I Hate Interruptions (But I’m getting better)

She came into my study at, what seemed to me then, a bad time.  I was on a roll, writing furiously, words tumbling onto the page , ideas popping out like new puppies, thoughts exploding like microwave popcorn.

Her: “Honey, this refrigerator is making strange noises again…can you come listen?

Me: “Good grief!  Can’t it wait?  I’m in the middle of something here!”

Her:  No words – just facial expressions and body language – all sending negative vibes.

I hate interruptions!  As a young man, I didn’t deal at all well with them.  As an older man…ditto.  But now, at least, I am able to take a few moments and re-wrap my mind around a new direction – to slowly adjust to a new, more inclusive, schedule.

Shame on me!  People with needs can’t be concerned with my agenda.  They can’t check with me before needing something.  The needs surrounding me are sovereign, not my precious schedule.

As we observe Jesus, we see him constantly confronted with unplanned events: the sick, bereaved, adversaries, quarreling disciples, concerned family, storms and demons.  So, it occurs to me that to truly want to be like Jesus, I must not only take interruptions in stride, but also embrace them as opportunities to serve.  Should I even call them “interruptions?”  Obviously, it was Jesus’ plan to walk out into the street and deal with what he encountered.  Since the Son of Man came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45), shouldn’t I obviously go and do likewise?

To despise interruptions is to love self more than others – to consider my priorities as paramount.  So here is my new resolution for all my remaining days, weeks, months and years: to be among you as the one who serves (Luke 22:27); to see “interruptions” as opportunities to serve.  I think that’s what Jesus would do.  I think that’s what he would have me do.

Major Nidal Malik Hasan and the Consequences

Another terrible slaughter has hijacked our thoughts and refueled our fears.  So far the information points an idealistic motivation.  I’m sure Major Hasan expected to die as he carried out his mission and is surprised to be alive.  Speculation will continue until it is overwhelmed with the actual facts.  We’ll have to wait for the full story.

One matter is beyond speculation: the consequences. Here are a few that come to mind:

1. Increased terror. Isn’t that the objective of all terrorist activities?  No ground is won, no hills taken, no booty is accumulated.  Instead, fear is generated by bombing, shooting, torturing, kidnapping and executing.
2. Increased vigilance. We are quickly becoming a nation nervously looking over her shoulder for the bad guys.  “Report anything suspicious,” we’re told.  Long, drawn-out airport security checks, warrant-less wiretaps, ubiquitous security cameras, etc.
3. Racial profiling. It will be difficult in the days ahead for those who look Middle Eastern or have Arabic sounding names.  It will also be more dangerous when traveling to look European.
4. Religious stereotyping. Peace-loving Muslims will be lumped together with extremists and jihadists – a tragedy.
5. Increased calls to end the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Why should our youth be sacrificed to prop up corrupt regimes?  Why should those who fought and died for their own liberty foist democracy on countries that will no doubt descend into sectarian and tribal violence as soon as the coalition forces have gone home?

Every action has a reaction.  Every decision has results.  Long after other events distract us, the consequences of Major Hasan’s murderous actions will continue to haunt us.

Long ago and far, far away some soldiers with crosses on their shields and murder in their hearts slaughtered untold thousands in the name of Christianity.  Those who know that Jesus Christ would strongly condemn  such ungodliness still live with the consequences.

Thinking about Morality

The truth is, I am writing this when I should be doing something else.  But it is also true that if I don’t write it when I’m thinking it,  it never gets done.

Right now I am thinking about the press to make laws about abortion, marriage, the rights of the sexually deviant, etc.  It occurs to me that while we must legislate morality or descend into anarchy and pandemonium, it can only be a band-aid on a laceration.

Here’s the truth: you can legislate morality but immorality will continue among the immoral.  The only true defense against immorality is a moral mindset and lifestyle.  As Christians, we must be about the business of moral persuasion and modeling morality.  We must change ourselves, our neighborhood, community and nation.  That will not happen in the courts and the halls of legislature.  It will only happen when the teachings of the Master transform us into His likeness.

PLACE YOUR BETS

Most atheists argue there is no God because there is no proof. Theists believe the only sensible, plausible explanation for what we see around us is an intelligent designer, the one we call “God.” Of course, no one has to believe there is a God. Let us be clear, however, that not believing will get you in deep trouble if you’re wrong. That’s not a mere threat. It’s just the truth. “Pascal’s Wager” is a pretty good bet.

The apostle, Paul, wrote to the Roman church: “…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19,20). “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6) Here’s the point: there are two sides to this issue and because the consequences of unbelief are so dire, it would seem wise to make a thorough investigation before coming to a conclusion.

