So, as my son was trying to pick which cup he wanted to use for dinner tonight, I have to admit I was slightly perturbed with how long it took - because I realized how many choices were available to him.
It hit me how this is not a problem that everyone in the world has. Some families have one cup per person. Some families have one cup per family. Some families may not even have that one cup.
All the things we think are so important to our lives - filling our cabinets and pantries, our bookshelves and movie collections, our schedules and contact lists.
We are spoiled rich. Spoiled. Rich. And we don't even realize it a majority of the time.
Before the tornado threats on Monday, I was sitting and planning some coursework for the Fall. I thought about the possibility of a tornado coming while we were sheltering and taking all our books, papers, etc. What if we lost our computer, important documents, pictures, things that hold memories? It would be difficult and maybe even impossible to recover everything. It would hurt to lose things, but we'd be okay. People do it all the time. So many people lost so much just this last week with floods and tornadoes. They are having to start over.
Here are a couple videos that I've seen this week that remind me of the extreme poverty of many people in the world - such that we can't even comprehend. So many times I feel poor, but I am stinking filthy rich compared to so many in the world. May I never forget that - and more, may I always find ways to share what I have with others.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/ap/world/indians-crowd-rivers-shady-trees-as-heat-toll-passes-1400#.VWfQ8Ebwu1g
https://youtu.be/zEN4hcZutO0 (Cocoa Farmers Get First Taste of Chocolate)
James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to
look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from
being polluted by the world.
Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Acts 2:44-45 All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.
Deuteronomy 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.
2 Corinthians 8:13-15 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
Matthew 25:37-40 "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
Friday, May 29, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Speak Up or Keep Quiet
Speak up and stand out, or keep quiet?
This is a question that has been on my mind and heart often over the last year (which is actually how long it has taken me to finish writing this post). There is a lot going on that is anti-Christian these days. Values and beliefs that we hold are labeled archaic, ignorant, and intolerant. It is hard to consider speaking up about anything because if we do, we risk attacks against not only our beliefs and values, but also our own selves and character, even if the person knows us only by one comment we make - not by name, face, location, or anything else. With that said, I know it can be said that it goes the other way too, as far as the attacks on beliefs, values, character, etc. - that there are people who profess to be Christians who also initiate this kind of attack. This might be against someone outside the Christian faith as well as against others within the faith.
Anyhow, back to the original question. The world is evolving. There are many people who think this is inevitably good and any archaic beliefs held will get in the way of this evolution. It makes me think of a passage from the Bible that we read yesterday morning at church. Acts 17:21 says (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Many people seem concerned about the newest and latest ideas, research, and thoughts about different topics. They are ready to throw off the old and try something new. There is no conviction about anything anymore, unless it is the newest and latest thing, whatever the "experts" are saying.
But even as the world changes, not everything should change. God doesn't change (see Psalm 55:19 and James 1:17). His character, His promises, His laws and statutes - they remain the same. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, Solomon tells us that there is nothing new - everything that happens has happened before. I can see it, can you? If you look at ancient civilizations such as Sodom and Gomorrah, Ninevah, and Babylon, they got into similar sin situations as we see in modern culture.
Here are some of my thoughts about this question, as it relates to my own experiences. I hope that they can be applied for you as well.
1. It should not surprise people that I'm a Christian. My words and actions should reflect my identity as a child of God, brethren with his son, Jesus. I should be set apart and different in such a way that people know that I live for Christ. As such, I am very cautious about the words that leave my mouth and the tone of voice I use. Do I mess up and fail at times? Oh my, yes, I do, especially with tone of voice. But I apologize and ask for forgiveness, acknowledge why I shouldn't speak that way, and strive to do better. Same concept with actions. I actively choose not to seek after selfish goals, choosing instead to consider others and how my actions could affect them and not just myself. I am intentional about the music, movies, and t.v. shows I allow to enter my eyes, ears and mind because I don't want certain things on auto-replay in me. I want what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy to occupy my mind (Philippians 4:8).
2. Don't deny Christ. Sin is sin and should be called what it is - sin. Sometimes we re-word it and try to find "good points" to it to make it sound better or justify it. Nothing said or done will change the fact that it is sin. Nothing our government or society says or does will change it in God's eyes. It is still wrong and it will still reap punishment some day, whether that be acknowledged in this life or at the time of judgment. I admit that this can be a hard one for me because I don't like conflict. I don't want to "stir the waters." I don't want to seem disagreeable or judgmental, but I pray that I will have more confidence to stand for the truth, no matter what worldly comforts it may cost. There are Christians losing their jobs, reputations, and more because they are standing for Christ. Don't deny the truth. If we deny Christ, he will deny us in front of his Father. (Matthew 10:32-33 also typed below).
3. Don't sit on the fence. Unlike the way many view circumstances here, there is no gray area when it comes to obeying God. Not that I believe there should be for obedience with people either, but it seems we have worked gray into our decisions. With God, it's either yes or no, in or out, with Him or without Him. In Revelation 3:16 Jesus says "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I don't want to be "spit out" or "vomited" (other versions) by Jesus, removed forever from His presence! Do you? In Luke 11:23, Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Let me say it again - there is no gray. It is either one way or the other. Both can't be right and you must choose.
