The Power of Celebrity

Everyone has, in some sense, a desire to be important. Whether in the eyes of family, friends, the general public, or even of one’s self, we want to feel significant. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once our physiological (food, water, oxygen, etc.) and safety needs have been met, we are motivated by needs for love and belongingness. Eventually, we seek self-actualization needs. Self-actualization needs are self-fulfillment, the realization of one’s potential, and a desire to become creative. Maslow theorizes that one becomes fully human at this point. Occasionally, we distort this process and give precedence to one need before meeting a more basic one.
In our world, celebrity is a highly coveted and much revered status. Our eyes are constantly fixated on people deemed “significant” by the mass populace. To children between the ages of 6 and 14, pop and television star ‘Hannah Montana’ is significant. Because of ticket brokers, people paid $350 to $2000 a piece for her $63 concert tickets. According to research, half of women between 16 and 24 give credit to celebrities for inspiring their fashion sense. ‘Forbes’ annually ranks celebrities according to their level of power. Tom Cruise made the top of this list because he received $67 million dollars for appearing in the film ‘War of the Worlds’. Celebrities are very important to us.
One need that Maslow doesn’t include in his hierarchy of needs is our need for Christ. Instead of focusing on our own needs, we can give our lives to God and allow Him to fulfill our needs. Philippians 4:19 supports the concept that God fulfills needs through Christ. But, Christ never seems to be enough for us. We ask for recognition. We ask for celebrity status. We put stock in becoming successful in the eyes of everyone but God. Christ came not to be popular or to make headlines. He came to seek and save the lost. He came to humble himself and give his life for people who don’t deserve this gift. 1 John 3:16 states that there is no greater love than this. This kind of love is what we need.

Jesus' Knowledge is Power

It is interesting to consider to what level different cultures at different times cherish education. Francis Bacon (mmm… bacon), an English philosopher, once said that “knowledge is power”. There are a vast number of contexts in which this idea holds true. Individuals with knowledge of how to accomplish certain tasks are chosen for various careers accordingly. You wouldn’t want me performing open heart surgery or defusing a bomb as I have little knowledge of these subjects. In war, knowledge creates the most efficient and deadly technology. Knowledge of an enemy’s weaknesses and whereabouts are keys to victory and many loose their lives attempting to obtain this knowledge. Though knowledge is so important, great deals of teachers are relatively low paid. H.L. Mencken, a critic of American life and culture, states that “those who can -- do and those who can’t -- teach”. People often view education as a necessary evil, an obstacle on the way to success.
For a Jewish person in the first century, religion, law, history, ethics, and education were all equally important. This was in contrast to the Greeks’ focus on science, art, linguistics, and bodily training. The written law (Torah) and the spoken law (Mishna) were passed down through many generations. In the time of Jesus, teachers (rabbis) were highly respected. The Roman Empire sought syncretism, a concept meaning all people were allowed to have their own traditions but under a Roman perspective. The Torah, the first fives books of our Bible, was the source of all learning. The synagogue was a place of both worship and learning. Jewish boys learned to read and write at age 5, the law at age 10, and completed learning at age 18. Girls would learn at home from their mothers. At the age of 12, Jesus’ parents found him in the temple courts, amazing the teachers with his understanding and answers (Luke 2:46-47). It is clear in scripture that people were continually amazed by Jesus’ understanding and knowledge.

One God, One Messiah

In our modern world, religious pluralism and religious relativism are gaining popularity at an incredible rate. Loosely defined, religious pluralism is peaceful relations between various religions. In its most positive form, religious pluralism represents the understanding of and cooperation between various religions. Religious pluralism is often defined as the understanding that one’s own religion is not the sole source of truth and that truth and value can be found in other religions. Religious relativism, a more damaging perspective, is the idea that absolute truth does not exist and one is able to believe whatever he or she desires. I say this viewpoint is damaging because purveyors of religious relativism may state that Jesus is not the son of God and did not die that we may be freed from sin. John 14:6 lets us know that Jesus would have issue with this proposal as Jesus states he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” I have no problem with peace and understanding between individuals unless this means forgetting who I am.
In the time of Jesus, Jewish leaders fought to retain the belief that there is one God. At the same time, the Jews were divided in to sects because of various interpretations of and levels of adherence to Jewish law. In the cultures surrounding first century Israel, people believed in many Gods. These Gods were represented by various images and idols. Jewish tradition was focused on the Sabbath, a day beginning at Friday sundown and continuing to Saturday sundown. This was considered to be a day of rest of worship, honoring God in all actions taken. The Jewish people sought a “Messiah”, a savior who would renew them spiritually and free them from political oppression. People in first century Israel were interested in the supernatural, with many believing in curses and under the influence of superstition. The major religious holiday was the Passover, celebrating the Jewish people’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This tradition caused many Jews to be present for Jesus’ arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

