February 14, 1995
An Edmonton man complained about a weather report on television. It predicted a 0% chance of rain but when he went outside it was raining. He was drenched. Wet and annoyed, he called Environment Canada and found that the weather reporters could not see the storm coming. They relied entirely on instruments because, at that time, their operation headquarters had no windows!
My husband has another interesting way to forecast the weather. My father, a retired farmer, turns on the weather report every morning. Bob teases him, “I can give you a report,” he says, walking over to the window. “See, the sun is shining today . . . “
While observation alone can be unreliable, it is an important part of any scientific inquiry. Scientists do not define rain or wind, explore the ocean floor, or classify orchids by looking inside their own heads or by relying entirely on instruments like thermometers, barometers or computers. They use their eyes and other senses to observe carefully and objectively in their exploration and analysis.
Scientists also work together, depending upon the observations of each other. They seldom limit what they know about the visible, material world to speculation but instead look for evidence that proves their theories.
However, scientists sometimes hesitate to exam or make conclusions about invisible or immaterial topics. They are reluctant to include in their studies concepts such as God or faith because God is invisible and faith cannot be directly observed, measured or dissected. Scientists usually ignore these topics, considering they belong in the realm of theory.
Does faith really require a leap in the dark? Is it based on speculation only? I do not think so. No one trusts anything without out some evidence that warrants their trust.
Electricity is an example. It is invisible but the average person can test it by the results it produces. We simply plug in our appliances. If they work, believe in the presence and power of electricity. If they do not, then electricity is either absent or worthless. If it did not do anything, we would have no reason to rely on it.
Also notice that the evidence is produced by the object of our reliance. It is not trust or faith in it that makes electricity work; electricity makes trust possible. That is, electricity that we cannot see causes something to happen that we can see, so we can believe in the power behind it.
Faith in God is like that. God is also invisible but He showed Israel what He is like through His activity on their behalf and through the words He spoke using His prophets. Because of the evidence, the people of God believed He is real.
God’s ultimate evidence of Himself occurred when He appeared in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ is God’s fullest revelation, the “exact representation of His being,” incarnate in a human body. When anyone seriously examines this evidence, they are convinced that God is real and they put their faith in Him and in Jesus Christ. This faith is not something believers conjure up in their minds, nor does it exist independently of the evidence. Christian faith is based on God-given evidence.
No matter what people decide to believe in, something convinces them that the object of their faith is worthy. If only one in twenty-five outlets in a house makes the toaster work, few would have any faith in the wiring in that house. If Christ had not demonstrated His worth, no one would ever say, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain...”
Christ demonstrated God’s grace, goodness and power. Because of what He has done, we have enough evidence to believe He is worthy and He can be trusted.
Monday, July 18, 2016
Friday, July 15, 2016
Nature or Nurture or ? .......... Parables 458
January 31, 1995
“From the day your baby is born, you must teach him to do things. Children today love luxury too much. They have detestable manners, flout authority, have no respect for their elders. They no longer rise when their parents and teachers enter the room. What kind of awful creatures will they be when they grow up?”
A quote from a modern psychologist? or a Junior high school teacher? or a disgruntled mother? None of the above. Socrates (a Greek philosopher who believed doubt was essential to discovering truth) said it in 399 B.C.
Nothing has changed. Children still must be taught manners, respect and how to do things. In contrast, awful behavior has psychologists and philosophers arguing. Can the blame for it be put on nature/genetics or nurture/environment?
Certainly most of them agree that genetics are the cause of eye, hair and skin color and even the predisposition to certain diseases; however, environment and training are powerful factors that also influence the way people think and live.
As they argue, many experts ignore two other reasons for bad behavior. One is the human ability to make choices. Even though they will not remove genetic flaws like deformities, or erase bad experiences, good choices can help people overcome both. We can decide to make the best of a bad thing, profit from it and go on to reach our goals.
Concerning behavior, making choices requires taking responsibility for the way things are. If someone realizes they are rude, greedy, or selfish, taking responsibility for their actions sets them free to choose other options. Anyone who continues to willfully do wrong and at the same time blames poor parenting or a bad background is irresponsible. Unfortunately, “choices” and “responsibility” are not popular terms these days. Society prefers “dysfunctional” and “abused.”
Another reason for bad behavior is connected to a doubted, and almost completely rejected, biblical principle. According to this principle, children and everyone else has an incredible tendency to love luxury, disobey authority, and fail to respect other people. It is called the sin principle.