It is impossible to absolutely prove or disprove God’s existence. As you might imagine, there are strong arguments on both sides. I found some comments on a recent atheistic blog provocative. The writer said, “I believe plenty of scientific, historical, philosophical, and psychological evidence proves there is no god. The evidences in support of theism and deism are highly interpretable at best and weak at worst.” Theists say very similar things in support of our position. Let the buyer beware.  Do science, history, philosophy and psychology really settle the matter? If so, then why are there strong believers in each of these disciplines?

Another writer said, “We all see lots of complexity and design, but that is the byproduct of evolution, not a designer. Otherwise, you have to explain all the crappy design everywhere along with the good design.” Design without a designer? True evolution has no design to it. It is a random, accidental, unintended process. One has to decide whether this is the possible outcome of billions of years of chaotic chance or the intended product of intelligent design.

Crappy design? This is a frequent argument by those who surmise that if God was involved in the creation, life forms would be perfect. What is overlooked is that God never claimed his creation to be perfect…only “good.” Perfection was never the claim. Indeed, like everything else in the universe, life is designed to come to an end. Can you see the flaw in the argument? One side says that life is evidence of intelligent design and other side says it is evidence of a long series of accidents.

Still another commentator wrote, “I believe there is no god. If there was a god, the world would be a lot different to the way it is.” “…the world seems to be created to be painful for those who live in it for no purposeful reason. A freshman philosophy student can concoct a better world system than the one that exists.” Would you trust a “freshman philosophy student” to create your world? I didn’t think so. This life is an existence filled with a mixture of both joy and pain, good and evil, light and dark. Another writes, “…science is doing very well at taking god myths, creationism, near-death experiences, and similar wishful thinking to pieces.” If that is true, the question naturally arises again, “Then why are so many eminent scientists believers?” If you reply, “The majority are non-believers,” you may be right but you still have to deal with the fact that many are theists. So, you don’t like what you see and read about God? OK, but mark you, God is sovereign. He gets to do whatever he wants whether you and I like it or not. Go ahead, place your bets. But, if you bet on unbelief, the payoff may be a nasty surprise. If you don’t like the returns, it was not because you were not thoroughly warned by an evident God who loves you and wants all of humanity to be saved.

The Philosophy of Ambiguity

A friend sent me this and, since I really like wordplay, I cleaned it up a bit and now present it for your humorous consideration.

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY, AS WELL AS THE IDIOSYNCRASIES OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE…

1. DON’T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON’T PET THE SWEATY THINGS
2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR
3. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, “WHERE’S THE SELF- HELP SECTION?” SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE
4. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
5. IF A DEAF CHILD SIGNS SWEAR WORDS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
6. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
7. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
8. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO “GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?”
9. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
10. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?
11. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
12. WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
13. IF A TURTLE DOESN’T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
14. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
15. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
16. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?
17. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?
18. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
19. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON’T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE
20. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?.
21. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
22. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?.
23. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?.
24. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD ‘LISP’ TO HAVE ‘S’ IN IT?.
25. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN’T SHOOT AT THEM?.
26. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?.
27. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

Ridicule is Ridiculous

It is one thing to reject and another to ridicule.  Rejection of an exposed belief system or opinion is expected.  Put an idea on the market place and it is only logical that there will be a mixture of acceptance and rejection by those who follow such markets.  But ridicule is quite another thing.  Ridicule takes rejection to the level of insult.

I am a messenger of the gospel of Christ.  It is my job, my passion to place the good news of reconciliation of Creator and created in the public square and let people have a chance to accept it or reject it.  I think that’s what Jesus did.  In the past, that included a bit of ridicule of those ideas I deemed to be worthy of it.  Upon reflection, however, I can’t recall a single time when ridicule accomplished anything but a cheer from those “on my side.”  I am persuaded that ridicule is not only counterproductive but downright ungodly (I Peter 3:15; Galatians 6:1; Philippians 4:5; 2 Timothy 2:25; Titus 3:2; Colossians 4:5-6; Ephesians 4:29).

These days I am out of the business of garnering cheers from anyone.  I just want to lovingly and respectfully tell it like it is (or seems to be at the moment) and let people take it or leave it.  If they leave it, we might, with mutual consent; move to discussion where persuasion might result in acceptance.  In the business of persuasion, ridicule accomplishes the exact opposite of what I am trying to achieve.

Ridicule is pejorative, not persuasive.  One who changes his opinion or belief system because of ridicule has shamefully succumbed to peer pressure.  That poor, cowardly sheep has been caught up in the groupthink of the sneering mob.  As someone named Philip Guedalla has observed: any stigma will do to beat a dogma.

These days, I want to walk away from a discussion with four goals accomplished.

1. I want to do my best to persuade the other person of the truth of God, His Christ and His word.
2. I want to achieve a better understanding of the other person’s point of view.
3. I want to adjust my own position if I am wrong.
4. I want to part as friends.

Ridicule results in no persuasion, no understanding, no personal growth and the end of friendship.

Is Unity the Mission?