Curious Customs

Our world is incredibly diverse when one considers culture and the daily lives of its inhabitants. One can’t possibly travel from one country to another or even one city to another expecting to find the same habits and customs throughout. It seems as though all of us have difficulty understanding this concept at one point in our respective lives. We tend to expect everyone else to fall in to our ways of thinking and acting. We shun the actions of another before making even a slight attempt to reflect on the cultural background of the individual. It’s true that some of us are more aware of and educated in culture than others, but it is to feel uncomfortable when a fellow man exhibits a behavior foreign to us.
There are individuals in the world taking part in curious customs every day. For instance, a man in China has painted the ‘Mona Lisa’ every day for two years. Kenya, already labeling 15 to 30-year-olds as “youth” is considering pushing the maximum age for a “youth” to 50. After the World Cup, many devoted fans found their selves suffering various symptoms of withdrawal including getting physically sick. A couple weeks ago, Doug spoke of a law that allows Scotsmen to be shot if found in the English city of York. A couple is currently seeking to overturn this law.
The village of Nazareth was populated by Jews, Syrians, Greeks, and Romans. The common language of the Roman Empire was Greek but Jesus’ every day language was Aramaic. Houses were 1 to 2 room squares with dirt floors, flat roofs, and wooden doors. Women prepared food daily by baking bread, grinding grain, milking animals, and making cheese. Red meat was severed on special occasions while pork and crustaceans were forbidden. Clothing consisted of an undergarment, called a “tunic”, and an outer garment, called a “mantle”. Husbands were the spiritual and legal heads of their households while women were considered to be second class citizens. Christ came in this time to do what he continues to accomplish today, unite God’s people. We find this in Galatians 3:28 and throughout scripture.

What Does the Lord Require of You?

I have to make a confession that might change everyone’s entire view of me. This might come as a shock, so you’d better be sitting down when reading what I am about to reveal. I have not, until recent years, been much of a history enthusiast. As a student, I typically learned what I needed to in order to receive the best grade possible. I never saw much value in studying what my forefathers had accomplished in times of yore. Beyond becoming a champion on Jeopardy or having bragging rights as a master of Trivial Pursuit, I didn’t fully comprehend the purpose of spending my present committed to understanding my past. It is only in recent times that I have begun to discover that a deeper understanding of how to live today comes from knowing how we lived yesterday.
I typically only refer to economics when complaining about the current price of gasoline or when discussing the current economic problems of out fine state. The economy of first century Palestine gives further insight in to the coming and life of Jesus. The economy of first century Israel consisted of three segments: agriculture (olives, figs, dates, grains, and vineyards), trade, and large building projects sponsored by King Herod. Many public works were commissioned. There was a large distinction between the poor and the rich with the upper class being made up of temple priests and priestly aristocracy. The middle class consisted of traders, merchants, artisans, sages, scribes, and teachers. The lower class was laborers and those unemployable due to disability.
The Roman government taxed its people heavily. The Jews were also to give sacrifices to the temple. The temple courtyards had become a marketplace, turning sacrifice in to a profitable industry. Hebrews 8:3-13 tells us that Jesus is a superior sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice transcends all economic classes. In return, God does not ask us to simply give up a portion of our money and build monuments. He asks us to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with Him (Micah 6:6-8).

A Non-Traditional King

Over the next few weeks, I’d like to write about the first century context of Palestine. When considering the life of Jesus, one is often lead to question why he entered the world in this context. Could Jesus have come earlier, having a deeper influence on his people and freeing them from foreign rule? Could Jesus have come later, impacting a modern world with a myriad of types of communication? Some might wonder why Jesus entered the world as part of the oppressed Jewish people. Examining the context of Palestine allows us to have a deeper understand of why God chose to make Jesus part of this world. It also allows us to understand the humble life led by the most powerful and influential human being of all time. We will begin by examining the political setting of Palestine.
The Jewish people were subjected to foreign rule for thousands of years. In the time of Jesus, Romans ruled the Mediterranean area known as Palestine. The Jewish people reported to the local Roman government (King Herod) who in turn reported to Rome (Emperor Ceasar). The Romans practiced syncretism, determining all religious beliefs, philosophical teachings, and government systems were compatible and part of the larger Roman system. However, they maintained strict control on this freedom. In a different context, Jesus might not have been able to present his revolutionary teachings.
The Jewish people did not trust and likely hated the Roman Empire. King Herod, fearing the prophecy of a new king, massacred Jewish boys born at the time. Herod also interfered with the Jewish temple, placing forbidden idols within it. The Jews considered there to be two types of people in the world, Jews and Gentiles. The Jews themselves were divided in to the Pharisees, who continued Jewish tradition, and the Sadducees, who sought to cooperate with the Romans. Jesus transcended these differences, giving hope to the Jews and establishing a rule beyond Earth kingdoms. Despite this, we find in Philippians 2:7 that Jesus “made himself nothing”. He was not a traditional king.

Miracle on Earth

In the 1980 Olympic Winter Games, the United States men’s hockey team entered the competition seeded seventh. The young team was composed of amateurs and young collegiate players. The Soviet Union, a natural rival due to the Cold War, was made up of some of the best players in the world at the time. Soviet teams had a winning record in exhibition against National Hockey League teams and the Soviet national team defeated the NHL all-stars 6 to 0 just a year before. At the time, virtually all of the top players in North America were from Canada. In an exhibition match, the Soviet team defeated the United States 10 to 3. The Russians were expected to win their sixth gold medal in the last seven tournaments. Needless to say, the United States was not favored to win.
In what is considered by Sports Illustrated to be the greatest moment in sports of the 20th century, the United States defeated the Soviet team. They went on to win the gold medal in men’s hockey. It is called the “Miracle on Ice”. These types of “underdog” stories inspire us. My father considers the possibility that this moment is what leads me to be incredibly enthusiastic about hockey. At just a few months old, my father tossed me in the air in an instant of great joy and celebration. He must have loosened something in my brain, because at one point in my life, I thought of nothing more than playing professional hockey. This idea lead me to a great deal of physical injuries.
This is part of why I love the life of Jesus. Jesus entered the world humbly and without much recognition. Jesus fought incredible adversity and seemingly overwhelming odds to conquer Satan and free us from sin. Isaiah 53:7 tells us he came “like a lamb to the slaughter”. We are to mimic His life in that we must continue to struggle in order to save others, serve God, and become the people God intends us to be.

