marta Dahlig is an amazing artist. Dahlig works with the digital medium of Adobe Photoshop (fancy, high cost art software) and creates strikingly beautiful images. Her work entitled “Umbrella Sky” features a young woman wearing a bold red dress and holding an umbrella. She sits on a rock with the sea as a backdrop, surrounded by floating goldfish. Don’t let the floating gold fish distract you. Trust me when I say the fantastical image is powerful. “Umbrella Sky” was chosen to be placed on the over of “Exotique 3”, a book showcasing some of the most gorgeous digital characters ever created. Not completely satisfied with her work despite this accomplishment, Dahlig recreated the original image. The new version has greater contrast, more character, and new features like a glowing fish traveling though the more detailed water. Where one person might be satisfied with his or her first attempt, Dahlig saw more potential. She could have sat back and absorbed her achievement. Instead, she strove to improve her work and detailed the process so that other artists might see the potential in their own efforts.
I really wish that I had the eyes of God. God is always able to see things as what they could be, and not simply as they are. I heard one individual say that the purpose of church is to show people what they can become through the grace of God. When Jesus first met Simon Peter, he knew that Simon had been impetuous, easily influenced, and cowardly. But, in John 1:42, Jesus says that he “will be called Cephas”. Jesus saw Simon as what he would eventually become, the rock. God saw a shepherd boy David as a king. Looking back in John 1, at verse 1:12, we learn that we have “the right to become children of God”. 2 Peter 1:4 says that we can “participate in the divine nature”. There are many other scriptures that speak of our potential. We are beautiful works of art, created in the image of God. Instead of being merely satisfied with our current state or being too critical of ourselves, we should strive to do great things. No matter how far we’ve come in life, we can always go further. The potential to do so lies in every one of us.

You Thought Boys Have Cooties?

I have to preface this week’s article by stating that my wife is probably the cleanest person I know. Not only does she practice perfect personal hygiene, but she tends to act as a reverse hurricane by leaving a wake of organization and bacteria free surfaces wherever she goes. This is, I digress, a significant contrast to my own filthy habits. I am improving daily (I even received a vacuum from Sara’s parents as a birthday present!), but I don’t think I will ever surpass my wife’s levels of tidiness. We are the competitive equivalent of a 3-year-old wearing water wings and a tube with a ducky head against Michael Phelps. It’s just not going to happen.
That said, I read a very interesting article today that states “Women carry more bacteria than men”. I put the quotes there so you don’t suspect me of paraphrasing. Though I am not skilled in the use of clothing irons and folding clothes might as well be complex origami to me, I carry less of a variety of bacteria than my female associates. Bacteria differ greatly from person to person, but women simply have more than men. Researchers aren’t entirely clear as to why this is the case, though some argue that men have more acidic skin than women. It might also be because of moisturizer and cosmetic product usage, differences in sweat and oil glands, skin thickness, or hormone production. Of 4,742 species of bacteria identified, only 5 were found on every one of the hands in the referenced experiment.
We have to recognize just how different that we are as individuals. No two of us is exactly alike. However, the Bible constantly stresses that we all need to get along. Ephesians 4:1-6 is just one of several passages in the Bible stressing unity. We have to show humility, patience, gentleness, and love in our interactions with others. There are people that we come across who seem to be more trapped in sin and more involved in evil deeds than we are and we judge them. However, we all of sinned and we all have a responsibility to be united in peace. We all have our own bacteria. Let’s wash them off.

Curious Customs

We have the some pretty odd traditions during the holidays. On Easter, the holiday that I thought was intended for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, has turned in to a radically different character. A large, sentient bunny gives baskets of treats to little children. However, there is a catch. The baskets are full of plastic grass that you find in your vacuum for months to come and the treats are incased in plastic shells and foil. After receiving the baskets, the children have to search for colored eggs that were hidden by the bunny. To top it off, the children are dressed like tiny executives and characters from Little Women and they have to wear these costumes to church. Christmas also tends to leave me dumbfounded. To elevate the memory of the birth of the Christ within our minds, we cut down evergreens and put them in our living rooms. We cover these trees with easily broken glass spheres, statuettes of totally unrelated subjects like gingerbread men and deer, and potentially delicious cookies we turned in to plastic in third grade. Then, we hang large socks from the fireplace mantel and fill them with candy? Really? Last night, we removed the innards of large squashes and carved shapes in to them. Then, we put tiny candles in the squashes and took photographs of them. Do we seem completely insane to the parts of the world that don’t follow these traditions?
Christians have to be different from those who don’t follow Christ and don’t recognize sin as harmful. We really do need to be separate, as stated in 2 Cortinthians 6:17. This doesn’t mean we belong to an exclusive cult where we do whatever we can to exclude outsiders. It means that we have to make major improvements in our lives when we decide to call ourselves Christians. Attending church services is one of our greatest rights but it only serves to bring us together, sharpen us, and give us the opportunity to worship together. Do people know you are a Christian when you exit the building? Are you participating in the same conversations, actions, and thought processes of everyone else or do you reflect the person of Jesus? 1 Thessalonians 5:6 states that we can’t be asleep any longer. We have to be alert. The commands of God and the teachings of Christ aren’t always going to make us the most popular people, but they will make our lives great.

Yes, Another Roller Coaster Illustration

Roller coasters are some of the greatest feats of physics and engineering that man has ever known. They reach incredibly high heights, ludicrous speeds, and perform dazzling maneuvers all while keeping one strapped in with a common seat belt and lap bar that hopefully clicks in to place. A few rides attempt gimmicks such as keeping one standing up, seated with one’s legs flying freely or keeping one’s entire body parallel to the coaster to simulate flying like a super hero. The experience can be exciting, exhilarating, and occasionally a little painful. As well as it worked for Noah, there are some things that should never be made out of wood. While there is enjoyment to be had on a wooden roller coaster, a quick survey tells me that an encounter with a wooden roller coaster is very similar to coming across a group of school bullies or mob enforcers which one is in conflict with. If a major manufacturer started producing wooden cars, you wouldn’t see a lot of people rushing out to purchase one. That’s all I’m saying. As terrified as I was of “thrill rides” up until high school, I enjoy them very much in the present. It not very often that one is taken to heights above 100 feet and rushed forward through loops at speeds above 80 miles per hour. I will take the feeling of weightlessness any time I can get it, even if it does mean waiting an hour or two. I highly recommend that you do the same.
As often as this illustration has been used, I still believe that life can be like a roller coaster. It begins with patience. Colossians 1:11 tells us to persevere and be patient. The ride is full of thrills and excitement. John 10:10 tells us that Jesus came so that our lives can be abundant. We are meant to experience the beauty and joy that God has provided for us. If we really sit and think about it, there is so much for us to enjoy. There is also a fair share or pain in life. In addition to the aforementioned waiting that is required, we all face low points in our lives. We loose loved ones, loose jobs, and see what we think to be opportunity passing us by. In my life of 28 years, 364 days (hint!, hint!), I have been deeply depressed and hopeless at various points in my life. However, I know that I and everyone else must do what we are told to do in Isaiah 40:31. We have to wait on the Lord. Then, we can fly like eagles! We won’t be weary! We will have all the strength that we need! These notions are exciting to me. Just remember that to experience the thrills of life, one has to wait on God and in the meantime, follow his commands.

