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.