A few months ago my neighbor’s teenage son was taking two of his friends to town. Wanting to display his driving skill and the power of the new SUV, he accelerated rapidly down our gravel road. About a hundred yards from their driveway, he lost control and hit an electrical pole, Knocking out about a four foot long section. The top of the pole then settled on top of the vehicle.
Obviously the boy had no intention of hitting the pole, but it was an unexpected consequence of his decision to show off. Other consequences were the ticket he got for reckless driving, not being able to take the car to school until it was fixed, and his family having to give up a vacation over spring break due to the damage to the car.
The boy only intended to impress his friends, and did not consider what possible other consequences could occur. Unfortunately, it is not just kids who act without considering other consequences. When congress took over GM and Chrysler to bail them out, no consideration was given.
Because of their financial straits, the two companies were expected to lay off around 20,000 employees. Thanks to the number of layoffs elsewhere, it was determined that this would have serious economic consequences, so both companies were taken over by the U.S. government. Under the terms of the takeover, most existing stock was simply declared worthless, and title accrued to the government. In a special agreement with the Union, stocks held by the 60,000 member UAW retirement fund would be honored.
Unintended consequences of the action included a huge increase in the Federal deficit, 2000 local dealerships were closed, seriously affecting many communities, and more than 120,000 nonunion jobs were lost. In addition, many retirement funds lost their entire investment in GM or Chrysler stock which would have only lost a portion even had they taken bankruptcy. To top it all off, taxes paid by those who lost their entire savings, and those who had no part in the company were used for the bailout, taking money away from other areas.
Ford Motor Company was in the same condition, but refused to submit to Federal takeover, with the result that while there was a temporary layoff, their investors have recouped almost all their losses, and no jobs have been permanently eliminated. The unintended consequences of the bailout have been far worse than the initial problem would have been.
Had there been any effort to look beyond the immediate result desired, possible consequences could have been seen, and action to prevent them would have been simple. By not accelerating so vigorously, the boy could have avoided hitting the power pole, avoiding all the subsequent consequences. By handling the bailout differently, at least 100,000 more people would have jobs, and there would be 2000 more local businesses operating. Over a million investors would still have part of their investment, and some other government programs would still have funding, even if they had done nothing.
Many times we take positions as Christians without considering the consequences as well. If we refuse to acknowledge our sin, we declare God to be a liar, as I John 1:10 tells us. “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” A lady wrote that no intelligent person would choose to go to hell, yet many refuse to believe in Jesus Christ, and John 3:36 declares, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” They have not deliberately chosen to go to hell, they have just ignored the consequences of not believing.
If we decide that Baptism is essential for salvation, then Paul’s statement in Romans 10:9-10, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation,” is false, and all Paul’s writings are suspect.
Teaching that if the wife is obeying her husband, only he will be punished for wrong doing takes away the personal responsibility of the wife before God. Teaching the church that they will be okay as long as they do what the pastor says takes away all personal responsibility, and makes the pastor the head of the Church, rather than Christ.
We need to examine the consequences of what we choose to believe. A false conclusion can only result from a false premise, so the consequences indicate the validity of our belief.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Stop Tripping People
A teen age boy was sprawled across a seat in the lobby. His legs blocked the walkways. When ever someone came along the boy would sit up and move his legs to enable them to get by. Finally, he decided it was too much hassle and just sat upright in his chair so he didn’t have to move so often.
At the other end of the lobby, a young man was sprawled in a similar position. After an older woman fell attempting to step over his legs, a security guard asked him to sit up so people could get past. He responded that it was a public place and he’d got there first so he had a right to sit how he wanted. When the police were called, he became quite angry, accusing them of ignoring his rights. One officer attempted to explain that while he had a right to sit there, he did not have the right to prevent others from safely doing their business. He was threatening to sue when he was escorted from the building.
No one asked the first boy to leave the building because he was concerned about the safety of others and was willing to sacrifice his own benefit for others. No one minded his taking whatever position he desired. The second young man, on the other hand, was only interested in his own comfort and pleasure, and angered a number of people. He lost the privilege of being in the building as a result.