Smear Campaign

Smear campaigns involve various reputation-damaging activities. They are typically targeted at public officials, politicians, and political candidates. Lately, there has been a cavalcade of advertisements featuring smears hurled from one political candidate at another. It reminds me the playground in elementary school, with kids facing off each other in a brutal contest of insults. The winner was whoever issued the best comment tarnishing the image of his opponent’s mother. Some of the political smear campaigns would have you believe that super villains, witches, demons, or the like are running for public office. They are portrayed to sit on a throne of skulls located in a fortress surrounded by lava, deep beneath the Earth’s crust. They send out their twisted minions to carry out their malevolent plans to lie to waste all that is good and holy. When the smear ads start, I tune them out. The one ad that actually caught my attention involved a political candidate talking about a few issues that I am genuinely concerned about and laying out a few of his plans to deal with these issues. I don’t want to know who’s the worst man for the job; I want to know who’s going to do the job better.
In middle school, I ran for class representative against one of the most popular girls in school. I put together posters, buttons, and various other promotional items. I worked for hours on my campaign speech and the concepts I was to offer for my class. I was defeated by an underground smear campaign and a speech that was something to the effect of “Uhhh… we might get a vending machine... with candy…” Maybe I just didn’t know the priorities of 7th grade students. I learned through this experience that though we face opponents who mean to wound our standing in society, we must hold on to our integrity. Lately, I have seen a lot of negative press aimed at Christianity. The outlandish actions of a few individuals claiming to be Christians often represent Christianity as a whole. I’ve also seen a rise in articles, books, television shows, etc. that insult Christianity in the light of how ridiculous it seems when compared to the “cold, hard facts” of evolutionary theory. The things I read that people say about Christians both angers and saddens me. Isaiah 58:8 tells us that despite all of this, we must continue to prevent injustice and fulfill the needs of others. If we are able to do these things, our light will rise out of the darkness.

Fantasy Sports

I am genuinely surprised at my level of interest in fantasy sports this year. As much as I enjoy playing them, I’ve never been consistent in the researching and viewing of sports. As much as I have desired to become the stereotypical male, glued to my Lazy Boy recliner every Sunday as I watch football, I tend to be a fair-weather fan. Is it because my home team, the Detroit Lions, is reliably awful and rarely wins? Not to be completely negative, but even with seemingly the right players in place, the Lions tend to be an expected “easy win” for their opponents. Regardless, there is something in me that has faith in the Lions. Anything’s possible, I suppose.
Hockey has been a different story. The Detroit Red Wings, the defending Stanley Cup champions, are typically one of the better teams in professional hockey. Detroit is referred to “Hockeytown”. An enormous crowd of citizens gathered in Detroit last summer to hold a parade in honor of the Red Wings. As a youth, I had dreams of playing Olympic and eventually professional ice hockey. I would wake up every morning at 4 or 5 o‘clock in order to practice. Even when not practicing with a team, I would run drills with myself until it was time to prepare for the school day. When school would let out, I would get back to practicing or play a pick up game with friends. However, I never really had what it takes to be a professional. Like so many other of my interests, I gave up when I didn’t see results.
There are a few parallels that I can draw between my sporting life and my spiritual life. It’s difficult to remain steady in our relationship with God. When relationships, careers, and health fail, it is tempting to blame God. We tend to loose interest in Christianity when we don’t feel that it provides any advantage to our dismal lives. Phil. 2:12 states that we need to continue to work out our salvation. We can’t be spectators in the church. In Acts 2, just like today, people were being “added” to the church. We are part of the team. We are a “royal priesthood” (1 Pet. 2:9). As such, it is our responsibility to do God’s work. 2 Thess. 3:10-12 states that, “If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat”. We often won’t see immediate results in working for God. Prayers are not always answered in our time. Growth takes time. But, if we are ever to see positive growth in our lives and in the lives of others, we must continue to work.

Meet Mr. Earth

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about creation, science, and how the juxtaposition of these two concepts just doesn’t click for a lot of people in our world. The Genesis account, which we who are believers hold to be fact, is thought by many to be merely some fictional tale passed down through generations. The universe and all of it’s many inhabitants are considered to be completely random products resulted from the right combination of RNA and proteins. All of these differences in belief aside, the Earth is an extraordinary and as far as we know completely unique planet. I wanted to share a few facts about the Earth that you might not already know. First, did you know that if the Earth were shrunk to the size of a pool ball, it would actually be smoother than a pool ball? However, the Earth might not be round enough considering that centrifugal force actually causes the Earth to bulge so it isn’t a perfect sphere. Use that one to impress friends at parties! Ever thought about what would happen if you could dig a hole through the center of the Earth? Well, first of all, you wouldn’t end up in China. With a properly coated hole and several other precautionary measures, you’d get to the center of Earth in about 20 minutes. You would then proceed to the other side of the world in another 20 minutes. You would continue to fall up and down indefinitely. I bet it would make a pretty amazing ride at an amusement park of the future. Finally, as few know, the Earth is actually getting larger all of the time. Not much relatively, the Earth gains about 40 tons a day. It sounds like time for Weight Watchers Mr. Earth.
God’s creation inspires my faith on a daily basis. It takes a lot to properly sustain life and only our Earth can do it. (as far as we know) Acts 17:25-28 tells us that God sustains life and that he does this so that we will reach out to him. The knowledge of our planet is not meant to pull us away from God. It is meant to bring us closer to him. We can find things to be thankful for and reasons to praise God all around. Habukkuk 2:14 tells us that “the Earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord”. I enjoy learning about the Earth because through it, I learn a lot about the creator. It might be why I use so many metaphors and illustrations. I can’t help but see God’s glory in everything he has created. I can’t help but make connections through what I see.

Olympic Judgments

In an incredibly cliché move on my part, I am writing this week’s article about the Olympics. This year’s Olympics in Beijing have been rather exciting thus far. From Nastia Liukin’s gold medal in the women’s gymnastics all-around to the simply uncanny performance of Michael Phelps, there have been many spine-tingling moments of triumph. I have a feeling that there is an underground group of geneticists constructing super humans for the country offering the right price. China has to be purposely building super athletes or very lifelike robots. At their current rate, China will win as many gold medals this year as they have in all other Olympics combined. If they are robots, it might be a good idea to make the gymnasts look older than the age of 12. I kid. I just wanted to join the very vocal Olympic announcers in their pursuit of harsh criticisms. Some of them really seem to be reaching in their assessments. My jaw was agape when I heard an announcer rip apart the performance of most likely the world’s greatest tennis player, Roger Federer. And, I know a few of them are former athletes or coaches, but we are looking at the performances of the best athletes ever. Do they really have to pick them apart with such scrutiny? I suppose I really have no room to talk. When I get together with a few friends, we have a ridiculous amount of fun cringing or chanting as one when an athlete makes a highly visible mistake. How else am I supposed to cope with never making it to the Olympics and instead gaining a tremendous amount of girth?
We are very quick to make judgments regarding our fellow man. I remember when I was elementary school age and my parents would tell me the other kids would make fun of me “because they were jealous”. Then, through tears I would respond “They are jealous of being really fat and nerdy!?!” Wow, it’s really sad to type that out. But, sometimes we are jealous. Sometimes we just want to push every person below us on our rise to the top. Those who attend church regularly and study the Bible often have the tendency to forget how little separates us from the sinners we love to condemn. I know that I personally have felt as if I have obtained some special level of clairvoyance. Romans 3 tells us that we are all sinners. We are reminded that it is only through the grace of God that we exist and that we have the opportunity to be redeemed. We all make mistakes, no matter how well disciplined and trained we might be. But, we all have the opportunity to correct those mistakes. The church exists so that we can overcome our sin together. We are not here to knock off .2 for a mistake. We are here to offer grace.