Sin is not a popular topic but it is real. Sin is God’s terminology for the bad things people do. It is also His explanation for why those bad things happen. We do sinful things because there is sin in us. This is the sin principle.
Sin means that by nature, we fall short of the Godlikeness we were intended to reflect. Sin expresses itself in actions ranging from fibs to rape and murder. No matter the extent or damage done by sin’s expression, the Bible says “all have sinned...” and “there is no one that does good”... all have sin in them.
Socrates thought the solution was education, but even educated people can know beyond a doubt something is wrong and still do it. He also suggested loving luxury was an issue, but even a happy pagan in a loin cloth sins. Desiring the finer things can encourage evil but taking luxury away will not necessarily drive anyone to do good.
Proper teaching, respect for authority, and contentment without luxury are virtues that we may choose, but no matter how much we desire them, they are elusive. The sin principle is always at work.
The Bible says we need to take personal responsibility for our own sin. When we do, God’s remedy is a relationship of faith and trust in Him. Without this relationship, we will doubt God and take matters into our own hands. Sin will then multiply and those “awful creatures” Socrates talked about will always be a problem.
“From the day your baby is born, you must teach him to do things. Children today love luxury too much. They have detestable manners, flout authority, have no respect for their elders. They no longer rise when their parents and teachers enter the room. What kind of awful creatures will they be when they grow up?”
A quote from a modern psychologist? or a Junior high school teacher? or a disgruntled mother? None of the above. Socrates (a Greek philosopher who believed doubt was essential to discovering truth) said it in 399 B.C.
Nothing has changed. Children still must be taught manners, respect and how to do things. In contrast, awful behavior has psychologists and philosophers arguing. Can the blame for it be put on nature/genetics or nurture/environment?
Certainly most of them agree that genetics are the cause of eye, hair and skin color and even the predisposition to certain diseases; however, environment and training are powerful factors that also influence the way people think and live.
As they argue, many experts ignore two other reasons for bad behavior. One is the human ability to make choices. Even though they will not remove genetic flaws like deformities, or erase bad experiences, good choices can help people overcome both. We can decide to make the best of a bad thing, profit from it and go on to reach our goals.
Concerning behavior, making choices requires taking responsibility for the way things are. If someone realizes they are rude, greedy, or selfish, taking responsibility for their actions sets them free to choose other options. Anyone who continues to willfully do wrong and at the same time blames poor parenting or a bad background is irresponsible. Unfortunately, “choices” and “responsibility” are not popular terms these days. Society prefers “dysfunctional” and “abused.”
Another reason for bad behavior is connected to a doubted, and almost completely rejected, biblical principle. According to this principle, children and everyone else has an incredible tendency to love luxury, disobey authority, and fail to respect other people. It is called the sin principle.
Sin is not a popular topic but it is real. Sin is God’s terminology for the bad things people do. It is also His explanation for why those bad things happen. We do sinful things because there is sin in us. This is the sin principle.
Sin means that by nature, we fall short of the Godlikeness we were intended to reflect. Sin expresses itself in actions ranging from fibs to rape and murder. No matter the extent or damage done by sin’s expression, the Bible says “all have sinned...” and “there is no one that does good”... all have sin in them.
Socrates thought the solution was education, but even educated people can know beyond a doubt something is wrong and still do it. He also suggested loving luxury was an issue, but even a happy pagan in a loin cloth sins. Desiring the finer things can encourage evil but taking luxury away will not necessarily drive anyone to do good.
Proper teaching, respect for authority, and contentment without luxury are virtues that we may choose, but no matter how much we desire them, they are elusive. The sin principle is always at work.
The Bible says we need to take personal responsibility for our own sin. When we do, God’s remedy is a relationship of faith and trust in Him. Without this relationship, we will doubt God and take matters into our own hands. Sin will then multiply and those “awful creatures” Socrates talked about will always be a problem.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
What does heaven look like? .......... Parables 457
February 7, 1995
We are planning a vacation next summer in Scotland that will include a family reunion. This one will be a true gathering of the clan. My maiden name is Leslie and the Leslie’s of Leslie Castle near Aberdeen have invited Leslies from all over the world to join them in three days of highland music, feasting, and various other activities.