Secret Origins of the Hamburger

A majority of people when asked about the origins of the hamburger will claim that it came from Hamburg, Germany. It is true that German immigrants, in the nineteenth century, brought a style of cooking beef steak to America that is very similar to the way we cook hamburgers today. According to Yale University, the hamburger was invented at “Louis’ Lunch”, when a customer with little time to spare asked for a quick lunch. Louis Lassen, the owner, quickly placed a broiled meat patty between two slices of toasted bread. Individuals in St. Louis, Missouri believe that on April 30, 1904, a beef patty vendor at the World’s Fair ran out of plates and had to serve his patties between two slices of bread. Residents of Seymour, Wisconsin hold an annual “Home of the Hamburger” celebration in honor of “Hamburger Charlie”. Charlie Nagreen apparently began selling hamburger patties fried in butter as a 15-year-old on August 5, 1885. Finally, on July 4, 1891 Oscar Weber Bilby of Bowden Oklahoma has been thought to invent the hamburger when he grilled ground Angus patties, served on his wife’s home made buns.
I often enjoy discovering the origins of popular inventions. It is difficult for me to look at an object and not wonder how it came to be and who first thought of it. I have watched documentaries on everything from robots to Tupperware. When I think highly of an individual, either for his or her accomplishments or for admirable traits, I tend to ponder the foundations of this person. Occasionally, I am surprised by an individual’s humble beginnings and other times I am shocked to find the types of sin committed. In Jesus, we find someone with an infallible life and a humble origin. When we find the true, historical Jesus by weeding out the lies and false writings, we discover the single greatest example of what God’s wants us to be. Though our beginnings might not mirror those of Christ, our lives must reflect the way in which he lived.

All Things Are Possible

John the Baptist, like the one who’s coming he was to foretell, had a miraculous birth. John’s parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were stated to follow God’s “commandments and regulations blamelessly” (Luke 1:6). Zechariah, a priest, had prayed for a son but his wife remained barren. When approached by an angel and told he would finally have a child, Zechariah doubted the possibility and was stricken with muteness as a result. Gripped with fear in the face of Gabriel, Zechariah looked the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. Though Zechariah’s obedience and dedication to God were great, he couldn’t get past his human logic and lack of hope.
This type of inconsistency seems to show its face in the lives of every follower of Christ. We follow God’s commands and regulations. We might attend church services, perform acts of service, and avoid sinful acts on a regular basis. But, when push comes to shove, we are overcome with our own humanity. We live in a world that doesn’t depend on God. It depends on the efforts of weak, limited human beings. And with human beings, not all things are possible. Humans alone constantly fall short of their goals.
In my own life, the seemingly impossible has happened when I let go of my doubt and let God work. Not all of the flowers, poems, and charming words delivered a wonderful wife to me. Not all of the resumes, interviews, and recommendations allowed me to have an incredible job. We have all suffered from fear and doubt at one point in our lives. Maybe you thought a loved one would never recover from an illness. Maybe you never thought you could be forgiven for your sins. Well, as stated in Matt. 19:26, “with God all things are possible”. It is time for us to believe this and live as though we do.

Life With Out Fear

It is good to have warnings. Without warnings, life would be incredibly treacherous. We would live in constant fear and suspicion. I enjoy that fact that when I pick up a bottle of air freshener, I am told to “use only as directed.” Furthermore, I am informed that if I concentrate and inhale the air freshener, the results “can be harmful or fatal.” Who among us, without warning, would know that something as simple as household air freshener could kill us? On the road, signs warn us about slippery surfaces, falling rocks, closed lanes, and my most favorite of time wasting inconveniences, road construction. When it is difficult to read signs, warnings from a friend can save one’s life. On a particularly dark night, I was driving with a group of friends in the country. We were headed to a farm to find lodging for the evening. Just past the house we were to stay at, the road was closed. If not warned, we would have driven off the side of a steep cliff. I truly doubt that we would have seen the tiny sign placed just before the end of the road.
Warnings do not always refer to danger or potential harm. Sometimes we are simply notified in advance of one’s arrival. In Luke 1:26-38, we read about a conversation between Mary and an angel. Mary is told she will give birth to the son of God. It doesn’t seem to take much to convince Mary of this miraculous birth. She accepts her fate and claims herself to be “The Lord’s servant”. While God does not ask us to give birth to and raise his son, he does tell us that we have potential. God tells us that we can become his children and enter in to heaven. All we need to do is accept this gift and recognize that we are God’s servants. With God as our guide, we can avoid potential pitfalls and live without dread of the hazards Satan constantly puts before us.