A lot of people today are like the second young man, insisting they have a right to do what they want with no concern for anyone else. Like the young man, it may be necessary to take away their privilege for the good of others.. They have no right to ignore the rights of others.
Just as the first boy’s willingness to move out of the way was a sign of maturity, so a willingness to yield on such points indicates a level of spiritual maturity. We have a responsibility to show spiritual maturity ourselves, and to teach younger Christians to develop it. Romans 14:13 stresses that we must not cause another to stumble by demanding our way. It is sin for us to do so, even though we believed what we demanded to be right. God has given us a great deal of freedom, but we do not have the right to deprive others of their’s. God has not authorized us to set our own standards.
At the other end of the lobby, a young man was sprawled in a similar position. After an older woman fell attempting to step over his legs, a security guard asked him to sit up so people could get past. He responded that it was a public place and he’d got there first so he had a right to sit how he wanted. When the police were called, he became quite angry, accusing them of ignoring his rights. One officer attempted to explain that while he had a right to sit there, he did not have the right to prevent others from safely doing their business. He was threatening to sue when he was escorted from the building.
No one asked the first boy to leave the building because he was concerned about the safety of others and was willing to sacrifice his own benefit for others. No one minded his taking whatever position he desired. The second young man, on the other hand, was only interested in his own comfort and pleasure, and angered a number of people. He lost the privilege of being in the building as a result.
A lot of people today are like the second young man, insisting they have a right to do what they want with no concern for anyone else. Like the young man, it may be necessary to take away their privilege for the good of others.. They have no right to ignore the rights of others.
Just as the first boy’s willingness to move out of the way was a sign of maturity, so a willingness to yield on such points indicates a level of spiritual maturity. We have a responsibility to show spiritual maturity ourselves, and to teach younger Christians to develop it. Romans 14:13 stresses that we must not cause another to stumble by demanding our way. It is sin for us to do so, even though we believed what we demanded to be right. God has given us a great deal of freedom, but we do not have the right to deprive others of their’s. God has not authorized us to set our own standards.
Why Isn't It Like It Used To Be?
My first car was a 1956 Pontiac 9 passenger red and white station wagon. The paint was badly faded, so we repainted it right after getting it. I couldn’t wait to drive it. It belonged to me. No other vehicle has ever stirred the same excitement in me, but by the time I went to college, it was no longer so special to me. I had become used to having a car.
I am glad I don’t have to depend on that “56” Pontiac today. My Nissan is more dependable, gets better mileage, and the heater works better. Nevertheless, it isn’t nearly as exciting as the Pontiac was at first. My standards, needs and desires have changed with time, and excitement is less important than the other issues.
Far too often our modern society is still trying to get back the old excitement, not realizing that they have changed. Over the years, I have seen a number of guys try to obtain a similar excitement by buying some dream car, such as a convertible, or a Corvette. They never quite get that same feeling again. Most of them only use the dream car occasionally, and some are seriously disappointed by the reality. One friend had dreamed about a “68” mustang until he got one. After his first trip, he sold it, saying he’d never ridden in a more uncomfortable car.
Unfortunately, people don’t just seek that old excitement by buying a different car. People divorce a mate they have had a satisfactory marriage with for years because it is no longer exciting. They forget the dependability and stability of having someone there everyday who knows their faults and hope some one else younger or prettier will be more exciting. The resulting excitement level is lower, and the new wears off quicker, bringing them back to where they were in the first case. Some repeat the cycle over and over, always looking for what they had, rather than enjoying what they have.
I will never forget talking to a friend who was looking for an excitement in church like he first had when he accepted the Lord. He had repeatedly changed churches in his effort. The problem was not that the churches had changed, but that he was no longer a baby. Maturity took away some of the excitement, but in exchange, offered a much more stable life. The same level of excitement could no longer be obtained, and efforts to do so were preventing enjoying a much deeper and more satisfying Christian life.
A mark of real maturity is a change in what excites us. A fast, racy looking car is attractive to a teenager, but to a mature person, it is more exciting to be comfortable and dependable. Mature people prefer not to try to stuff six people in a two seat sport car. They’d rather have a car that will do what they need. The same is true in marriage and in selecting a church.