I keep forming mental images of what it will be like to meet a host of relatives. I see a myriad of plaid kilts, hear a thousand Scottish burrs, and wonder at the awful beauty of dozens of bagpipes playing reels and marches. However, that is probably not a true picture of what awaits us so I have decided to abandon the limits of my imagination. Soon enough, we will see what Scotland and those many Leslies are really like.
Refusing mental pictures is a challenge because the unknown is hard to leave that way. We form the same mental pictures of many places, even of heaven. Where is it? What does it look like? Who will be there? Will we know everyone? Are we going to sit on clouds and play harps all day? Will there be angels in long white gowns with feathered wings? Are the streets really gold? Does St. Peter sit at a Pearly Gate checking in each arrival? What will we do for eternity? Will it be boring? What does God look like? Is He smiling?
The Bible says very little about heaven. Maybe visual images are too difficult because we cannot imagine perfection, yet Scripture does call heaven Paradise and in our hearts, we are drawn to something better, something beyond what we know, and better. Certainly heaven is the dwelling place of God and the desire and longing of many human hearts.
What does God say about it? While the descriptions seems symbolic, the book of Revelation does talk about a Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It says this city will shine with the glory of God and will be of pure gold, as pure as glass.. It will be brilliant like precious jewels, and clear as crystal. The walls will be high, with twelve gates and twelve foundations each made of precious stones. The great street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. There is no temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, and this city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Obviously, heaven is a place of worship and very beautiful.
Revelation 21:21 also says there are twelve gates and each gate is made of a single pearl. Walls and gates suggest shelter for those inside and entrances for those outside. Heaven is safe and protected, but also accessible. However, the gates are not wide open. The Bible says, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life....”
According to the Bible, any decision about who gets in is not made by St. Peter at the gate but by each person on earth before they die. The Lamb’s book of life is reserved for those who repent of their sin and place their faith in the Lamb, Jesus Christ, while they are still living. However, God says whosoever will may come.
Scripture also says in heaven there will be no more curse. Sin is forgiven and cleansed, judged at Calvary and never again to be judged. The throne of God and of the Lamb are in this wonderful place and here God’s servants will joyfully serve him forever.
The priority of God is obviously not that we know what heaven is like but that our names are in the book of life. The final verses in the Bible are His invitation: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” He wants us not anxious about what heaven looks like but concerned that those gates of pearl will someday swing open for us.
We are planning a vacation next summer in Scotland that will include a family reunion. This one will be a true gathering of the clan. My maiden name is Leslie and the Leslie’s of Leslie Castle near Aberdeen have invited Leslies from all over the world to join them in three days of highland music, feasting, and various other activities.
I keep forming mental images of what it will be like to meet a host of relatives. I see a myriad of plaid kilts, hear a thousand Scottish burrs, and wonder at the awful beauty of dozens of bagpipes playing reels and marches. However, that is probably not a true picture of what awaits us so I have decided to abandon the limits of my imagination. Soon enough, we will see what Scotland and those many Leslies are really like.
Refusing mental pictures is a challenge because the unknown is hard to leave that way. We form the same mental pictures of many places, even of heaven. Where is it? What does it look like? Who will be there? Will we know everyone? Are we going to sit on clouds and play harps all day? Will there be angels in long white gowns with feathered wings? Are the streets really gold? Does St. Peter sit at a Pearly Gate checking in each arrival? What will we do for eternity? Will it be boring? What does God look like? Is He smiling?
The Bible says very little about heaven. Maybe visual images are too difficult because we cannot imagine perfection, yet Scripture does call heaven Paradise and in our hearts, we are drawn to something better, something beyond what we know, and better. Certainly heaven is the dwelling place of God and the desire and longing of many human hearts.
What does God say about it? While the descriptions seems symbolic, the book of Revelation does talk about a Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It says this city will shine with the glory of God and will be of pure gold, as pure as glass.. It will be brilliant like precious jewels, and clear as crystal. The walls will be high, with twelve gates and twelve foundations each made of precious stones. The great street of the city is pure gold, like transparent glass. There is no temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple, and this city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Obviously, heaven is a place of worship and very beautiful.
Revelation 21:21 also says there are twelve gates and each gate is made of a single pearl. Walls and gates suggest shelter for those inside and entrances for those outside. Heaven is safe and protected, but also accessible. However, the gates are not wide open. The Bible says, “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life....”
According to the Bible, any decision about who gets in is not made by St. Peter at the gate but by each person on earth before they die. The Lamb’s book of life is reserved for those who repent of their sin and place their faith in the Lamb, Jesus Christ, while they are still living. However, God says whosoever will may come.