The Restoration Movement (aka Stone-Campbell Movement) arose out of a desire to achieve unity among believers in Jesus Christ.  Drop the baggage that makes us separate and, bingo!  Unity!  It never really worked very well because people love their denominations more than they love unity.  It was a noble cause driven by noble minds but it was misguided (I know I’m getting in hot water here).  Jesus prayed for his followers to be one (John 17) and Paul chastised the Corinthians for their division (I Corinthians 1) but our mission is making disciples (you know the passages) not unifying those who would rather be divided.  It is vanity and a striving after wind.

Thank God there are other things to do!  Jesus commands us to make disciples.  We accomplish that when we communicate (proclaim and model) the good news about Him.  Yes, it is just that simple.  Maybe that’s why his followers keep missing the point.

And here’s the surprise bonus: if we simply do what Jesus did, unity happens.

Enemies Within

Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things (Ephesians 3:17-19).

The most effective enemies are those of which we are unaware…the ones we fail to recognize as enemies.  In our subconscious we probably already know some entities are not helping the cause of Christ; that they are, indeed, major hindrances.  They are hindering enemies especially because we have become familiar and comfortable with them.  It is much like making a pet of a tiger.  We pet them, feed them, love them…and then one day, they have us by the throat.  They are attitudes, actions and situations that divert us from truly following Christ.  The world notices and these same diversions become hindrances to unbelievers and ammunition for anti-Christian activists.  And here is the kicker: so often, we shoot ourselves in the foot (pun intended).  This is a post that hopefully will challenge us to do some thinking about who and what our enemies are.  As usual, your comments, pro and con, are welcomed.

Striving for Acceptance

It’s not easy being different.  And yet, being different is part of our Christian walk.  We are different from the world not because we try to be but because following Christ separates us from those who aren’t.  Sadly, many who claim to be Christians lie, cheat and steal just like their worldly counterparts.  But the similarities don’t end there.  Too often our values and ambitions are the same as those outside of Christ.  To place our hope in riches, to ignore injustice, to place comfort above compassion and status above service proves we are still of the world.  Here’s the truth: the way of Christ runs counter to the ways of the world.  Never forget it.

Good Thoughts

Here is another offering from Anonymous.

• Growing old is inevitable, growing UP is optional.

• There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.

• Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

• Faith is the ability to not panic.

• Laugh every day, it’s like inner jogging.

• If you worry, don’t pray. If you pray…don’t worry

• As a child of God, prayer is like calling home everyday.

• Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape.

• The most important things in your home are the people.

• When we get tangled up in our problems, be still.  God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.

• A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.

• He who dies with the most toys is still dead.

• We do not remember days, but moments. Life is moving too fast so enjoy your precious moments.

• Talking is sharing. Listening is caring.

• Nothing is real to you until you experience it, otherwise it’s just hearsay.

• It’s all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

Intelligent Design

I would really like to know who gathered the following information but it is really by our old friend “Anonymous.”  According to atheists, life is the result of a series of propitious accidents and random mutations that just happen to be beneficial.  If they take the time to read this, they will attribute each example of intelligent design to unintelligent processes.  Whatever your belief or lack of it, this is pretty good food for thought.

God’s accuracy may be observed in the hatching of eggs.  For example,

• The eggs of the potato bug hatch in 7 days;
• Those of the canary in 14 days;
• Those of the barnyard hen in 21 days.
• The eggs of ducks and geese hatch in 28 days;
• Those of the mallard in 35 days.
• The eggs of the parrot and the ostrich hatch in 42 days.

(Notice, they are all divisible by seven).

God’s design is seen in the making of an elephant. The four legs of this great beast all bend forward in the same direction. No other Quadruped is so made.  God planned that this animal would have a huge body, too large to live on two legs.

• For this reason He gave it four fulcrums so that it can rise from the ground easily.
• The horse rises from the ground on its two front legs first.
• A cow rises from the ground with its two hind legs first.

God’s wisdom is revealed in His arrangement of sections and segments, as well as in the number of grains. How wise the Lord is in all His works of creation!

• Each watermelon has an even number of strips on the rind.
• Each orange has an even number of segments.
• Each ear of corn has an even number of rows.
• Each stalk of wheat has an even number of grains.
• Every bunch of bananas has on its lowest row an even number of bananas, and each row decreases by one, so that one row has an even number and the next row an odd number.
• All grains are found in even numbers on the stalks

The waves of the sea roll in on shore twenty-six to the minute in all kinds of weather.

God has caused the flowers to blossom at certain specified  times during the day, so that Linneus, the great botanist, once  said that if he had a conservatory containing the right kind of soil,  moisture and temperature, he could tell the time of day or night  by the flowers that were open and those that were closed!

Design is evident.  Design requires a designer.

Many have decided not to believe and that is certainly their prerogative.  For myself, I choose to believe in a Creator.  Too much of what I see is inexplicable without Him.

In Romans 1 Paul writes, “…that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…”