Some people devote their whole energy to trying to stay young. They dress and talk like teenagers. They drive cars more suited to a teenager. They indulge in activities of young people. No matter how hard they try they cannot avoid growing older, but many never mature, still pretending to be young. They look pretty silly. I think I’d rather be mature, not just old.
I am glad I don’t have to depend on that “56” Pontiac today. My Nissan is more dependable, gets better mileage, and the heater works better. Nevertheless, it isn’t nearly as exciting as the Pontiac was at first. My standards, needs and desires have changed with time, and excitement is less important than the other issues.
Far too often our modern society is still trying to get back the old excitement, not realizing that they have changed. Over the years, I have seen a number of guys try to obtain a similar excitement by buying some dream car, such as a convertible, or a Corvette. They never quite get that same feeling again. Most of them only use the dream car occasionally, and some are seriously disappointed by the reality. One friend had dreamed about a “68” mustang until he got one. After his first trip, he sold it, saying he’d never ridden in a more uncomfortable car.
Unfortunately, people don’t just seek that old excitement by buying a different car. People divorce a mate they have had a satisfactory marriage with for years because it is no longer exciting. They forget the dependability and stability of having someone there everyday who knows their faults and hope some one else younger or prettier will be more exciting. The resulting excitement level is lower, and the new wears off quicker, bringing them back to where they were in the first case. Some repeat the cycle over and over, always looking for what they had, rather than enjoying what they have.
I will never forget talking to a friend who was looking for an excitement in church like he first had when he accepted the Lord. He had repeatedly changed churches in his effort. The problem was not that the churches had changed, but that he was no longer a baby. Maturity took away some of the excitement, but in exchange, offered a much more stable life. The same level of excitement could no longer be obtained, and efforts to do so were preventing enjoying a much deeper and more satisfying Christian life.
A mark of real maturity is a change in what excites us. A fast, racy looking car is attractive to a teenager, but to a mature person, it is more exciting to be comfortable and dependable. Mature people prefer not to try to stuff six people in a two seat sport car. They’d rather have a car that will do what they need. The same is true in marriage and in selecting a church.
Some people devote their whole energy to trying to stay young. They dress and talk like teenagers. They drive cars more suited to a teenager. They indulge in activities of young people. No matter how hard they try they cannot avoid growing older, but many never mature, still pretending to be young. They look pretty silly. I think I’d rather be mature, not just old.
They’re Just Words
Remember kids saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”? The truth is that sticks and stones may just break the bones, but words can break the spirit. We are often upset about physical abuse of a child, but how much more damage is done verbally. Physical damage is often visible immediately, but verbal damage may not show up for a while.
Job’s friends were trying to help him understand the reasons for his problems, and yet he was hurt by their words. Job 19:2-3 describes the effect. “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.” In their efforts to discipline their children, well meaning parents can do great harm. A father I know repeatedly told his daughter she was no good until she got involved in illegal activity. She’d spent all her time up to that point trying to get his approval.
Even when they are not directed against the person hearing them, words can do great harm. Parents that disparage their mates destroy the relationship of their children to their other parent, and sometimes to the person they marry as well, teaching them by example to disrespect their parents. How many children of divorce have been deprived of a relationships with their father or mother because of this? It is the source of most prejudice.
God has a great deal to say about what we say. Matthew 12:34-37 teaches a great deal about the subject. “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
The words we say indicate the state of our heart. Both the choice of words, and our subject matter indicates what is in the heart. Curse words, sexual innuendo, and disparaging speech are equally indicative of a corrupt heart. Our judgment by God will be based on our speech, on every word. As David said in Psalm 139:4, “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” As a result, he prayed “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer,” in Psalm 19:14.
James 1:26 tells us that a person who doesn’t control his tongue’s religion is worthless regardless of any training or titles he may have. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” He is fooling himself by his claims. James 3:2 stresses that control of the tongue implies the ability to control other parts of one’s life. “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” Proverbs 21:23 declares, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Job’s friends were trying to help him understand the reasons for his problems, and yet he was hurt by their words. Job 19:2-3 describes the effect. “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words? These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.” In their efforts to discipline their children, well meaning parents can do great harm. A father I know repeatedly told his daughter she was no good until she got involved in illegal activity. She’d spent all her time up to that point trying to get his approval.