Scripture also says in heaven there will be no more curse. Sin is forgiven and cleansed, judged at Calvary and never again to be judged. The throne of God and of the Lamb are in this wonderful place and here God’s servants will joyfully serve him forever.
The priority of God is obviously not that we know what heaven is like but that our names are in the book of life. The final verses in the Bible are His invitation: “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” He wants us not anxious about what heaven looks like but concerned that those gates of pearl will someday swing open for us.
Monday, July 11, 2016
Amazing Forgiveness .......... Parables 456
January 17, 1995
The headline said: FATHER OFFICIATES AT THE WEDDING OF HIS SON’S KILLER.
According to the news item, Rev. Walter Everett forgave the man who murdered his son. The younger Everett was shot after a misunderstanding and physical struggle. His death was another senseless tragedy.
In the mind of the murderer, the forgiveness from his victim’s father must seem even more senseless. He says he does not fully understand how or why this father could do it. After what he had done, revenge and hatred seem far more natural. But it was good news.
Everett’s wife could not understand her husband either. How could he forgive their son’s killer? She was so distressed that, after 34 years of marriage, she walked out.
I’ve occasionally struggled to forgive people who have wronged me. In one situation, I was willing to do it and even offered it, but the other person seemed to have no desire to be forgiven or even admit wrong had been done. Up until that time, I believed forgiveness was complete only if it was received. I also thought forgiveness would restore broken relationships. However, the other person did not want restoration and even met my attempt with further betrayal and hurt. It seemed clear forgiveness would not change anything. Why then should I forgive? Even though the Bible says I must do it, it did not make sense.
Then I read from Isaiah 48 God’s words to His people: “For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger... For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”
From this I learned another aspect of forgiveness important to my own situation. God Himself forgives because it is not like God to be unforgiving. His very nature is to be compassionate, kind and generous. If people are not willing to receive His kindness, it becomes a blotch on their name, not on God’s character.
Forgiveness, in this one case particularly, was for me. As a child of God, my Father did not want me to hold unforgiveness in my heart. It would be foreign to godliness and contrary to the Christlikeness to which He has called me. The person who hurt me may never receive my offer, but by forgiving that person, I am acting as God intends.
When I did it, I was set free from anger, from the nagging desire for revenge, and therefore from all possibility of bitterness. My own spirit became soft and settled. My relationship with God grew sweeter. Clearly, forgiveness is profitable for me.
The Psalmist prayed, “For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great” and “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.”
Asking for forgiveness on the basis of God’s name and His character is clarified further when we consider His forgiveness. His Son was also murdered by people who misunderstood His actions and struggled with accepting His claims. Crucifying the sinless Jesus was a brutal and totally senseless act. Yet, by that act, God was able to forgive not only those who killed His Son, but all sinners and all sins ever committed by every person. His forgiveness brings restoration between sinful people (who accept it) and a Holy God.
Does that make sense? Without faith, it is illogical. God dying on a cross so He could forgive us? That is senseless — but it is also good news!
The headline said: FATHER OFFICIATES AT THE WEDDING OF HIS SON’S KILLER.
According to the news item, Rev. Walter Everett forgave the man who murdered his son. The younger Everett was shot after a misunderstanding and physical struggle. His death was another senseless tragedy.
In the mind of the murderer, the forgiveness from his victim’s father must seem even more senseless. He says he does not fully understand how or why this father could do it. After what he had done, revenge and hatred seem far more natural. But it was good news.
Everett’s wife could not understand her husband either. How could he forgive their son’s killer? She was so distressed that, after 34 years of marriage, she walked out.
I’ve occasionally struggled to forgive people who have wronged me. In one situation, I was willing to do it and even offered it, but the other person seemed to have no desire to be forgiven or even admit wrong had been done. Up until that time, I believed forgiveness was complete only if it was received. I also thought forgiveness would restore broken relationships. However, the other person did not want restoration and even met my attempt with further betrayal and hurt. It seemed clear forgiveness would not change anything. Why then should I forgive? Even though the Bible says I must do it, it did not make sense.
Then I read from Isaiah 48 God’s words to His people: “For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger... For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”
From this I learned another aspect of forgiveness important to my own situation. God Himself forgives because it is not like God to be unforgiving. His very nature is to be compassionate, kind and generous. If people are not willing to receive His kindness, it becomes a blotch on their name, not on God’s character.