The Shape of a New Man

I’ve been putting a lot of thought in to Philippians 4:8-9. This passage contains a list of things that we need to think of and practice. If this list were to consume every man’s thoughts and actions, it would radically change the way the world operates. Instead, mankind often takes the low road. We do what is attractive, easiest, and what “feels good”. We soak up what is fed to us by the media and our peers. Not all of us struggle with maintaining the thoughts and actions that God desires in the same measure. However, we all face some type of conflict between our physical and spiritual selves. We are in a constant battle against Satan, who will try to destroy in any way possible.
Do we always do “whatever is right”? Do we serve God and treat others with love and respect? Are we pure, or do we allow ourselves to be tainted by the conversations we become involved in, the things we watch on television, the music we listen to, or the thoughts that turn us away from God? Are we noble, living superior lives, founded on high moral principles and ideals? We have to constantly ask ourselves tough questions. We need to step out in the world boldly proclaiming God’s presence through every aspect of who we are. Ephesians 4:22-25 says we must “put off the old man.”
If we think of ourselves as clay, we must then think of who models and forms the clay. Every time we support sinful acts either through participation or in ignorance, we allow ourselves to be shaped in a certain manner. We begin to fear what the world thinks of us and not what the “God of peace” wants us to be. Once shaped, it seems to take more work to repair the damage done than it would have been to avoid sin in the beginning. God has given us amazing potential. He wants to turn us in to new men and women. He wants to bless us with peace and joy, if we are willing to make changes and break free of sin.

Love Who as Much as Myself?

I’ve often wondered how I would react after asking Jesus the question “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” (Matt. 22:36). When Jesus was asked this question by the Pharisees, he responds by stating, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. At this point I would most likely say or think something to the effect of “No problem God, you are a rather easy deity to love”. God has blessed my life and continues to every day. Jesus doesn’t end his answer there. He follows up the greatest commandment with the second greatest, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). Even though it is Jesus saying this, I can see myself responding in the way I did as a child when told to wash the dishes. I would make a pouting face and articulate the statement “Awww… Do I have to?” in a terribly whiny voice. My neighbors honk their horns at me when I take too long to accelerate at a green light. My neighbors try to sell me things I don’t need. My neighbors dress trashy, insult my appearance, and criticize my choices. They spend their lives taking advantage of and hurting others. How do I love people like this?
First of all, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). We aren’t always the best neighbors ourselves. It occasionally seems easier for those who have given their lives to God to find fault in those who haven’t. It is often difficult for those of us who call ourselves Christians to see others through the eyes of God. Each blemish and imperfection is often magnified when we examine our neighbors. Our subjects of conversation turn from the greatness of God and His creation to long, detailed discussions regarding the specks we see in the eyes of our neighbors. We even turn on our brothers and sisters in Christ, creating fuel for our own egos. We must genuinely consider whether or not we love our neighbors as much as we love ourselves.

Take Care of Your Garden

It is most likely evident to everyone that passing my house that my wife and I have little experience in the areas of gardening and landscaping. After several years of living in college dormitories and an apartment, we find ourselves at a loss when it comes to gardening knowledge, equipment, and time. Thanks to some wonderful volunteers from the congregation, we will soon be getting things on track. I hope to chronicle this venture on the World Wide Web, so that everyone can see our progress and discover a few pieces of helpful advice along the way.
Our lives can be compared to a garden. They require a large amount of effort and time in order to reach their true potential. A couple dry weeks and a few pesky weeds can do tremendous damage to a garden. Time away from God and the church coupled with the influence of the world can destroy our lives. Just as a garden contains flowers, grass, and other plants, so do our lives contain work, relationships, and other necessary parts. If we fail in one of these components, we are left with blemishes that affect our overall success. In a garden and in life, God provides the means to repair these difficulties and mistakes.
Gardens, trees, and crops are commonly used in the Bible. In John 15:1-8, Jesus states that He is the vine and we are the branches. Isaiah 58:11 says that we are “watered garden”, having our “souls satisfied in drought” by the Lord. God is the water that gives life to the garden that is our lives. Jesus then becomes the roots, the example through which we live. One thing I do know about gardening is that it is not too difficult to tell what is a weed and what is a flower. When we live apart from Christ, it is not too difficult to see the direction in which our lives are headed. In God, through Christ we become the people that God intended us to be, finding true success.

There is Nothing New

We often write off the Old Testament, as if it were nothing more than a collection of good stories, well written poetry, and little nuggets of wisdom. The Old Testament is as relevant to us as it was to the people who lived in the time it was written. The book of Ecclesiastes has shown itself to be particularly useful in our modern context. We search for meaning in the strangest places. Some people search for a relationship that plays out like a movie. Two people from different walks of life are in conflict when they first meet and eventually find something they truly need in each other. The credits roll and one can only assume that this couple lives “happily ever after”.

Other people endeavor to attain massive wealth with which to obtain the most luxurious accommodations and expensive gadgets. I myself find it hard to resist any product wearing the brand names of ‘Apple’ or ‘Nintendo’. We set high and lofty goals of promotions, awards, and positive recognition from peers. These things are all great and are not wrongful to gain themselves. But, are any of these things new? Have relationships, wealth, or popularity ever truly completed one’s life? The author of Ecclesiastes recognized that “there is nothing new under the sun”. Solomon even notes that the attempt to gain knowledge and wisdom can become nothing more than “a chasing after the wind”.

Instead of wasting our time with meaningless pursuits, we should be focused on fearing God and keeping His commandments. Familiarity does indeed breed content. If we linger in what is familiar and satisfying to us, we will never find true peace in God.

Is the Word of God Dead?