Even when they are not directed against the person hearing them, words can do great harm. Parents that disparage their mates destroy the relationship of their children to their other parent, and sometimes to the person they marry as well, teaching them by example to disrespect their parents. How many children of divorce have been deprived of a relationships with their father or mother because of this? It is the source of most prejudice.
God has a great deal to say about what we say. Matthew 12:34-37 teaches a great deal about the subject. “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
The words we say indicate the state of our heart. Both the choice of words, and our subject matter indicates what is in the heart. Curse words, sexual innuendo, and disparaging speech are equally indicative of a corrupt heart. Our judgment by God will be based on our speech, on every word. As David said in Psalm 139:4, “For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.” As a result, he prayed “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer,” in Psalm 19:14.
James 1:26 tells us that a person who doesn’t control his tongue’s religion is worthless regardless of any training or titles he may have. “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.” He is fooling himself by his claims. James 3:2 stresses that control of the tongue implies the ability to control other parts of one’s life. “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” Proverbs 21:23 declares, “Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.”
Is God Unfair?
Watching a PGA golf tournament, one is struck by the players adherence to the rules. A ball rolls to the edge of the water, and the golfer ends up standing in the water to make his next hit. Another ball rolls behind a tree and the golfer sacrifices a hit to get back onto the fairway. A less powerful hitter tees off in the same place as the most powerful one.
Most people would consider it unfair if a weaker hitter was allowed to tee off from a different location, or if some one whose ball landed in a bad location was allowed to move it to a more satisfactory lie. If such practices were allowed, people would probably not go to a tournament because it would no longer be a valid test of a player’s skills. No one thinks it is a lack of compassion that allows many players to be cut before the final rounds, or that the first place winner wins a much greater prize than the second place winner. A player who violates the rules is disqualified summarily, and his disqualification is only contested if there is evidence that he is not actually guilty.
We consider it right and proper that the PGA establish such rules to govern their tournament and determine who wins the game and the money. After all they are the ones sponsoring the tournament and providing the awards. If one is not willing to play by those standards, he cannot win the game. Undoubtedly, there are some who are not willing to develop the skills to play well who think the PGA’s rules are unfair, because they will not be able to win by cheating, but most people see them as fair.
God has established a set of rules to enter heaven. He promised that everyone who met those rules would win the prize. I am amazed that so many people who think it is okay for the PGA to set a standard of play for their tournaments think it is unfair for God to set a standard for winning his prize. They think he should adjust the standards to fit their situation, as if allowing some to tee off from a different location or move their ball to a better location. They refuse to accept Jesus statement in John 3:36. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
We don’t accuse the PGA of not being compassionate when a player is disqualified for breaking the rules, yet people accuse God of not being when he says everyone has to play by that rule. The only way of being truly fair is by demanding that everyone meet the same standard. Jesus said he was the door, and in John 10:1 he says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” There is nothing wrong with refusing to reward those who cheat.
Most people would consider it unfair if a weaker hitter was allowed to tee off from a different location, or if some one whose ball landed in a bad location was allowed to move it to a more satisfactory lie. If such practices were allowed, people would probably not go to a tournament because it would no longer be a valid test of a player’s skills. No one thinks it is a lack of compassion that allows many players to be cut before the final rounds, or that the first place winner wins a much greater prize than the second place winner. A player who violates the rules is disqualified summarily, and his disqualification is only contested if there is evidence that he is not actually guilty.
We consider it right and proper that the PGA establish such rules to govern their tournament and determine who wins the game and the money. After all they are the ones sponsoring the tournament and providing the awards. If one is not willing to play by those standards, he cannot win the game. Undoubtedly, there are some who are not willing to develop the skills to play well who think the PGA’s rules are unfair, because they will not be able to win by cheating, but most people see them as fair.
