I wish I was a better blogger. I wish I could produce short little snippets, gems of wisdom, or insightful commentaries on current events on a regular basis. But I realize I just can’t do it. One, I don’t have the time. Being a husband, father, and pastor commands too much of my attention. Two, I can’t think and process things that fast. When I hear something on the news or read something in the paper, I usually let it simmer in my mind for several days/weeks before I really have anything to say. By that time, no one usually cares about the issue any more. And three, I am just not that smart.
But since I have some time to think and blog at this present moment, here are ten random thoughts that have recently run through my mind.
1. Our culture of instant news is producing a culture of rash reactions. We form opinions before collecting facts. We are pushed to respond tragedies before we even have time to grieve them. We are hungry for breaking news rather than for slowly cultivated wisdom.
2. Racism does exist…as well as sexism, elitism, egotism, ostracism, antagonism, and narcissism. Whether black, white, yellow, or red, the human heart will find a reason to justify self, form alliances for one’s own benefit, and separate from anyone who doesn’t fit one’s “camp.” This is called sin and it infects us all. Reconciliation comes not in reinforcing differences or reacting to injustice with injustice but in recognizing the commonality of our creation (Gen. 1-2), the universality of our sin (Romans 3:23), the impartiality of our God (Acts 10:34), and the necessity we all have for grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
3. Our culture should not be surprised when we feed people a steady diet of “sex without limits” and then witness people abuse, betray, and use others for their own sexual gain.
4. To deny the existence of God or a spiritual world beyond our senses is also to deny the possibility of a mind beyond our physical brains. In which case, who cares what an atheist thinks?
5. The allure of sin is its ability to hide the hook under the bait.
6. A hunger for constant thrills is an addiction that leads to diminishing returns and increasing boredom with life. To find contentment and joy in the ordinary and the mundane is a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 5:18).
7. A society that devalues life commits suicide.
8. Our greatest problems are not political but spiritual. They are rooted in the human heart. Thus, the ultimate solutions will not be found in legislation but in salvation. This is more than just a cliche. There are really only two motivations for right behavior–fear of consequences or love for others. Law can only promote fear or, at best, entice people for selfish reasons. Only grace can promote love. When I experience forgiveness, I can forgive. When I am satisfied in God’s love, then I can share love with others. This is not to say that Christians should avoid politics. But it is to say that all things must be kept in perspective.
9. Christians who care foremost about truth should not forward emails without verifying that they are true.
10. No person–no matter how rich, innovative, powerful, or politically progressive–can defeat death. Death is the great equalizer. It is no respecter of persons. It brings finality to one’s life, separation to one’s closest relationships, despair to one’s dreams. It is the one thing that should sober us, humble us, and awaken us to our need for a Savior, for One stronger than death. Only Jesus Christ lays claim to conquering death thus He alone is our only hope (Acts 2:22-36).
Well said Stephen. It gives me great joy and comfort to see you living as a light to the world. Despite the 5 dollar bill you tore in half in high school, promising to give me the other half if I listened to Christian music primarily, I came to the Truth much later in life than you apparently did. I’m starting to understand a great deal more about what Jesus really taught us, and how amazing the message is.
I believe that Emmit Fox has the correct interpretation of this message in that I experience the presence of God the most when my mind is clear and claiming that connection in peace. I try to recognize God in others and to hold onto the right thoughts as much as I can. I still struggle with giving up control to God as apparently I enjoy taking the wheel, but there is great joy and strength in life that I was asleep to for many years.
The more I learn about what is asked and what is promised, the more I realize how far I fall short of this call. Then I think about how far we are falling short as a species.
There was one a man walking along a beach and he came upon a small boy, throwing sand dollars into the ocean. The man asked “young man, why do you throw those sand dollars into the ocean?” The boy replied, saying “I have to throw them back or else they will die stranded upon the sand.” The man looked up and down the beach and noticed thousands of sand dollars as far as he could see. He said, “But son, look at how many there are….you cannot possibly make a difference.” The boy calmly picked up one sand dollar and thew it into the surf. He then looked back to the man and said “I made a difference to that one.”
And so shall I. Peace be with you Stephen. I’m happy you reached out.
I don’t remember tearing the $5 bill in half but if I can find it then I will mail it to you :>).
I certainly remember interacting with you and Rob at school and especially in journalism class. I also remember you helping me out with my school announcements at the end of the day. Those were fun days. You are right, I am thankful that I came to an understanding of my sin and my need for the grace of Jesus Christ at an early age. But I can’t say that I was the best at communicating that. I have been humbled and challenged along the way and God has certainly smoothed off some of my rough edges. I am sure He still has a long way to go. Every time I think I have it figured out, I am reminded of my weakness, utter lack of sensitivity, and downright selfishness. There is a Christian song that says, “What’s going on inside of me? I despise my own behavior. This only serves to confirm my suspicion that I’m still a man in need of a Savior.” I can echo the truth of that song.
I pray that God continues to teach you along the way and point you to His Son. In Christ, there is hope, truth, grace, and joy.