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche created a great deal of controversy when he made a now infamous statement about the death of God. Nietzsche reasoning behind this statement was the idea that science and rationalism had replaced God in the hearts of men. Those of us who are believers in Christ do not consider God to be dead, but do often neglect the relevance of God’s word. If God’s word doesn’t apply to us, it is as if God is actually dead. If we do not rely on God’s word, what do we have left to rely on?

David shows a true love for and dedication to God’s word in the Psalms. In Psalms 119:97, David states that he loves God’s law and meditates on it all day long. David says that God’s commands make him wiser than his enemies. Matthew 4:4 informs us that we live by the word of God. If we hunger only for material blessings and ignore the word of God, we will starve. How many of us starve ourselves the very moment the worship service ends? How many of us read the scriptures without allowing them to constantly live within us? Scripture must be used not just in emergencies, but in every moment!

Hebrews 4:12-13 is a striking description of the nature of God’s word. We do not live as Christians only when it is convenient for us to do so. God’s word is meant to penetrate the soul, transforming the “thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God doesn’t give out ‘free passes’ to be used at our leisure and neither does Satan. If we choose to merely emulate the standards and practices of the world, God will know and He will judge us accordingly. If we allow ourselves to wander from the word of God, Satan will find us.

Cut Off Your Hand

In the realm of landscaping and gardening, pruning is the method of removing diseased, non-productive, or otherwise unwanted segments from a plant. Pruning allows one to control a plant’s growth, preserve a plant’s health, and increase the quality of a plant’s fruits and flowers. Types of pruning range from simply pinching off buds to heading, which is removing all of branches and growths down to a few large branches or the trunk of a tree. Pruning involves very specific techniques and time periods. Bad pruning can lead to decay and the early death of some plants.

Human beings often allow themselves to grow as carelessly as wild plants. We allow Satan to find weaknesses in our defense and use these faults to destroy us. Many of us don’t take our decisions as seriously as we should. Why would we when this takes so much effort and planning? Why not just do what feels right? Like in pruning, removing our areas of weakness prevents devastation and allows us to live productively.

In Matthew 5:29-30 Jesus says that if our eye or hand causes us to sin, we should cut them off. Jesus says that it is better for us to loose one body part than to have our entire bodies thrown in to hell. While Jesus might have not been speaking literally, he certainly was speaking seriously. We have to find the unwanted areas of our life and remove them. These areas aren’t always obvious to us, but they can undeniably lead to our downfall. Our lives require constant pruning in order that we reach our true potential.

What Would You Do For a Blessing?

The story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19-28:22) is a one of sibling rivalry, deception, and bad business decisions. It is a story of two different nations formed from two very dissimilar brothers. Isaac, the son of Abraham, is married to Rebekah. Rebekah is unable to have children and it is only through prayer that God blesses Isaac and Rebekah with two sons, Jacob and Esau. Jacob, who would have fit well as the next Food Network star, was a smooth skinned young man who enjoyed cooking inside with his mother. Esau, on the contrary, was “a hairy man” who loved the great outdoors.

As their father Isaac was dying, Isaac asked that Esau hunt some wild game that can be eaten as part of a blessing ceremony. This symbolic gesture of giving one’s blessing was very significant. Jacob’s mother tells him to cover himself in goat skins (to simulate Esau’s hairiness) and pretend to be his brother in order to obtain their father’s blessing. When Esau finds out that the blessing has been stolen from him, he vows to kill Jacob.

Jacob takes this promise as a hint to skip town and begin running for his life. God appears in a dream that Jacob has at “a certain place”. God does not appear in a temple, a shrine, or an altar. God informs Jacob in a dream that Jacob will have what God promised and will be not be left by God. Jacob eventually marries, starts a family, and resolves his conflict with Esau. Jacob builds and altar to God where God spoke to him. God had plans to bless Jacob from birth, before his deception. God also has plans to find us where we are and give us blessings beyond what we can gain with our own efforts. Despite our conflicts and difficulties, God has plans to prosper us and not to harm us. (Jer. 29:11)

Eat Your Vegetables!

Daniel 1 begins to tell us the story of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king who conquered Jerusalem. One of the king’s first actions was to take young men in to captivity in order to train them as civil servants. These handsome, intelligent men of nobility were to be taught the language and literature of the Babylonians. They were to change their names as each of their names contained the name of God. Finally, these young men were to eat the fine food of the Babylonians. Daniel, whose name means “God is my judge”, refused to eat the royal food as this was a sign of pagan living. He asked that he and his friends be given only vegetables and water for ten days. At the end of these days, Daniel and his friends were healthier than their peers. They were given “knowledge and understanding” by God. Daniel was given the ability to interpret visions.

Satan wants us to learn the ways of the world and give up anything that connects us to God. It is Satan’s desire that we absorb what the world feeds us and allow ourselves to become just like everyone else. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 further develops the idea of ‘watching what we eat.’ To a Christian, simple practices can become an act of compromise or demonstration of conformity. Simple phrases spoken in anger, what music we listen to, or the jokes we laugh at can all be signs of our compliance to worldly standards. We need to live separate and set apart as Daniel did, doing all things for God’s glory. We have an example to set for the world so we don’t “cause anyone to stumble.”

The Sinlifter

The television commercials for “All” brand detergent used to mesmerize me when I was a young child. For those reading this who have never seen these commercials, they featured stains, spills, and the like mystically flying away from the clothes they once inhabited. As if by magical incantation, the dirt and grime was exorcised from its host. Were these blemishes being utterly vaporized or simply leaving this dimension to found their own society of stains? Whatever the case, “All” was an amazing product and I knew it would be available whenever my family tarnished its clothing. Hebrews 10, as well as many other scriptures, reminds me that the blood of Christ removes our iniquities. Just as easily as blemishes are lifted from clothing by “All”, even our worst sins are forgiven through Christ. Grace is the central message of the gospel of Christ. Though we face temptation and moments of weakness, Christ continually offers grace.