God has established a set of rules to enter heaven. He promised that everyone who met those rules would win the prize. I am amazed that so many people who think it is okay for the PGA to set a standard of play for their tournaments think it is unfair for God to set a standard for winning his prize. They think he should adjust the standards to fit their situation, as if allowing some to tee off from a different location or move their ball to a better location. They refuse to accept Jesus statement in John 3:36. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
We don’t accuse the PGA of not being compassionate when a player is disqualified for breaking the rules, yet people accuse God of not being when he says everyone has to play by that rule. The only way of being truly fair is by demanding that everyone meet the same standard. Jesus said he was the door, and in John 10:1 he says, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” There is nothing wrong with refusing to reward those who cheat.
Are We There Yet?
Have you ever traveled with a couple of undisciplined kids? The entire trip they complain about everything. The seat is uncomfortable. Their brother is touching them. They are tired. They’re hungry. It’s hot. It’s cold. After a while, they begin to make others uncomfortable, deliberately starting fights, screaming, or hitting or kicking others. Soon everyone in the car is upset, and wishes they’d not come.
Contrast that with children who sit quietly, watching the scenery, talking, or playing games. Having traveled in both situations, I can state unequivocally that the trip with the quiet kids was definitely more pleasant, both for the kids, and for the others in the vehicle. Interestingly, the second trip was far more uncomfortable in that the car was more crowded and didn’t have air conditioning.
Life is a journey. We can control how comfortable it is by our own actions and attitudes. If we focus on our own comfort and having our own way, life will be miserable. Problems are a fact of life. Job said “Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward.” If we are like the undisciplined child who sees only what he doesn’t like, life will be one long series of frustrations. If instead, we begin to look at other things, our life becomes quite enjoyable. Unhappy people do not have more problems, or worse problems, they just gripe more. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:”
How’s your trip going? I Peter 1:13-21 gives some suggestions to make it more enjoyable. Check out Http://www.BeingChristianToday.blogspot.com for more detail.
Contrast that with children who sit quietly, watching the scenery, talking, or playing games. Having traveled in both situations, I can state unequivocally that the trip with the quiet kids was definitely more pleasant, both for the kids, and for the others in the vehicle. Interestingly, the second trip was far more uncomfortable in that the car was more crowded and didn’t have air conditioning.
Life is a journey. We can control how comfortable it is by our own actions and attitudes. If we focus on our own comfort and having our own way, life will be miserable. Problems are a fact of life. Job said “Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward.” If we are like the undisciplined child who sees only what he doesn’t like, life will be one long series of frustrations. If instead, we begin to look at other things, our life becomes quite enjoyable. Unhappy people do not have more problems, or worse problems, they just gripe more. I Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:”
How’s your trip going? I Peter 1:13-21 gives some suggestions to make it more enjoyable. Check out Http://www.BeingChristianToday.blogspot.com for more detail.
Swinging Too Far
Remember how much fun just swinging in a swing was? When you were very small, you depended on someone else to push you, but as you got older you learned how to pump yourself. If you were like most people, got where you wanted to always go higher.
You learned that an extra push just as the swing started forward would give the maximum impetus, increasing your height with each swing. Before long, you learned there was a point where if you went higher, you fell for a moment before being caught by the swing, and that resulted in a loss of momentum and having to pump to get back to that point. The sensation of falling scared most people and we tried not to get quite to that point. Those who did try found it impossible to go past a certain point by pumping themselves.
You also learned that by having someone push you, it was possible to go higher, but the fall was more pronounced and more frightening. Some times the seat would slip out from under you leaving you supporting yourself by your hands. Falls and injuries were uncommon unless someone was pushing you and got to pushing to hard.
The same principles apply to life. In the economic field, the harder we push the wilder the swings are, but left alone, the economy can only go so far before it limits itself. Unfortunately governments throughout history have tried to give economies another push, eventually resulting in collapse of the economy and frequently in the collapse of the nation, because the government could push it beyond the safe limits. Rather than trying to push it higher, trying to slow it down would enable the economy to continue moving without collapsing.
In the area of morality, we see the swings historically from the temperance movement to the roaring twenties to the standards during the fifties. In the sixties was the “sexual revolution which swung to the more restrictive standards of the late 80’s. Today we have gone to the opposite extreme. In each case we have swung more violently to the extreme.
Again, the only way to stop the huge swings is to try to stop in the middle.
Politically we are seeing the same type cycle of extremism from extreme conservatism to extreme liberalism. The vast majority of the people are in the center and feel ignored by both parties, who are only interested by their own agendas.