Forgiveness, in this one case particularly, was for me. As a child of God, my Father did not want me to hold unforgiveness in my heart. It would be foreign to godliness and contrary to the Christlikeness to which He has called me. The person who hurt me may never receive my offer, but by forgiving that person, I am acting as God intends.
When I did it, I was set free from anger, from the nagging desire for revenge, and therefore from all possibility of bitterness. My own spirit became soft and settled. My relationship with God grew sweeter. Clearly, forgiveness is profitable for me.
The Psalmist prayed, “For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great” and “Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.”
Asking for forgiveness on the basis of God’s name and His character is clarified further when we consider His forgiveness. His Son was also murdered by people who misunderstood His actions and struggled with accepting His claims. Crucifying the sinless Jesus was a brutal and totally senseless act. Yet, by that act, God was able to forgive not only those who killed His Son, but all sinners and all sins ever committed by every person. His forgiveness brings restoration between sinful people (who accept it) and a Holy God.
Does that make sense? Without faith, it is illogical. God dying on a cross so He could forgive us? That is senseless — but it is also good news!
Friday, July 8, 2016
Faith is only as strong as its object .......... Parables 455
January 10, 1995
He was a sick little boy. Not only mute, he sometimes fell to the ground, rigid with flecks of foam coming from his mouth. The neighbors called it a demonic disorder but whatever was wrong, his family was desperate.
Finally his father took him to some faith healers. In spite of their confidence, When they tried to help him, nothing worked. Their efforts drew the attention of a few religious leaders and an argument added to an already distressing scene.
As onlookers wondered what was happening, three more approached. One of them asked the men who tried to heal the boy why they were arguing. The father of the boy answered: “Teacher, I brought my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
The Teacher, whose name was Jesus, told him to bring the child. Immediately the boy went into a convulsion, fell to the ground and rolled around foaming at the mouth. The father said the boy had been like this for a long time and added, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
Jesus said, “’If you can?’ Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” At that, Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and the boy was healed.
This remarkable narrative from the New Testament tells us about human doubt in the face of divine power. I can identify with the “faith” of that father. I believe yet there is sometimes doubt. Is God really able to take care of my problems? Is my faith sufficient?
Sometimes people claim to have “strong faith” but actually are focused more on their own fervent emotional assurance. From personal experience, I recognize this as misplaced faith. Instead of believing in God, the emphasis has shifted to believing in “faith.” When that happens, I need reminding that Biblical faith is not measured by the strength of personal convictions. God’s reliability does not slide up and down with my feelings.
Faith is only as good as its object. If my object or basis of trust becomes the strength of my come-and-go emotions, my responses to life soon begin to match. On the other hand, stability returns as I and focus on God and rely on His power, regardless of what I feel. Biblical faith is not faith in the strength of faith but faith in the strength of God.
Faith does not stand alone. It requires an object, something or someone to believe in. It also requires knowledge about that object. It is impossible to believe in something we don’t know. Because we tend to make up gods in our own image, God graciously gave us a revelation of Himself so we can know about Him, but we also need to be aware of this revelation. Faith can’t be conjured up by someone who is ignorant about God.
The Bible affirms this need: “Faith comes by hearing... and hearing by the Word of God.” As we read about God as described in Scripture and revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ, faith can develop and grow. If we look at circumstances (like sick children), and our human weaknesses, doubts, emotions, and wavering convictions, “faith” wobbles along with them, kept on a teeter-totter by our gut-reactions.
The solution is hearing... or reading the Bible. The father went to the Living Word with his confession of mixed feelings. We now can go to the Written Word where God replaces doubt with confidence in Him. He is in control and He wants us to know it.
He was a sick little boy. Not only mute, he sometimes fell to the ground, rigid with flecks of foam coming from his mouth. The neighbors called it a demonic disorder but whatever was wrong, his family was desperate.
Finally his father took him to some faith healers. In spite of their confidence, When they tried to help him, nothing worked. Their efforts drew the attention of a few religious leaders and an argument added to an already distressing scene.
As onlookers wondered what was happening, three more approached. One of them asked the men who tried to heal the boy why they were arguing. The father of the boy answered: “Teacher, I brought my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”
The Teacher, whose name was Jesus, told him to bring the child. Immediately the boy went into a convulsion, fell to the ground and rolled around foaming at the mouth. The father said the boy had been like this for a long time and added, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”
Jesus said, “’If you can?’ Everything is possible for him who believes.”
Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” At that, Jesus rebuked the evil spirit and the boy was healed.
This remarkable narrative from the New Testament tells us about human doubt in the face of divine power. I can identify with the “faith” of that father. I believe yet there is sometimes doubt. Is God really able to take care of my problems? Is my faith sufficient?
Sometimes people claim to have “strong faith” but actually are focused more on their own fervent emotional assurance. From personal experience, I recognize this as misplaced faith. Instead of believing in God, the emphasis has shifted to believing in “faith.” When that happens, I need reminding that Biblical faith is not measured by the strength of personal convictions. God’s reliability does not slide up and down with my feelings.
Faith is only as good as its object. If my object or basis of trust becomes the strength of my come-and-go emotions, my responses to life soon begin to match. On the other hand, stability returns as I and focus on God and rely on His power, regardless of what I feel. Biblical faith is not faith in the strength of faith but faith in the strength of God.
Faith does not stand alone. It requires an object, something or someone to believe in. It also requires knowledge about that object. It is impossible to believe in something we don’t know. Because we tend to make up gods in our own image, God graciously gave us a revelation of Himself so we can know about Him, but we also need to be aware of this revelation. Faith can’t be conjured up by someone who is ignorant about God.
The Bible affirms this need: “Faith comes by hearing... and hearing by the Word of God.” As we read about God as described in Scripture and revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ, faith can develop and grow. If we look at circumstances (like sick children), and our human weaknesses, doubts, emotions, and wavering convictions, “faith” wobbles along with them, kept on a teeter-totter by our gut-reactions.
The solution is hearing... or reading the Bible. The father went to the Living Word with his confession of mixed feelings. We now can go to the Written Word where God replaces doubt with confidence in Him. He is in control and He wants us to know it.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Labels and Stereotypes .......... Parables 454
January 3, 1995
Most of the current how-to books for writers feature at least one chapter on sexist language, political correctness and stereo-typing. Writers submitting anything to newspaper, television, books and magazine editors must not violate certain criteria. If they avoid using certain terms, they will also avoid receiving rejection slips, at least in certain markets.
Everyone is familiar with written taboos like “mankind” or “chairman” but even visual images are affected by the new standards for political correctness. Editors want women as well as men operating machines on construction sites and men using home products as often as women in television commercials. Women should not be wearing aprons and black people should not be in servile roles.
This so-called correct language applies to almost all groups, except Christians. For some reason, it is okay to give unkind labels to Christians and stereotype them.
Actually, we even do this to ourselves, although not usually to be mean. In fun, we mimic the preachers who pound their pulpits with hellfire and brimstone. Today’s preachers who give that message have learned to do it with greater sensitivity. We also have labels for those who say they are Christians yet live like God does not exist. We call them hypocrites just like anyone else would.
Christians usually receive a different kind of mockery from language and stereotyping. We are often portrayed as if ALL are hypocrites and ALL are out-of-touch idiots. Seldom do we see movie or television stars portraying genuine believers, those who take their faith and relationship with Christ seriously.
Perhaps genuine Christians are so hard to find that story writers do not know what one looks like. Perhaps hypocrites are more prolific. Perhaps writers have had so many negative experiences they simply turn their backs on anything they know as positive about Christians.
Whatever motives each writer, genuine Christians do exist. Some are well-known, such as Charles Swindoll, Billy Graham, or Christy (her life story is the television series with the same name). Others are less known but just as honorable and marked by integrity.
Why then do television and motion pictures neglect to feature people like them in their plots? Why do they depict believers as either fools, fakes or false teachers? If that were done with groups such as homosexuals or black people, those groups would cry out and demand their rights. Laws would (and have been) passed making it illegal to say or print anything negative about them in public.
Oddly enough, Christians seldom cry out. While some do demand equal rights and some loudly complain, the Bible wants us to model our lives after Christ. 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
A few verses earlier it says, “It is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Jesus Christ offends everyone who is unwilling to receive Him and the godly lifestyle He lived and offers. Rather than just ignoring it, some will ridicule those who preach, teach and live it. Some will openly persecute them.
Oddly enough, many Christians don’t complain about unfair treatment. The Bible says if we live like Christ, we will suffer persecution. How can we retaliate or even complain if people do not like us because we resemble Him?