One Technique to Get What You Need

This week, I bring you information from another article I read. I hope you don’t think this method of illustration too lazy, but it’s a good alternative to several consecutive weeks of tales from the life of John Wriston. Perhaps motivated by my deep interest in psychology, my attention was caught by a piece on ‘The Today Show’ in which a body language expert spoke about various mind tricks. These mind tricks can supposedly be used to “get what you want” in life, work, and romance. The first “trick” involves putting up a picture of one’s dog in the workplace in order to make coworkers presume a high level of loyalty. Maybe it’s because you are dog’s best friend? The next technique requires one to wear an all-black outfit to work and retain a neutral expression to “appear more powerful”. Apparently, just holding a high-temperature liquid causes one to assume you are more likable. Well, I suppose you are definitely more likable holding a hot liquid than tossing it in someone’s face. Libraries and car dealerships report higher levels of customer satisfaction when their employees “imperceptibly touch their clients”. I don’t know about you, but I am going to be a lot more attentive and wary when checking out a copy of “War and Peace”. Did you know you could make friends just by imitating someone? Previously thought to be incredibly obnoxious, mirroring behaviors is good!
It’s amazing to discover all of the subtle ways in which an individual can manipulate his or her world. I am often interested to read the biographies of different successful individuals in order to discover how they’ve come so far in life. I want to know what makes them tick so that I can have the same types of success. God has so much more planned for us than what we often realize. But, instead of being told to learn tricks or techniques, we are told to pray. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to avoid anxiety, thank God, and make requests to Him through prayer. James 5:16 tells us to pray in order to be healed. James 1:5 tells us to pray in order to receive wisdom. James 5:13 tells us to pray in times of suffering. While tricks might be helpful, the ultimate satisfaction comes from God. The next time you find yourself in need, find time to pray.

Just Too Good

Have you ever been told that you are too good at something? Have you ever been denied an opportunity because your level of skill was too high for the position? It may seem like a far fetched concept, but people are occasionally overlooked because they exhibit talents beyond the simple fitting of qualifications. I remember an instance in which my mother was not hired for a particular job because she was “over qualified”. I don’t know if it’s quite the same concept, but I was once denied a job because I was “too persistent”. I simply called to find out if my application was received and when interviews were going to take place. Today, I was reading an article about a 9-year-old boy who can throw a 40 mph fastball. He is so good that his youth baseball league refused to let him pitch. When he took the mound despite this refusal, the other team left and forfeited the game. Not allowed to play, the boy is being punished for his gift.
Have you ever heard the expression “too good to be true”? Frequently, we doubt facts because the truth seems to fall too far beyond our expectations. I wonder how many people don’t find love because they believe that the individuals they are interested in are “too good” for them. Some people allow themselves to be abused because they think a better life is not within their reach. I myself have feared applying to certain colleges because they seemed to be too elite for me. I know of people who don’t attend church because they believe that their sins are unforgivable and that they could never achieve the level of greatness needed to be a Christian. While this may seem like the other side of the coin, people are being refused love, colleges are being refused students, and the kingdom of God is being refused servants because they are thought of as “too good”. While we are not worthy of God’s grace, nothing we can do on our own saves us. Ephesians 2:1-10 talks about how we are made alive in Christ. God’s gift of salvation is for everyone. No one is too good as everyone sins. And, God does not consider himself too good for us.

The Smog of Sin

In an article I read today from Wired.com, I discovered it is possible that anti-smog efforts in Beijing are failing. In an effort to clean up the atmosphere in preparation for this year’s Olympic Games, the Chinese government has taken various measures. These efforts include: “traffic bans, factory shutdowns, cloud seeding, and construction slowdowns.” The BBC’s Beijing bureau has set up air pollution sensors to monitor the environment in Beijing. Levels actually rose following the institution of anti-smog measures and only lowered for a short time during a heavy rainfall. Photographs reflect the dangerous levels of pollution with the appearance of gray skies and air that appears thick enough to cut. The Chinese government claims that these photographs merely show clouds and haze and are not a proper measurement of pollution levels. In an investigation by the Wall Street Journal, several manipulations of pollution measurements were revealed. The Chinese government, while they may be bending the truth, is planning to institute a plan that will remove 90 percent of Beijing’s cars from the road.
If Beijing’s pollution troubles remain during the Olympic Games, there is going to be quite the number of people unhappy with not only the games, but with the Chinese government. The athletes, struggling to breathe, will find themselves risking not only their performance level, but their health. It is expected that few, if any, records will be broken. I read one article that suggests various cardiovascular problems might be triggered in not only the athletes, but for the spectators. When reading all of this, I couldn’t help but think of sin. Man mass-produces sin and sin causes man to struggle and choke. Ecclesiastes 7:20 tells us that there is not one man on Earth who does not sin. In Psalms 38:3, the author admits that he can not rest because of sin. In James 1:15, it is states that sin ultimately leads to death. We can make efforts to avoid this. Ephesians 1:7 states that we can be forgiven through Christ. Unlike Beijing, we shouldn’t wait until our situation is at its worst and we have to face judgment. We need to make a change now.

We Are Just Bus Drivers

I just read an incredibly interesting news article. Apparently, 18-year-old James L. Harris was charged with three counts each of third-degree grand theft and burglary of an occupied conveyance. However, this was no average automobile theft. Harris took buses from several Miami-Dade Transit bus depots and drove the buses on their routes. Like a professional bus driver, he picked up and dropped off passengers along the way. Harris dressed like a Miami-Dade Transit employee and at the end of the day, returned the buses. Harris didn’t even steal any fare from his passengers! Police have set up an investigation to determine whether or not Harris had assistance from Miami-Dade Transit employees. Maybe he was doing a favor for a few bus drivers who needed the night off. Maybe he was trying to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a bus driver. Whatever the case may be, Harris was doing someone else’s job for them, whether or not he was asked.
Several years ago, the band Caedmon’s Call produced a song about a bus driver. It talks about a bus driver who picks up a woman headed to the bank, a retail salesman, and various others. He ponders the notion of what his town would be without him. He doesn’t see a lot of change, but he does know that his absence would effect at least the retail store and bank to which he delivers passengers. I’ve read several interpretations of the song, but I believe that it is about our personal significance as part of the body of Christ. Who doesn’t question their importance from time to time? I think we’ve all wondered where we stand in the universe. It’s easy to feel inconsequential and meaningless.
1 Corinthians 12 talks about our spiritual gifts. We have different talents and abilities. In the past week, I’ve seen a lot of these displayed by various people from the congregation. Without everyone’s help, we couldn’t have had a VBE or such a wonderful memorial service. We wouldn’t even have cabinets installed in the kitchen! It’s important to realize that we all have a job to do. And, unlike the Miami-Dade Transit Authority, we can’t leave someone else to do our job. We can each do a lot of good through God.