It is also stated in Hebrews that deliberate sin will lead to judgment by God. The sacrifice of Jesus isn’t a ticket to sin without consequence. Having detergent doesn’t mean I need to jump in every puddle I see. Jesus’ sacrifice is an invitation to a new way to live. As Christians we need to leave a mark on this world that is different from the stains left by sin. We need to proudly express our allegiance to God and our intention to live free from sin. Our purpose as Christians is to express God’s offering of grace through our words, thoughts, actions, and everything that encompasses who we are.

Available Power

The power of electricity is one of the most amazing natural phenomenons harnessed by man. Thales of Miletus, in the 6^th century BC, discovered that rubbing fur on various substances would cause these substances to be attracted to each other. This effect is now known as static electricity. Without Thales, we wouldn’t be able to rub our feet across the carpet and cause tremendous pain with a mere touch. Stephen Gray, in 1729, classified conductors and insulators. Because of Gray, we know what objects we can and can not shove in the nearest power outlet. Despite this discovery, I still remember being a young child, putting a fork in a power outlet just to find out what all the fuss was about. Needless to say, the results were shocking. Benjamin Franklin later discovered the connection between lightning and electricity. Franklin also is considered to be the one to establish the difference between positive and negative electricity, leading the way for various scientists to lay the groundwork for modern electrical technology.

Without electrical technology, we would still be living in dark without lights, telephones, televisions, or computers. Through much research, time, and effort, we have been able to use the seemingly limitless power of electricity to suit our needs. God’s power is incomparable, incomprehensible, and unlimited. God has offered us his power in order to defeat our enemies and gain victory. However, we tend to abuse God’s power. Like a young child jamming a fork in to a power outlet, we toy with God’s power. We attend church and become Christians only to recklessly enter the world without God. Exodus 15:6-8 speaks of God’s power and God’s ability to defeat his opposition.

We've Got Worms

One of my favorite television commercials features a woman asking an awkward question, "Do you have worms?" with a sultry foreign accent. It's one of the most ridiculous things seen on television and repeatedly gets a laugh from me. The worms this spokeswoman is referring to are computer worms, self-replicating programs that harm computer networks. Computer viruses, like biological viruses require a host to survive. Computer viruses need to attach themselves to programs and biological viruses attach themselves to our cells. Viruses replicate themselves, eventually destroying the host and spreading out to cause further destruction. If you've ever had a computer virus infect your computer, it is incredibly frustrating. Programs cease functioning, important files are lost, and large amounts of money and time are spent on recovery and prevention. Despite the ever-growing problem of these internet assassins, viruses are not too difficult to avoid. One merely needs to install anti-virus software and avoid questionable programs.
The problem of sin is not too different from the dilemma of viruses. Sin, if we allow it, enters our lives and eventually tears us apart. It might start with a relatively unnoticeable offense and become an epidemic. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 tells us that we, as the temple of God, need to separate ourselves from what is unclean. We need to, like an anti-virus program, search for and remove sin from our lives. Without getting rid of every trace of the sinful nature, we will eventually be overcome by it.

Christian Chameleon

One of the most amazing aspects of wild life is the ability several animals have to camouflage themselves. Several birds lay their eggs on the ground, blending in with their surroundings. The female killdeer lays her eggs in gravel scrape and has black, white, and brown markings so that she may be hidden while sitting on the eggs. The bittern not only has vertical stripes to disguise it among reeds, but it actually stretches its neck upwards and sways to imitate reeds when disturbed. The spider crab sticks live sea anemones and sponges to itself to conceal itself within the sea bed. The chameleon can actually alter pigments in its skin to match the color of its surroundings. More astonishing than any of these abilities is man’s capability to reflect the characteristics of his fellow man, despite how these characteristics often conflict with the nature of Christ. I find myself constantly frustrated with how other people, regardless of the efforts of their peers and of Christ himself, remain entrapped in a reflection of worldly standards and practices. I am even more frustrated when I find myself fitting the description of a man living for himself.

Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5-7 are contrary to what the world offers us. How many of us are salt and light? Do we love our enemies? Do we give to those who are in need? Do we flee from worry? Christianity is important because it is more than a place to hide or a color changing skin. Christianity is significant because it replicates the nature of Christ, an entirely new way of life. We aren’t accomplishing much when we live exactly like the rest of the world. We are merely blending in and heading for destruction.

The Human Show

Have you ever had the eerie feeling that your entire life is being scripted for the amusement of an audience watching your every move? This was the subject of a movie entitled “The Truman Show” in which the protagonist’s life was owned by a television station and broadcasted to the world. The island town in which he lived was an enormous stage, littered with cameras and featuring actors that became Truman’s family, friends, and acquaintances. Truman is placated for most of his life through careful planning and kept on the island through an induced fear of water. I have felt like my own life is a sitcom as some of the situations I’ve been involved in seem too ridiculous to be pure coincidence. In reality, God has given us the amazing and often dangerous gift of free will. James 4:17 reminds us that we sin through making a choice not to do good things.