Most of the current how-to books for writers feature at least one chapter on sexist language, political correctness and stereo-typing. Writers submitting anything to newspaper, television, books and magazine editors must not violate certain criteria. If they avoid using certain terms, they will also avoid receiving rejection slips, at least in certain markets.
Everyone is familiar with written taboos like “mankind” or “chairman” but even visual images are affected by the new standards for political correctness. Editors want women as well as men operating machines on construction sites and men using home products as often as women in television commercials. Women should not be wearing aprons and black people should not be in servile roles.
This so-called correct language applies to almost all groups, except Christians. For some reason, it is okay to give unkind labels to Christians and stereotype them.
Actually, we even do this to ourselves, although not usually to be mean. In fun, we mimic the preachers who pound their pulpits with hellfire and brimstone. Today’s preachers who give that message have learned to do it with greater sensitivity. We also have labels for those who say they are Christians yet live like God does not exist. We call them hypocrites just like anyone else would.
Christians usually receive a different kind of mockery from language and stereotyping. We are often portrayed as if ALL are hypocrites and ALL are out-of-touch idiots. Seldom do we see movie or television stars portraying genuine believers, those who take their faith and relationship with Christ seriously.
Perhaps genuine Christians are so hard to find that story writers do not know what one looks like. Perhaps hypocrites are more prolific. Perhaps writers have had so many negative experiences they simply turn their backs on anything they know as positive about Christians.
Whatever motives each writer, genuine Christians do exist. Some are well-known, such as Charles Swindoll, Billy Graham, or Christy (her life story is the television series with the same name). Others are less known but just as honorable and marked by integrity.
Why then do television and motion pictures neglect to feature people like them in their plots? Why do they depict believers as either fools, fakes or false teachers? If that were done with groups such as homosexuals or black people, those groups would cry out and demand their rights. Laws would (and have been) passed making it illegal to say or print anything negative about them in public.
Oddly enough, Christians seldom cry out. While some do demand equal rights and some loudly complain, the Bible wants us to model our lives after Christ. 1 Peter 2:23 says, “When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
A few verses earlier it says, “It is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Jesus Christ offends everyone who is unwilling to receive Him and the godly lifestyle He lived and offers. Rather than just ignoring it, some will ridicule those who preach, teach and live it. Some will openly persecute them.
Oddly enough, many Christians don’t complain about unfair treatment. The Bible says if we live like Christ, we will suffer persecution. How can we retaliate or even complain if people do not like us because we resemble Him?
Monday, July 4, 2016
The Bible and New Year’s Resolutions .......... Parables 453
December 27, 1994
As 1994 draws to a close, we look back and remember. Was it a good year? Or was it a year you would rather forget? Maybe this was a year for inheriting money or winning a lottery. Maybe 1994 was the year for marriage, or divorce, or having a first child or becoming a grandparent. Perhaps a series of financial setbacks put a blight on this year, or relationships did not turn out as hoped. Whatever 1994 held, the memories are important.
The Bible uses the word “remember” many times. Some of these passages suggest positive advice for ending the year and some suggest resolutions for next year. Here are a few examples from the New Testament about remembering.
Matthew 5:23 talks about being at worship and remembering that another person has something against you. It says go to that person and seek their forgiveness, then return and give worship. Patching up broken relationships is never easy. Anger and bitterness can be deeply rooted. Yet God knows these words are powerful: “I am sorry, I was wrong... please forgive me.” When we remember hurts we have inflicted on others and do something about it, we not only restore a relationship and remove tension, we also bring peace to ourselves and to the other person. This is a good way to end a year and start a new one.
Clearing up a botched relationship also applies to ourselves and God. Whenever we remember something we have done against Him, we can confess it, remove the load of guilt, enjoy restored fellowship with Him and a renewed sense of personal peace.
Remembering and confessing sin can be painful, but because Jesus died for our sin and rose again, we have access to God. As the angel told some women at His tomb, “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how He told you...!” Remembering that Jesus died for us takes the sting out of any memories of moral and spiritual failure.
Perhaps 1994 brings memories of godly living. If it does, then it may also bring to mind ridicule or mistreatment. In this regard, Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).
Jesus was rejected because His holy life stabbed the conscience of anyone who did not want to repent. Christians who live for Him need to remember what He said about this and not be surprised if others prefer sin and reject us and our message. Jesus also said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” We can remember that and be thankful for His grace that enables us to live in a godly way.