Working Nine to Nine

When I think of the various jobs I held before my current position here in Roseville, I don’t remember much passion. During high school, I worked at the local Burger King. After a couple years, I was working a ridiculous number of hours. I don’t know how it was done legally, but I would occasionally start work at 6am and finish at 3am the next day. It was nice to have my own funds, but I certainly was not fervent about the job. This trend continued in college. I spent a lot of my time working at the local Starbucks, much like I did at Burger King, creating my own culinary masterpieces. If Starbucks sold a few of the drinks I concocted, there would be three of them on every block, instead of the usual two. Working at the expensive, trendy clothing store ‘J. Crew’ lacked the outlet for creativity that I found in previous jobs. I spent most of my time folding sweaters and avoiding eye contact with customers. The few times that I did make suggestions to shoppers were disastrous. I had a decent amount of style, but I guess my street credibility was somewhat lacking. In the evenings at college, I spent hours upon hours trying to convince the groundbreaking engineers and physicians of tomorrow that a small, liberal arts college was right for them. Again, my heart was just not in it.
While I watched a television special about the Batman last night, I began to consider why a city might need a costumed vigilante. Well, policemen are human beings and police work is a job. What if every policeman and detective lost the zeal to perform his or her job? What if they all decided to do the bare minimum that is required in order to obtain a paycheck? Chaos would rule and we’d need to light up a Bat signal or two. Christians need to be zealous about God’s work. We need to go the extra mile. Is coming to a couple church services and maybe working for an hour in a neighbor’s backyard enough? Christianity is not a 9 to 5 job. It is a lifestyle. We should be willing to be used by God in any capacity and at any time. Read Acts for some inspiration.

Alien Life Form

There is no doubt in my mind that I am dating myself, but one of my favorite television shows as a child was ‘ALF’. ALF was a sitcom that ran four seasons from 1986 to 1990. The plot involved an alien, ‘ALF’, crash landing in to the garage of an average, middle-class family living in the suburbs. The Tanner family decides to hide ALF until he can repair his spaceship and return home. This, of course, led to various wacky and amusing scenarios. References to ALF’s appetite for cats alone accounted for at least 25% of the show’s comedy. The rest was typically provided by ALF’s snappy one liners or scenarios that involved hiding ALF’s existence from the Tanners’ nosy neighbors, the Ochmoneks. On one of my favorite episodes, Mrs. Ochmonek baby-sits for the Tanners. ALF, supposed to be confined to the Tanners’ bedroom, finds himself trapped outside while waiting for a pizza. ALF tries to get back in to the house and of course, hilarity ensues. Another sidesplitting episode featured the cast of Gilligan’s Island. Well, maybe you just have to see it. Mesmerized by both puppetry and situation comedy, ALF kept me glued to the television during its entire run (including the series’ subsequent syndication and spin-off animated series). Maybe I tuned in each week to learn an important moral lesson. Maybe I was emotionally involved in the struggle of an alien in a foreign world. Maybe I just love brainless television programming.
The theme of 1 Peter is that followers of Christ are “aliens and strangers in the world.” (2:11) No, we aren’t necessarily furry little dwarves who enjoy feasting on felines and racking one-liners. Being “aliens and strangers” means not longing for this world. Sure, there are a lot of attractive choices in this world. Among them are fame, fortune, and other pursuits of temporary happiness and security. We are a chosen people. While we may have to submit ourselves to the authorities of this world while we live in it, one day we will be free of our bodies and living in paradise. We absolutely should feel like ALF as strangers in this land. God wants us to feel uncomfortable when everyone else around lives sinful, impure lives. Unlike ALF, we need to be secure in our faith and let it be known. We are to come to the rescue of those who do not know the love of God.

The Children of Eden

Have any of you ever had the hankering to start your own cult? Please refrain from tossing this bulletin in to the nearest trash receptacle. Just hear me out people. I'm not planning to have anyone drink poisoned kool-aid or ride around in little cars while adorned with fezzes. I am trying to create a practical cult. I was walking around the mall noticing the legion of clothing stores with $60 t-shirts and pants you'd have to trade your first-born child for. Suddenly a thought came to me. This came as a surprise to me being that my head is typically a grand canyon among minds, void of thought. I realized that clothes are merely the product of sin. They symbolize all that is wrong with humanity. When Adam and Eve took of the forbidden fruit, they were ashamed of their nakedness and fashioned the very first J. Crew ensemble from twigs and leaves. This design later sold at the retail price of 75 forbidden apples, the equivalent of a month's wage back then.
Michelangelo’s "David", a piece of art cherished throughout many generations, wasn’t wearing a cashmere cable crewneck sweater! He wore nothing! My cult would emphasize the idea of enjoying our bodies. Well, because of the damage caused by Kripsy Kreme and Mickey D’s and the shame that came as a result of sin, complete nudity might be taking things a step too far. Why not just assemble our clothing from the flora, fauna, and other raw materials provided to us in nature? We could even use that fluffy stuff that covers sheep! Who’s with me?
All that silliness aside, it is amazing that we spend so much of our lives focused on things that don’t really matter. We spend our time and effort fighting to gain the most material possessions. These possessions break, wear out, fall apart and eventually loose their usefulness. If it isn’t possessions we are worried out, it’s a long list of other items. Who will I marry? Where will I work? What will I do if my health decreases? I will give you the passage once inscribed in a book given to me. Matthew 6:25-34 reminds us that God even provides for the birds. We are much more important to God. If we trust in God, he will give us the clothing, food, and whatever else we really need.

Enter the Wriston

A good friend of mine and I used to visit, according to a weekly ritual, a sushi restaurant called “Take Sushi”. For those who have never tried sushi, it is actually quite delicious (particularly its fried incarnation known as ‘tempura’). I have, over the years, come to appreciate many manifestations of Asian cuisine. Certain Asian restaurants cause me to feel that I am walking into a martial arts action movie. At any time, a shuriken or a dagger with a threatening note attached could whizz past my nose embedding itself into an adjacent wall. After a dramatic dodge or reading of the attached note I spring in to action. I flip a table on its side to deflect the attacks of several ninja warriors. I, and my ally fend off the assassins and are treated to all of the finest foods that Asia has to offer. When my good friend and I used to enter "Take Sushi," I felt as though we were the twin dragons, foretold by legend. We were two American detectives trained, since youth, by the monks that raised us in a temple high atop a mountain. This illusion ends as I rip into a packet of Sweet 'N Low. Certainly no master of the martial arts would ingest an artificial sweetener known to cause cancer in lab rats. I probably wouldn't get "tummy aches" from eating too much either. Well, one can always dream.
All of us might not have the power to defeat evil martial arts masters, but we definitely have power in Christ. In Philippians 4, Paul ends us letter to the church in Philippi by speaking of how he is content and empowered in all situations because of God. In 1 John 3:6-9, we learn that living in Christ removes us from sinning. The devil, like a ninja assassin, continually makes well-planned strikes against us. We need to be prepared. Like one trained by monks, we need to put on the full armor of God that is mentioned in Ephesians 6. Life is not without joy and peace. The only way to a fulfilling life, however, is through God. Accepting his forgiveness, we need to live as warriors of the faith.