Consider how your life would be viewed by a television audience. Would they be disgusted by your sinful acts or inspired by your sacrifices for others? Would the world see a reflection of itself or the image of Christ in you? We need to remember that sin isn’t simply wrong when someone catches us in it. Matthew 7:16-18 states that we are known by our fruit. If our lives are entrapped in sin, the world will know it. Even if we hide it well, God knows our every step. Our own “Truman Show” should be a life lived for God.

Congratulations, It's a Son!

Paul notes, in the first chapter of his letter to the Galatians, that he was set apart from birth by God. A parent knows his or her child and loves this child dearly. When I walk in to a maternity ward, I see a gathering of tiny mutants freshly spawned from their respective pods. Of course I can see that babies are cute, precious, and all that. However, I don’t have the same sense of pride that a new parent has when he looks through the glass and sees a being that he would give his life for. Though this being has only existed for a relatively short period of time, its parents love it as unconditionally as they are capable of. Paul states that through grace he is set apart for the purpose of revealing God’s son. This is a larger responsibility than that of the maternity ward nurse that labels and keeps track of a child’s identity. This is the equivalent of taking the place of a child deeply loved by its parents. God didn’t give up his son for people incapable of this task.

Our responsibility as God’s chosen people is to expose his son to a world that doesn’t know much about grace or love. God knows that we are capable of so much more than the world would have us believe. So many forces in this life call us to find purpose within them. However, Paul states that he did not consult any man. Paul didn’t attempt to discover personal enlightenment or specialized training before doing the work of revealing Christ to the world. He simply left his old life behind in order to please God. God looks at us with the prideful eyes of a father. He has set us apart personally and knows we can succeed.

Sinless World Records

It is impressive and sometimes shocking to discover what human beings are capable of. I enjoy looking through the Guinness World Records books and finding the more ridiculous and obscure feats of human ability. For example, John Evans of England currently holds the record for “Heaviest Car Balanced on Head”. John was able to balance a 352 lb Mini Cooper on his head for 33 seconds. The longest finger nails of a female belong to Lee Redmond of the good old U. S. of A., who hasn’t cut her finger nails since the year I was born in 1979. Lee’s nails currently are measured at a total length of 24ft 7.8 in. Imagine being able to scratch your toes while standing straight up or worrying about skewering your eyeballs when scratching your head in pondering life’s mysteries.

I’m fairly certain I hold the record for most Skittles eaten in a single sitting, but no official record exists of the event. I did more than taste the rainbow, I engulfed it. I know one record I don’t hold is fewest sins committed. I constantly struggle with my imperfection and the resulting iniquities. Hebrews 12:1 reminds me that sin “easily entangles” us. Like 24ft 7.8 in of protein extending from one’s finger tips, sin will continue to grow if we allow it. Hebrews 12:1 also reminds me that we are running a race marked out for us. One doesn’t set records without perseverance. God has a goal set for us and the only way we will reach it is with diligence in removing all aspects of sin.

Coffee Sprinkler

The church in Laodicea, addressed by John in Revelation 3, had a problem that many of us struggle with today. The church in Laodicea was told that it was lukewarm, neither hot nor cold. There is little worse than craving an ice cold soda on a hot day, only to find that you never put your soda in the refrigerator. My little brother used to have the tendency to drink from whatever glass he found unattended in our home. This habit ended when he happened upon a two day old glass of coffee. His face contorted as he spit out coffee in various directions like a lawn sprinkler. As there is little purpose for a warm soda or room temperature glass of coffee, so is there little purpose for the lukewarm Christian. The Christians in Laodicea thought they needed nothing as they had already gained riches. They, like we often do, found a place of contentment and ceased to refine themselves.

The Christians in Laodicea became comfortable, stale, and weak. They were living what so many people call “The American Dream.” No matter how mature or educated we become in our walk with God, we still have much further to go. In 2 Corinthians 13:11, Paul tells the church in Corinth to “aim for perfection.” I know that I myself tend to think of perfection as so unattainable that I might as well not even try to achieve it. However, we must constantly find Satan’s targets and strengthen our defense in these areas. We must find new ways in which we can grow in spiritual maturity, educate ourselves in the knowledge of Christ, and use our gifts so that we do not become lukewarm.

A Study of Intolerance

Throughout my education in the field of psychology, I had to study various tests and conduct my own research. I once decided to examine the effects of cinema on one’s mood, contrasting humor and heartbreaking drama. I showed film clips to my subjects, observing them and later asking these individuals to take a few written tests. I had some interesting results, including the discovery that sad movies make one tired. I even made a girl cry. As a result of various projects and classes, I realized that drawing a conclusion based on a small group of people and applying it to a larger population can be difficult and dangerous. Because Christians have faith, convictions, and speak out against sin, we are judged as intolerant. Those who start wars and harm others in the name of God further distort and disfigure the image the world holds of Christians.

During the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matt. 5-7), there are several instances at which Jesus is clearly outspoken and communicates his intolerance towards hypocrisy and various other sins. In Matthew 12:1-8 and Mark 7:1-13, Jesus is intolerant of those who are bound completely to tradition. In these same passages, Jesus is tolerant of the actions of his disciples that are contrary to the laws of the Pharisees. We can conclude that Jesus was intolerant when sin was involved. Christianity doesn’t include passing judgment on others while ignoring our own sins. Our intolerance must be directed towards sin, especially if it is our own.