If this year’s profit was financial, here is another truth to think on: Remember this: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Cor. 9:6). If you were generous and God rewarded your generosity, thank God for the principle of seeding and harvest!
Tied into the idea of being generous is hospitality. The Bible tells us, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” It also gives us pleasure to remember those times of sharing with our friends.
However, God also reminds us “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Being kind to everyone brings happy thoughts and if that has not been a large part of 1994, it is a good resolution for 1995.
At the close of the year, we can also remember others in prayer. Throughout Paul’s epistles, he says, “I constantly remember you in my prayers.”
Prayer for others is a wonderful way to sum up a day, a week, or a year. It takes our focus off ourselves and gives us opportunity to be part of God’s blessing for others.
Hebrews 13 gives a specific target for our prayers: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” This probably refers to persecuted believers in countries where Christianity is illegal. Thank God we are free to worship Him, but remember not everyone enjoys the same luxury.
Another target for prayer is in the same passage: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.” Christian leaders in pastoral ministry or other vocations need our prayers now and all year long! The verse adds a good resolution for 1995: “Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
This small sampling demonstrates how the Bible can help us wrap up 1994 and look ahead with hope and specific plans for 1995. As you use God’s Word to guide you in remembering and planning, may He richly bless you.
As 1994 draws to a close, we look back and remember. Was it a good year? Or was it a year you would rather forget? Maybe this was a year for inheriting money or winning a lottery. Maybe 1994 was the year for marriage, or divorce, or having a first child or becoming a grandparent. Perhaps a series of financial setbacks put a blight on this year, or relationships did not turn out as hoped. Whatever 1994 held, the memories are important.
The Bible uses the word “remember” many times. Some of these passages suggest positive advice for ending the year and some suggest resolutions for next year. Here are a few examples from the New Testament about remembering.
Matthew 5:23 talks about being at worship and remembering that another person has something against you. It says go to that person and seek their forgiveness, then return and give worship. Patching up broken relationships is never easy. Anger and bitterness can be deeply rooted. Yet God knows these words are powerful: “I am sorry, I was wrong... please forgive me.” When we remember hurts we have inflicted on others and do something about it, we not only restore a relationship and remove tension, we also bring peace to ourselves and to the other person. This is a good way to end a year and start a new one.
Clearing up a botched relationship also applies to ourselves and God. Whenever we remember something we have done against Him, we can confess it, remove the load of guilt, enjoy restored fellowship with Him and a renewed sense of personal peace.
Remembering and confessing sin can be painful, but because Jesus died for our sin and rose again, we have access to God. As the angel told some women at His tomb, “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how He told you...!” Remembering that Jesus died for us takes the sting out of any memories of moral and spiritual failure.
Perhaps 1994 brings memories of godly living. If it does, then it may also bring to mind ridicule or mistreatment. In this regard, Jesus said, “Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20).
Jesus was rejected because His holy life stabbed the conscience of anyone who did not want to repent. Christians who live for Him need to remember what He said about this and not be surprised if others prefer sin and reject us and our message. Jesus also said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” We can remember that and be thankful for His grace that enables us to live in a godly way.
If this year’s profit was financial, here is another truth to think on: Remember this: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Cor. 9:6). If you were generous and God rewarded your generosity, thank God for the principle of seeding and harvest!
Tied into the idea of being generous is hospitality. The Bible tells us, “Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” It also gives us pleasure to remember those times of sharing with our friends.
However, God also reminds us “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Being kind to everyone brings happy thoughts and if that has not been a large part of 1994, it is a good resolution for 1995.
At the close of the year, we can also remember others in prayer. Throughout Paul’s epistles, he says, “I constantly remember you in my prayers.”
Prayer for others is a wonderful way to sum up a day, a week, or a year. It takes our focus off ourselves and gives us opportunity to be part of God’s blessing for others.
Hebrews 13 gives a specific target for our prayers: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” This probably refers to persecuted believers in countries where Christianity is illegal. Thank God we are free to worship Him, but remember not everyone enjoys the same luxury.
Another target for prayer is in the same passage: “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.” Christian leaders in pastoral ministry or other vocations need our prayers now and all year long! The verse adds a good resolution for 1995: “Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
This small sampling demonstrates how the Bible can help us wrap up 1994 and look ahead with hope and specific plans for 1995. As you use God’s Word to guide you in remembering and planning, may He richly bless you.
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