4. Pray! It is necessary to pray about situations when they arise. In fact, it would be helpful to pray before situations arise! Our actions may vary depending on the situation. There are times when God may want us to stand up and say something, and there are times when He may want us to stay quiet. There were even times when Jesus did not give a response to those questioning Him. We must ask God and listen to what He tells us to know how we are to respond. The answer may be in our best interest, but most importantly, it could be in the best interest of the other person(s). Maybe their heart isn't ready and telling them the truth won't penetrate them. Maybe it is something they need to seek on their own. I remember reading not long ago that some of the strongest lessons we learn about God are the ones we discover on our own - not ones we are told. This has been important in my mind as I teach my children, to pray about what I tell them and when, and what I leave open for them to discover on their own as they learn to read and study the Bible. I wait patiently to be amazed as they are amazed by His word.
In these days, I pray that I will be given the strength and confidence to be bold for Christ. I pray that if a situation arises, that I will speak as the Holy Spirit gives it to me to speak and not of myself. I pray that no matter what those of this world threaten to take from me, that I will not deny Christ. I will pray this for you as well.
A few more verses:
1 Peter 3:15-17 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Luke 9:24-25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
Luke 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."
This is a question that has been on my mind and heart often over the last year (which is actually how long it has taken me to finish writing this post). There is a lot going on that is anti-Christian these days. Values and beliefs that we hold are labeled archaic, ignorant, and intolerant. It is hard to consider speaking up about anything because if we do, we risk attacks against not only our beliefs and values, but also our own selves and character, even if the person knows us only by one comment we make - not by name, face, location, or anything else. With that said, I know it can be said that it goes the other way too, as far as the attacks on beliefs, values, character, etc. - that there are people who profess to be Christians who also initiate this kind of attack. This might be against someone outside the Christian faith as well as against others within the faith.
Anyhow, back to the original question. The world is evolving. There are many people who think this is inevitably good and any archaic beliefs held will get in the way of this evolution. It makes me think of a passage from the Bible that we read yesterday morning at church. Acts 17:21 says (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Many people seem concerned about the newest and latest ideas, research, and thoughts about different topics. They are ready to throw off the old and try something new. There is no conviction about anything anymore, unless it is the newest and latest thing, whatever the "experts" are saying.
But even as the world changes, not everything should change. God doesn't change (see Psalm 55:19 and James 1:17). His character, His promises, His laws and statutes - they remain the same. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, Solomon tells us that there is nothing new - everything that happens has happened before. I can see it, can you? If you look at ancient civilizations such as Sodom and Gomorrah, Ninevah, and Babylon, they got into similar sin situations as we see in modern culture.
Here are some of my thoughts about this question, as it relates to my own experiences. I hope that they can be applied for you as well.
1. It should not surprise people that I'm a Christian. My words and actions should reflect my identity as a child of God, brethren with his son, Jesus. I should be set apart and different in such a way that people know that I live for Christ. As such, I am very cautious about the words that leave my mouth and the tone of voice I use. Do I mess up and fail at times? Oh my, yes, I do, especially with tone of voice. But I apologize and ask for forgiveness, acknowledge why I shouldn't speak that way, and strive to do better. Same concept with actions. I actively choose not to seek after selfish goals, choosing instead to consider others and how my actions could affect them and not just myself. I am intentional about the music, movies, and t.v. shows I allow to enter my eyes, ears and mind because I don't want certain things on auto-replay in me. I want what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy to occupy my mind (Philippians 4:8).
2. Don't deny Christ. Sin is sin and should be called what it is - sin. Sometimes we re-word it and try to find "good points" to it to make it sound better or justify it. Nothing said or done will change the fact that it is sin. Nothing our government or society says or does will change it in God's eyes. It is still wrong and it will still reap punishment some day, whether that be acknowledged in this life or at the time of judgment. I admit that this can be a hard one for me because I don't like conflict. I don't want to "stir the waters." I don't want to seem disagreeable or judgmental, but I pray that I will have more confidence to stand for the truth, no matter what worldly comforts it may cost. There are Christians losing their jobs, reputations, and more because they are standing for Christ. Don't deny the truth. If we deny Christ, he will deny us in front of his Father. (Matthew 10:32-33 also typed below).
3. Don't sit on the fence. Unlike the way many view circumstances here, there is no gray area when it comes to obeying God. Not that I believe there should be for obedience with people either, but it seems we have worked gray into our decisions. With God, it's either yes or no, in or out, with Him or without Him. In Revelation 3:16 Jesus says "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I don't want to be "spit out" or "vomited" (other versions) by Jesus, removed forever from His presence! Do you? In Luke 11:23, Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Let me say it again - there is no gray. It is either one way or the other. Both can't be right and you must choose.
4. Pray! It is necessary to pray about situations when they arise. In fact, it would be helpful to pray before situations arise! Our actions may vary depending on the situation. There are times when God may want us to stand up and say something, and there are times when He may want us to stay quiet. There were even times when Jesus did not give a response to those questioning Him. We must ask God and listen to what He tells us to know how we are to respond. The answer may be in our best interest, but most importantly, it could be in the best interest of the other person(s). Maybe their heart isn't ready and telling them the truth won't penetrate them. Maybe it is something they need to seek on their own. I remember reading not long ago that some of the strongest lessons we learn about God are the ones we discover on our own - not ones we are told. This has been important in my mind as I teach my children, to pray about what I tell them and when, and what I leave open for them to discover on their own as they learn to read and study the Bible. I wait patiently to be amazed as they are amazed by His word.
In these days, I pray that I will be given the strength and confidence to be bold for Christ. I pray that if a situation arises, that I will speak as the Holy Spirit gives it to me to speak and not of myself. I pray that no matter what those of this world threaten to take from me, that I will not deny Christ. I will pray this for you as well.
A few more verses:
1 Peter 3:15-17 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Luke 9:24-25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
Luke 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)