This trend is especially troubling in the religious realm, where God has given specific guidelines in many areas, yet time and again every effort is made to push farther to one side or the other. One group wants to totally control every action, from hair styles and clothing, to style of music while another wants to eliminate any type standard. There are the extreme KJV 1611 only and those who believe that only part of the Bible is inspired.
Sadly, in every case, the scripture sets a standard and both extremes are outside those limits. Just as in the case of the swing, if we wish to stay within the boundaries laid down by God, we need to try to slow the movement down when it is moving in the direction we think it should go so we do not swing beyond the truth. Jesus was critical of both the Pharisees and the Sadducees, although their beliefs were diametrically opposed. Essentially, the Sadducees considered religion as part of their cultural identity, having little to do with real life, while the Pharisees believed mechanically doing religious actions would make them acceptable to God with no recognition of what God had intended by the standards he set down. Jewish society constantly swung back and forth between the two standards, but both were wrong.
Years ago, we heard that one must not be in the middle of the road. I grew up driving on narrow roads on the reservation, and what I learned rather quickly was that as long as you were in the middle of the road, you were on the road. It really didn’t matter very much whether you veered to far left or too far right, you were still in the ditch, not on the road. Jesus described the way to righteousness as a narrow road. The road that is wide enough for it to matter whether you are in the left lane or the right lane is the wrong road. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
We need to focus on staying in the center, rather than getting further to one side or the other. When we swing to far in either direction, we get into danger, whether we are talking about a swing, or a road.
You learned that an extra push just as the swing started forward would give the maximum impetus, increasing your height with each swing. Before long, you learned there was a point where if you went higher, you fell for a moment before being caught by the swing, and that resulted in a loss of momentum and having to pump to get back to that point. The sensation of falling scared most people and we tried not to get quite to that point. Those who did try found it impossible to go past a certain point by pumping themselves.
You also learned that by having someone push you, it was possible to go higher, but the fall was more pronounced and more frightening. Some times the seat would slip out from under you leaving you supporting yourself by your hands. Falls and injuries were uncommon unless someone was pushing you and got to pushing to hard.
The same principles apply to life. In the economic field, the harder we push the wilder the swings are, but left alone, the economy can only go so far before it limits itself. Unfortunately governments throughout history have tried to give economies another push, eventually resulting in collapse of the economy and frequently in the collapse of the nation, because the government could push it beyond the safe limits. Rather than trying to push it higher, trying to slow it down would enable the economy to continue moving without collapsing.
In the area of morality, we see the swings historically from the temperance movement to the roaring twenties to the standards during the fifties. In the sixties was the “sexual revolution which swung to the more restrictive standards of the late 80’s. Today we have gone to the opposite extreme. In each case we have swung more violently to the extreme.
Again, the only way to stop the huge swings is to try to stop in the middle.
Politically we are seeing the same type cycle of extremism from extreme conservatism to extreme liberalism. The vast majority of the people are in the center and feel ignored by both parties, who are only interested by their own agendas.
This trend is especially troubling in the religious realm, where God has given specific guidelines in many areas, yet time and again every effort is made to push farther to one side or the other. One group wants to totally control every action, from hair styles and clothing, to style of music while another wants to eliminate any type standard. There are the extreme KJV 1611 only and those who believe that only part of the Bible is inspired.
Sadly, in every case, the scripture sets a standard and both extremes are outside those limits. Just as in the case of the swing, if we wish to stay within the boundaries laid down by God, we need to try to slow the movement down when it is moving in the direction we think it should go so we do not swing beyond the truth. Jesus was critical of both the Pharisees and the Sadducees, although their beliefs were diametrically opposed. Essentially, the Sadducees considered religion as part of their cultural identity, having little to do with real life, while the Pharisees believed mechanically doing religious actions would make them acceptable to God with no recognition of what God had intended by the standards he set down. Jewish society constantly swung back and forth between the two standards, but both were wrong.