Don't Hide the Light

The image of war is one that calls forth a response from the very depths of our souls. Those involved in a war personally are changed and profoundly affected by their experiences. The Bible contains many references to war. These references include both physical wars against men and spiritual wars fought within ourselves. There is a war being waged against Satan, and to the victor goes the souls of mankind. War is real. It is strategic, difficult, painful, and involves personal sacrifice. War is to be approached with seriousness, dedication, and loyalty. War is a helpful image when applied to the lives of Christians. There is such an incredible variety of influences in this world that are not satisfied until we have given our complete allegiance to them. We typically walk through the middle of the fields of war, never really choosing a side and never gaining victory.

I do not want to make light of the illustration of war. However, it seems that we often apply this as a two dimensional, black and white approach to life. We choose sides, labeling everything and everyone as either good or bad. This is a disservice we do to ourselves and to the world we live in. Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us that we are salt and light to this world. Salt doesn’t attack and destroy food, it flavors and preserves it. Light should not be hidden, but shared. We are more than conquerors. We are salt and light.

Christquest.com

When I am traveling, I rely heavily on Mapquest.com and Google Maps. In this advanced technological age, I no longer have to rely on unclear, difficult directions. It is hard enough to put aside my pride in order to ask a local gas station attendant for assistance. When my request is followed by a string of incoherent references to randomly numbered roads, counted traffic lights, and McDonald’s locations, I tend to get a little frustrated. When I find myself lost, I simply improvise my course and plot my own path. Like my ancestors, I use the position of the sun and the growth of moss on trees to assist my inborn sense of direction. I repeat the phrase “Never Eat Soggy Waffles” to myself in order to determine my route. In these cases, I find myself gone astray and overcome with fear. In downtown Rochester Hills, I once came upon a street aptly named “Diversion”.

Mankind needs direction. We are too imperfect and we are basically not equipped to navigate life without God’s help. However, this doesn’t stop us from trying. Most of us, even those who have given our lives to God as Christians, decide we are able to call the shots. We decide that we know our limits. We think we know how many drinks is enough, how close we can be physically, and what defines gossip. Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life”. Jesus should define our limits and direction.

The Electric Fence

This morning, on the news, I watched a report about a couple of coyotes roaming Grosse Pointe Woods. The story would normally not concern me, but some pets were found killed by the coyotes and I would be devastated to find my pets killed by coyotes. Searching for protective measures, I discovered a set of pictures on the internet featuring the results of a solution found to a similar problem. Thinking coyotes were to blame for some missing neighborhood dogs; a group of people installed a large electric fence around their property. One man, supposedly the one sending the e-mail containing these pictures, heard his wife screaming and ran outside to see the source of her terror. What he saw, forever immortalized as an internet urban legend through photographs, was a giant python with its mouth around the wires of the electric fence. Angered by the initial shock, the python had bit the wires, killing itself in the process.

When we give our lives to God, we put up barriers that protect us from sin. We avoid situations and people that might influence us to defy God’s will for our lives. Hebrews 12 tells us that we should fix our eyes on Jesus, and throw off sin. Instead, like the python, we test our limits and eventually attack them. This often leads to our downfall. Remember that Satan roams outside of our barricade, like a python or coyote. If we leave the safety of our creator, we will be snatched up by Satan. Endure the world as Christ did.

Standardized Living

I don’t know about you, but I live a rather privileged life. I’ve never been starving or without shelter, and I’ve always had clothes to wear. I am not suffering from a horrible illness and I don’t have any physical handicaps. When the slightest amount of pain or hardship enters my life, I cry like a tiny baby. Paper cuts or small scratches debilitate me, leaving me useless to the world. A flat tire, as Dana Dugger will admit, causes me to be stranded and helpless. The loss of a few hours of sleep turns me in to a shell of my former self, incapable of conversation or basic reason. If life is not customized to my liking, with everything falling to place, I am very bothered. I am, like so many of us, intolerant of every event or situation that upsets the normal flow of my life.

We, living in the freedom that God and this country affords us, believe in a standard that fits our ideals. When our relationship with God and our spiritual lives are concerned, we tend to be less strict and more adaptable. We adapt our faith to the world, for fear of “making splashes” or “ruffling feathers”. We adjust our conversation, attitude, and daily activities to blend in and discover acceptance. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that we need reflect the glory of God with unveiled faces. If a cold, scratch, or change in temperature bothers us, why doesn’t it bother us when we or others stand in opposition to God.

Interference, Automatic First Down

Considering the recent Super Bowl, an event of mass proportions in this country, I decided to address one of the most difficult calls a referee has to make. I am referring to the delicate choice that one makes in order to penalize pass interference. I am absolutely sure that at least one professional referee lives in constant fear of his demise because of a bad pass interference call. USA Football suggests that one not be too close to the action in order to get a broader perspective. Also, one must focus on the players rather than the ball. A good referee needs to understand the basic conditions that are involved with interference. Finally, one should be able to avoid cheap calls made because of one’s carelessness or the influence of a crowd’s reaction.

We should take these suggestions in to account when dealing with the interference we face in our effort to grow spiritually. We need to avoid the things that get in between us and our relationship with God. We have to consider the consequences of getting involved with the world’s offerings, if only for a short time. Often we neglect to think about how Satan’s trappings affect us or the people in our lives. These tasks are more basic than we understand them to be. We must shun the world’s influence when it stands in opposition to God. Or, as it states in Mark 4:18-19, we will make God’s word unfruitful.