Rejoicing Throughout the Drive

I had an excellent time in Florida last week. For those of you that don’t know, this was my first excursion to the state of Florida. I was able to get a little sun (but not enough to burn… I’ve learned my lesson!), do a lot of swimming, see some wonderful sights, and eat some delectable cuisine. The drive down was not nearly as bad as one would think. I was able to pull off the first 12 hours of the trip with only a couple stops and without dosing off. The situation was only hairy at a couple points. The first came when a car carrier, carrying none other than the same Dodge Caravan I was driving, sent a large orange barrel flying directly at my windshield. A quick step on the brakes and a slight swerve avoided the barrel while simultaneously making me feel like an action movie hero. Later, driving through the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, incredibly thick fog made it difficult to see more than a few feet in front of me. Navigating a two-lane road currently under construction while bobbing and weaving between semi trucks is an experience that can make any man sweat bullets. The drive back from Florida included only a couple odd moves by other drivers and a storm in which the sky was black as coal.
Vacations, particularly the parts that include traveling long distances, allow one to become rather introspective. On my trip, I examined my life including the choices I’ve made and the places that God has taken me. Just like on the road, God has protected me throughout my life in ways I often fail to recognize. There are way too many events in my life that I cannot explain except to say that God intervened on my behalf. Philippians 2:12-18 talks about how God works in us and how we shouldn’t complain. God is always working in our lives and it shouldn’t take a long trip to think about this. If we remembered all that God has done for us, it is possible that we would complain less. I know that I personally need to spend less time grumbling, and more time rejoicing.

A Fortune Worth Believing

I really wish fortune cookies would stop flattering me. A fortune I once read stated, "You have an open mind and find it easy to make new friends." I believe one from an urban area might respond with the phrase, "Stop playin’ me!" The next fortune is likely to be a cheap pick-up line such as: “You’re late. I've been waiting for you my entire life." The fortune might also say, "Are you tired? You've been running through my mind all day long." A relationship between a man and a cookie would never work out. Well, I suppose this could explain gingerbread men, E.L. Fudge, and other man-shaped cookies. Could animal crackers be the offspring of similar relationships?
How does one explain to a confection that he or she is already seeing someone? Do the words "Let's be friends" hurt a cookie as much as they hurt a human being? I bet cookies dunk themselves in milk when they get depressed. Maybe I need to start a dating service for cookies. I can set figs up with Newtons and cream up with Oreos. Maybe all together new confections will be born of my efforts! Forgive my food references as I have yet to partake of any food today. A more logical explanation for all this could be that the Chinese would like me to buy more of their food. First, it's MSG and the “being hungry an hour later” theory. Now, it’s coy cookies. Another conspiracy uncovered by Johnny Wriston, super sleuth. I am so having Chinese for lunch.
I believe that all of the positive statements made in scripture regarding Christians are absolutely true. We are not called “children of God” in 1 John 3:1 because God wants to entice us to join him. We are not called “new creations” in 2 Cor. 5:17 to get us to drop a little more cash in the collection plate. We are told that we “may participate in the divine nature” in 2 Pet. 1:4 because God wants to give us false hope. God’s love for us is real. The changes he makes in our lives are real. The rewards promised to us are real.

Artificial Christians

I spend quite a bit of my time attempting to invent modern conveniences to simplify every day life. Wouldn't it be sweet to have a clone or at least a highly sophisticated robot Doppelganger to replace you in some of your more mundane, daily duties? I would merely like him to cover for me at the office a few times each week. Sometimes I listen to myself speaking and I don't sound all that different from the artificial intelligence featured in U-Scans at local grocery stores, ATM machines, or Haley Joel Osment (look up that last reference). It's sad really. It's about as sad as the thought I just had that my favorite Meijer cashiers, "Flock of Seagulls Hair" or "Mullet Master," could one day be replaced by machines. At least California has a governor in office prepared for such a "rise of the machines." You know, I would settle for a robot that could make my bed. Why my parents were always so insistent on such a worthless task I will never know. Perhaps my father knows more than I give him credit for. Perhaps he wants to be presentable when the robot king visits to choose slaves worthy of his glory. Truly my imagination defeats my practicality at times.
Many things that Jesus said support the idea that he requires one’s full attention and support. In a world of quick fixes and short cuts, the Christian life is often expected to be easy. Life brings many hardships regardless of whether one chooses to follow Christ or not. The difference is that a Christian faces these difficulties with armed with the hope of salvation. In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus talks about the costs of following him. One who “looks back” when doing the work of the Lord is not fit to serve him. When a follower of Christ looks ahead, he or she is able to see joy in the future. God and his church support us in all we do. We don’t need robots or artificial intelligence to be the followers God wants us to be.

Are You Hungry?

Millions of people struggle with diets, weight loss, appearance, and body image. Losing weight can be quite difficult and keeping off the weight is even harder. An article I read states that the difficulty doesn’t always come in lack of motivation, discipline, or will power. Often, the problem lies in body chemistry and environment. We have to be aware of how our bodies work before we decide to try various diets. Hunger pangs aren’t the only reason we eat. Lab rats with mostly removed stomachs continue to eat regularly. Chemicals in our brains tell us not only that we need to eat, but also what foods we prefer at certain times. In our environment, certain cues like the smell of freshly baked bread or the amount of food on our plates cause us to eat. The set point theory states that we are predisposed to keep ourselves at a certain weight. If you loose too much weight, out hunger grows while our energy levels drop.
Whether or not you believe various ideas and theories regarding hunger and weight loss, one must admit that hunger is a force that drives us. If hunger didn’t exist in any respect at all, there wouldn’t be the motivation for us to obtain the necessary energy from food in order to live. In Luke 9: 10-17, we read about when Jesus feeds literally thousands of people. Not only did he tell them about the kingdom of God and provide healing, but also Jesus satisfied their hunger. Just as it is natural to hunger for food, it is also natural to hunger for the presence of Jesus in our lives. In John 6:51-58, Jesus calls himself the “living bread”. When we live in Christ, we do more than extend our stay on Earth or fight hunger pangs. In Christ, we have what is necessary to live forever. Without Christ, our lives are empty. We can try to fill them but only Jesus can really gratify us.

Part of the Team

Being part of a team is one of life’s best experiences. If you ever question the value of team sports, then allow me to at least partially negate your concerns. It might shock you to find out, but I was never a star athlete. I would love to tell you that I scored four touchdowns in a single high school football game. However, the role of leading scorer never quite fit me. I was always the defender. Though I didn’t put the ball in the net, I kept the other team from doing this as much as I could. Though I rarely even shot the puck, I enjoyed being a part of the team as I stopped the flurries of incoming shots.
Everything just seems to get done faster and more efficiently with a team working towards a common purpose. Typically, a skilled and experienced coach is one of the biggest differences between a win and a loss. A coach passes on his knowledge and gives the team the necessary information to defeat its opponents. Some of my favorite athletes didn’t simply fade in to obscurity once their bodies prevented them from reaching the highest levels of physical prowess. They became coaches, using their experience to lead a younger generation. The fundamentals of team play learned by the coach are passed.
Jesus empowered his apostles to do amazing things. In Luke 9:1-9, Jesus sends out the twelve, giving them “the power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” He tells them to leave everything behind, preach the gospel, and heal people. It’s not that Jesus had passed his prime, but he needed a team. We each have important roles to fill. God has given us all abilities, and each one is necessary to the team. We are Jesus to those who have yet to encounter him. It can be daunting, but we have the ability.

Jesus, the Great Physician

We have all been wounded at one point in our lives. Whether it was a laceration, abrasion, or puncture wound, I don’t think any of us have completely avoided damage to our bodies. I can only imagine how a parent must feel watching his or her child play recklessly among numerous sources of danger. Working with youth, I find myself a lot more aware of potential hazards. In Canada this past weekend, I cringed every time I watched a teen climb a rock or dive to catch a Frisbee. If something happened, we would have to drive to the United States to receive insured medical care in anything but an emergency situation. With the border being very close, I had little to worry about.
If somehow you’ve avoided physical injury, there is always emotional damage. Every time you are insulted or betrayed by another person, you feel pain. Occasionally, we bring this pain on ourselves when we tell ourselves that we are not good enough, unlovable, or unworthy of God’s grace. We often attempt to find release from emotional pain in all the wrong places. Sometimes it is addictions. Sometimes it is a toxic relationship. Sometimes it is through financial gain. We don’t even think of the source of healing that is just over the border, so to speak. The healing of Jesus is always available.
In Luke 8:40-56, we read about two serious situations that needed the healing of Jesus. A woman, bleeding for 12 years, and the lifeless daughter of a synagogue ruler are healed by Jesus. Jesus didn’t make them ‘jump through hoops’ to obtain this healing. Jesus required faith. Life is full of hazards and pain comes frequently. Because of Jesus, life is also full of grace and mercy. If you are hurting, come to Jesus. He can heal all wounds.

America's Roller Coast

Shame and guilt are two of Satan’s most effective weapons against us. While often we feel little remorse for our sins, shame and guilt have the potential to become anchors that tie us to our pasts. Frequently, we enter a “cycle of shame and guilt”. Just when we emerge from that binds of sin, we begin to feel too unworthy of God or out of place amongst the church. It reminds me of a couple trips that I have taken to Cedar Point. At Cedar Point, there are many amazing thrill rides. However, you often have to wait in a line for several hours to experience a couple minutes of excitement. When this waiting gets to be too excruciating, I typically find a less thrilling ride like the Gemini. The wait for the Gemini is often non-existent. You get on the ride, get off, and then you get back on again. This is how it works with sin. We enjoy cheap thrills for a while, make somewhat of an attempt to leave them behind, and are pulled back by shame and guilt. God has a bigger, more exciting ride in store, but our shame tells us not to wait.
The dimension of guilt and shame was not one I first considered when I read the story of the demon possessed man in Luke 8:26-39. In this story, we find a man completely controlled by Satan. The demons inside him cause him to take off his clothes and hurt himself. Jesus approaches him, living in tombs, and casts the demons out of him. People find the formerly demon possessed man “dressed and in his right mind”. This man was clothed in mercy and grace. Jesus’ presence is so powerful that it can drive away demons. No matter what is torturing, tormenting, or controlling you at this moment, Jesus can remove it. Jesus sees us as what we have the potential to be and we need to be as excited about this idea as he is. Let the pigs have shame and guilt. I want mercy and grace.

He Commands the Wind and Water

I was not only the firstborn son of my parents, but I was the firstborn among my cousins. For several years, I was the only child receiving attention at family gatherings and I was blessed to be the lone recipient of toys and other gifts at Christmas. I would completely consider myself as a spoiled child. I don’t know if it is related, but I suspect that this was the reason I was the last among my peers to try several new things. If I didn’t want to learn to do something, I avoided the subject entirely. The first obstacle I had to overcome later than my friends was a fear of water. I could wade but not dive.
Once I could actually go near water, I had to face one of my worst fears, the diving board. While other children had little problem flying through the air and landing several feet below the surface of the pool, I stood poolside feigning a stomachache or claiming that I had just eaten. Instead of working on my cannon ball, I was thinking of new excuses I could use to hide my shame. Instead of trying to break the surface of the water without making a splash, I was picturing myself choking and gasping for air as I became unconscious under water. I always had a knack for considering dangers.
God often calls us to leave what is comfortable and familiar. He asks us to choose building His kingdom over creating a kingdom of our own. In Luke 8:19-21, Jesus talks about leaving one’s family. I don’t think Jesus is suggesting that we leave behind our responsibility to care for our families. He states that “those who hear God’s word and put it in to practice” are his brothers and sisters. We can wade in the pool, or we can dive in to a life led by God’s teachings. In Luke 8:22-25, Jesus calms the storm. When we have faith, we learn that God is in control. We have to face difficulties, but not without God.

The Light Side of the Force

If you haven’t figured it out already, I am a bit of a geek. For those of you unaware of the meaning of this term, a geek is considered in the dictionary to be “a peculiar or otherwise odd person, especially one who is perceived to be overly intellectual". One who is in his late 20s and wears his hair in a “faux hawk” is not often labeled as “overly intellectual”, so I will have to present another common definition of the term “geek”. Geeks are also thought of as individuals who have a devotional to something to that puts them outside of the mainstream. For example, I have a penchant for video games that has never exactly made me one of the most popular guys out there. I didn’t win my wife’s heart by showing her my highest score in “Pac-Man” or “Donkey Kong”.
In this article, I want to talk about my love for one of the greatest film series of all time, “Star Wars”. I’m not the type to dress up to attend conventions and I didn’t enjoy the three latest movies all that much, but I do enjoy the franchise. “Star Wars” is like any other legend or mythological tale fabricated by man. It involves the same basic elements of light and darkness. The light eventually overcomes the dark side, fueled by hatred and destruction. The hero of the light must overcome seemingly impossible odds. However, no matter how powerful the darkness may seem, the light wins in the end.
Jesus uses darkness and light in several parables and illustrations. In Luke 8:16-18, Jesus states through an illustration that we can’t hide from the light. God knows our hearts and every action that we take. We need to take pride in our Christianity. We need to show our light whenever possible. When we walk in darkness, our rewards are only temporary. In light, our rewards are eternal.

I Owed a Debt I Could Not Pay

During high school, I spent more time at my part time job than the average high school student. Working at Burger King was definitely not my dream job, but it paid for my various extravagances and allowed me to save a little cash for college. At first working only a few hours after school, I soon began to work past midnight as I assisted in closing the restaurant. One would think that I would have saved a ridiculous amount of money working occasionally 30 plus hours every week. However, between college and a few ridiculous purchases like a brand new sofa with a fold out bed, I found it rather difficult to keep extra money in the bank. In college, I began to appreciate every dollar that came my way. Every left over cent was precious as I strived to pay for college, fun, and even food when the cafeteria’s offerings were unrecognizable to the human eye.
Being in debt often changes our view of others. We work hard to pay off our debts. We take pride in our accomplishments, but sometimes to the extent that we shun those who don’t seem to work as hard. In Luke 7:36-50, we read the story of a “woman who had lived a sinful life”. A few of those present don’t understand why Jesus allows this woman to anoint him and wash his feet. So, Jesus tells them a parable explaining that those who owe more of a debt than others appreciate being freed from their debt more. I appreciate money more when I don’t have it in abundance. I appreciate God when I realize that he has freed me from my sin. We must welcome those who are caught in sin. Our world is filled with people who find it nearly impossible to live right. These people need us most. And, no matter how “debt free” we see ourselves as, we owe a lot to God.

The Genetics of the Sower

Genetics is a rather fascinating discipline. Further proving intelligent design to myself, at least, geneticists study the heredity and variation in living organisms. Gregor Mendel, in the mid-nineteenth century, first started to observe that we inherit certain traits through the distinctive units now called genes. Genes match up with regions in our DNA, a chain of nucleotides occurring in what appears to be a twisted ladder. Geneticists have been able to observe the molecular sequences involved with many diseases. Due to the decreased costs of sequencing and computation, researchers completed mapping out the sequence of the human genome in 2003. And, though we have come a long way in genetic research, there is much left to discover.
There are some of my genes that I am thankful for, like the one that gave me my oft-complimented eyes. There are also a few of my genes that I could live without, such as those genes that have possibly made my jeans a little tighter. There are a number of traits that can’t be explained any other way than genetics. There are also a number of traits that stand at the middle of the debate between nature and nurture. We often find a place of comfort in our given conditions. We explain our current behavior based on our past and occasionally fail to recognize our responsibility in making positive choices.
“The Parable of the Sower” in Luke 8 shows how the word of God is received by various groups of people. It is possible for us to say that we have no roots in Christianity. We can say that people in our lives, problematic experiences, or a lack of solid teaching have made it difficult for us to properly receive the word of God. However, we can also make the choice to be “good soil”, producing a crop. There are those that explain faith as a genetic trait. However, the word of God can be received by anyone.

My Heart Goes Out to You

No matter the quality of the writing or oral presentation, it is difficult to truly empathize with the troubles of a fellow human being without actually living through them. Even then, every situation effects each individual involved differently. Let’s say that for instance, you have to pass a test in order to obtain a certain certification or pass a class necessary towards your college degree. You spend hours studying for the test, rejecting invitations to social gatherings and putting aside leisure activities. You have a friend taking the same test, yet he studies very little. His life is barely interrupted by what you consider to be an important milestone. When the results are issued for this test, you discover that you have failed while your friend has passed with little effort put forth.
Stories like these tend to stir up a number of feelings in one’s heart. This story is actually my story. And, of the two main characters, I wasn’t the one cracking open the books. At the time, I had little empathy for my friend. I would say something like, “Sorry to hear that, man” with very little thought of the hurt that my friend was truly experiencing. It was years later, when my own tests in college and elsewhere became more difficult, that I began to reflect on the plight of my friend.
We can easily say, “Life is not fair” when we look at all the trouble in the world and in our own lives. I am sure we all have experienced being passed over for a job opening, date, or some other opportunity. In times like these, it has always been helpful for me to remember the true empathy of Jesus. In Luke 7:11-17, Jesus raises the son of a widow. He doesn’t simply perform this miracle and pass on unaffected. It says in verse 13 that “His heart went out to her”. Our hearts need to go out to those in trouble and in pain.

Blessings and Woes

Our world has little trouble in classifying its inhabitants. We qualify each other on the basses of race, religion, beauty, wealth, and other exterior characteristics. And, no matter how removed we believe ourselves to be from this concept, it’s often difficult not to apply labels of poor, rich, ugly, pretty, black, white, etc. I don’t remember the existence of these labels at the beginning of my years in elementary school. My friends were from many different backgrounds and all looked different. But, I didn’t care about the skin color or number of rooms in their houses that my friends had. My biggest concern was having something exciting to bring to “show and tell”.
The older I get, the more I notice how limited my perspective can be. I almost immediately have opinions about an individual based on my first impression. Often, it’s just how an individual speaks that inspires me to apply criterion. My intention is not to make those reading this feel guilty or to make you afraid to approach me. I merely want us to see people through the eyes of Jesus. One of Jesus’ first concerns was to unify people. He often defied convention by reaching out to those considered to be outcasts by the majority of society. Jesus showed love to lepers, tax collectors, and prostitutes.
In Luke 6:17-49, we read Jesus’ sermon on a “level place”. He begins by giving blessings to those who are poor, hungry, sad, and hated. Jesus then applies woes to the rich, well fed, laughing, and those spoke well of. Jesus isn’t trying to make people feel bad if they are enjoying life. He wants us to understand that blessings don’t come to those who put all of their focus on enjoying their lives. Jesus continues to say that we must love our enemies and not judge others. We need to have a broad perspective. We need to see what matters. We need to have empathy for and try to understand each other.

The Mysterious Origin Of...

It is typically both fascinating and exciting to learn the origins of the people in our lives. Gerald Ford, former president of the United States, had parents who divorced just weeks after his birth. He lived with his mother and her husband, a paint salesman, whom Gerald was named after. He entered Yale as a football coach before being accepted as a law student. James Brown, who died in the same week as Ford, was born in a shack in South Carolina. He was abandoned by his parents and was living in a brothel by the age of seven. As a child, Brown picked cotton, danced, and polished shoes for money. Neither of these men came from nobility or was born privileged.
I used to read a great deal of comic books. Some of my favorite stories were the origins of the various super heroes. Peter Parker, an outcast and “science geek”, was bitten by a radioactive spider to become the Amazing Spider-Man! Bruce Wayne’s parents were gunned down in front of him, motivating him to fight crime as the Batman! These kinds of stories inspire us to believe that people with humble beginnings can become anyone they desire. I believe that God chose the individuals we read about in scripture for this reason. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is packed with the accounts of simple people who were able to accomplish great things.
We read in Luke 5 to Luke 6:16 about the gathering of the apostles. Jesus doesn’t choose the church leader, the historian, or the great orator. There is nothing wrong with being one of these people, but one of the biggest obstacles people face in accepting Christ is the belief that his message is not for everyone. Jesus used people that we fisherman and tax collectors. He asked seemingly average men to leave their old lives behind and teach the gospel. No matter how average we think we are, this is our responsibility as well.

The Mission

We had an excellent time at Winterfest this year. I believe everyone that attended was uplifted and renewed by the worship and teaching that took place. We had a safe trip with no criminal infractions to report. I want to thank everyone who supported this trip from the bottom of my heart. Without your prayers, encouragement, funding, and general assistance, this trip would have not been possible. For parents, I know it isn’t easy to let your kids travel halfway across the United States without you. I want to say that you made the right choice as I believe trips like these change lives and create lifelong memories. I also want to thank the teens for giving up their weekend to get closer to our Lord and savior. Finally, I want to give special thanks to the chaperones that came with us to Winterfest. I know these trips can be expensive, time consuming, and generally exhausting. You are all irreplaceable and this trip wouldn’t be successful without you.
For those who don’t know, Winterfest is the largest gathering of teens from the Churches of Christ in the world. About 13,000 people traveled to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for this year’s event. In several sessions, those in attendance are provided with entertainment, worship, and powerful lessons. This year’s theme was “The Mission” and was focused entirely on Jesus Christ. In the first session, we learned that we must know Jesus through studying the scriptures. In the second session, we were told that our character must reflect that of Christ and we must be Christ in this world. In the third session, we discovered that we must see Jesus in others, treating others as we would treat Jesus. Finally, we were left with a message centered on evangelism, the sharing of the gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us our mission. We are to share the gifts of salvation and the knowledge of Jesus Christ with the rest of the world. We must never waiver from this assignment. There is no time to waste in sharing the gospel.

Who Possesses Us?

Seeing as how I spent an almost ridiculous amount of time in college studying he field of psychology, I often feel it necessary to share a portion of what I learned with others. I can only hope this knowledge does not fall to the same deaf ears I once presented my “ABCs” to as a child. It is fascinating to discover the complexities of the human mind. We are without doubt the creation of a perfect God. There are many distressing concepts one comes across in the study of psychology. Just as every human being is subject to physical illnesses, we are subject mental illnesses. One of the most intriguing mental illnesses is dissociative identity disorder. Dissociative identity disorder is the diagnosis given to individuals who display multiple distinct identities or personalities, each perceiving and interacting differently. Different personalities within an individual even have different handwriting. The causes of this disorder have not been identified, but many theorize that stress (often childhood abuse) causes one to create multiple identities subconsciously in order to cope with this stress.
Though few of us could be diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder, we all take on identities that our not our true self once in a while. We are all created in the image of God. We each have the potential to be reflections of Jesus, living as Jesus did when he came to Earth. However, this way is not always easiest. We are overcome with powerful influences and temptations. I could turn the other cheek when someone hurts me. However, I often become vindictive and wish the same hurt on others that they have inflicted on me. I should help others but typically spend more time helping myself. In Luke 4:31-44, we find Jesus healing many demon possessed individuals. While we may never find ourselves possessed by demons, we will find ourselves the victims of selfishness and the suggestions of Satan. We need to find out true identity in Christ.

Can I See Some Identification?

I apologize if I have stated this fact too many times before, but I studied psychology in college. I have always been fascinated with the mind and how we relate to each other. Some of the most interesting things I learned about were defense mechanisms. When anxiety becomes too overwhelming, we often distort reality or block it out entirely. One of these mechanisms that I have found myself to exhibit in my life as a Christian is identification. Identification is when an individual unconsciously models himself or herself after the character or behavior of another. An individual practicing identification often attaches him or her self to a group and shuns those exhibiting characteristics outside of the group. This maintains one’s ego while promoting self-importance. Particularly in high school, I was very rough on people who didn’t have the exact same beliefs as myself. I boasted about being a Christian and spent a lot of time looking down on my peers. I wanted more people to learn about Jesus, but I wanted them to do it on my terms.
I believe that God chose Paul for some very specific reasons. Paul had lived on the other side of the tracks. He persecuted Christians and did everything in his power in an attempt to blot out their existence. Paul was blinded by God’s glory and had his life completely turned around when he encountered God on the road to Damascus. Paul knew what it was to identify with those who hate God and want nothing to do with him. I believe this definitely assisted Paul’s effectiveness as a missionary. He didn’t seek to exclude others. He didn’t want to persecute those outside the church. Paul wanted to welcome them with open arms. The apostles were profoundly affected by their encounter with Jesus. They left their careers, their families, and their past behind to spread the gospel of Christ. In Acts 10, we find the story of Cornelius, a Roman centurion who is one of the first Gentiles to give his life to Christ. When we consciously identify with and attempt to fully emulate Christ, we can bring even the least likely individuals to encounter Christ. We are the instruments of God, His hands and feet.

It's Making Me Wait

One of my worst enemies, as of late, is anticipation. Whether what I am waiting for is exciting or dreadful, the waiting eats away at my very being. If I know that I am to receive a package by mail, I can’t rest until it has arrived. I have to obtain tracking numbers and program them in to my computer for constant updates. More acceptably, I suppose, is when I have to take a big test. Eventually, I plan to complete the Graduate Record Examination so that I may complete further education. I fear this day to the point that my stomach aches. These types of feeling distract me from my daily responsibilities.
Most ridiculous is my eagerness to urge to attend a screening of the upcoming film entitled ‘Cloverfield’. ‘Cloverfield’ is a product of director JJ Abrams, creator of popular and endlessly confusing television show ‘Lost’. ‘Cloverfield’ is the account of a group of friends, all in their twenties, who witness and become involved in an attack on New York by a giant monster and its smaller underlings. “So you’re excited about a Godzilla rip off?” is what you might be thinking right now. Well, the catch is that the movie’s monster has yet to be revealed to the public. Other than a blessed few, no one has seen the ‘Cloverfield’ monster. Add to this a cryptic viral marketing campaign, and you have millions of people salivating with expectancy.
I can’t even begin to imagine how much the Jewish people anticipated the coming of Jesus. Oppressed by the Romans and living more as slaves than as free men, the Jews were looking for a leader who would end this way of life. Jesus shows faithfulness to his ministry as well as God’s endorsement of him in Luke 3:21-22. In this instance, Jesus simultaneously supports the act of baptism and makes his presence as the Son of God official. After 2000 years of study, we often fail to value what Jesus’ presence on the Earth means to us today. We need to anticipate God’s gift of salvation through Christ.

Eye Witness Testimony

In a court of law, hearsay is immediately thrown out. For a case to proceed, the court needs to hear the accounts of eyewitnesses. Witnesses play an essential role in bringing justice to a criminal case. A witness must comply with a subpoena, also known as a summons. This is a court order for a witness to appear and testify in a criminal case. One can be arrested for ignoring a summons. A witness must remember the details of the event in question including conversations, persons present, times, distances, and other information relevant to the criminal case. One’s testimony mustn’t contradict itself or the truth itself.
Acts 26:16 states that we are appointed to be servants and witnesses of what we have seen and heard. Our world tells us to look out for ourselves. It might sound odd to some that God, the all-powerful creator of the universe, wants servants. Many would interpret this as egomania. However, our role as servants and as witnesses is for our own renewal and benefit. When we are God’s witnesses, we avoid our selfishness and don’t follow our own will. The emptiness and lack of direction that many of us face is replaced with God’s infinite understanding and compassion. We in turn offer these gifts to others.
Anna and Simeon, two individuals “advanced in age” were two of the first people mentioned to witness the human incarnation of Jesus Christ (Luke 2:22-40). Jesus’ parents, as law-abiding Jews, show up at the temple to perform sacrifices associated with the wife’s purification. Simeon, a righteous and devout man, delivers a prophecy regarding Jesus’ future. Jesus is said to be the light for revelation, offering salvation to mankind. He is also said to cause the “falling and rising of many in Israel.” As witnesses to Christ’s glory ourselves, we must present a life changing truth to mankind.