Years ago, we heard that one must not be in the middle of the road. I grew up driving on narrow roads on the reservation, and what I learned rather quickly was that as long as you were in the middle of the road, you were on the road. It really didn’t matter very much whether you veered to far left or too far right, you were still in the ditch, not on the road. Jesus described the way to righteousness as a narrow road. The road that is wide enough for it to matter whether you are in the left lane or the right lane is the wrong road. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
We need to focus on staying in the center, rather than getting further to one side or the other. When we swing to far in either direction, we get into danger, whether we are talking about a swing, or a road.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Only Real Baptist Distinctive
Baptists throughout history have stood for just one thing different from all other groups. All the other distinctive beliefs have resulted from that one distinctive belief. If you have followed the series, you probably already know that it is the belief that the Bible is the sole and final authority for all belief and practice.
Teachings about salvation, baptism, church leadership, the priesthood of the believer, and separation are all defined by that one doctrine. It is the doctrine that Baptists were willing to risk lives and liberty for. All the distinctives claimed by opponents to the Baptist position are the result of refusal to allow some group, whether governmental or religious, to decide what is to be believed, contrary to the Bible.
Historically, whether one is a Baptist or not depends entirely on whether one accepts the Bible as the only standard. By that standard, many who call themselves Baptists today are not, although they may believe the so called “Baptist Distinctives.” They are only Baptistic, or Baptist like, in that they believe some of the same doctrines, but not all.
This includes the Calvinist, who insists on accepting Calvin’s conclusions despite clear contradiction of scripture. It includes the pastor who insists he has the right to set the standards for his church. It includes the church which teaches some man’s writings rather than the scripture.
As a Baptist, I have frequently found it necessary to change my position from what I had been taught when I found that scripture did not support the position. I have had to take unpopular positions on many issues, because I could not demonstrate that the popular position was in fact scriptural. In some cases I have had to take opposing positions because the scripture indicated that the popular one was in fact wrong. I could not simply go along because the scripture made it very clear that I would be held personally accountable, and could not slough off the guilt on some other leader. I was personally responsible to know what God expected, and to obey it. Doctrinal conflicts are the result of a lack of study of the scriptures, and of not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.
I Corinthians 11:19 states that the controversies are necessary to identify who are acceptable to God. “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” By studying God’s word, we can learn what he demands and be acceptable according to II Timothy 2:15. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” As John 16:13 promises, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:” There will no longer be any basis for argument for those who have studied and are led of the Spirit. We will be in agreement.
Teachings about salvation, baptism, church leadership, the priesthood of the believer, and separation are all defined by that one doctrine. It is the doctrine that Baptists were willing to risk lives and liberty for. All the distinctives claimed by opponents to the Baptist position are the result of refusal to allow some group, whether governmental or religious, to decide what is to be believed, contrary to the Bible.
Historically, whether one is a Baptist or not depends entirely on whether one accepts the Bible as the only standard. By that standard, many who call themselves Baptists today are not, although they may believe the so called “Baptist Distinctives.” They are only Baptistic, or Baptist like, in that they believe some of the same doctrines, but not all.
This includes the Calvinist, who insists on accepting Calvin’s conclusions despite clear contradiction of scripture. It includes the pastor who insists he has the right to set the standards for his church. It includes the church which teaches some man’s writings rather than the scripture.
As a Baptist, I have frequently found it necessary to change my position from what I had been taught when I found that scripture did not support the position. I have had to take unpopular positions on many issues, because I could not demonstrate that the popular position was in fact scriptural. In some cases I have had to take opposing positions because the scripture indicated that the popular one was in fact wrong. I could not simply go along because the scripture made it very clear that I would be held personally accountable, and could not slough off the guilt on some other leader. I was personally responsible to know what God expected, and to obey it. Doctrinal conflicts are the result of a lack of study of the scriptures, and of not allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.
I Corinthians 11:19 states that the controversies are necessary to identify who are acceptable to God. “For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” By studying God’s word, we can learn what he demands and be acceptable according to II Timothy 2:15. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” As John 16:13 promises, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth:” There will no longer be any basis for argument for those who have studied and are led of the Spirit. We will be in agreement.
How Do You Define Love?
An old Rock song says, “I didn’t know what else to say, so I said, ‘I love You.’” Is that how a lot of bad marriages got started, because they just didn’t know what else to say? Just what is love? Is it a feeling? An attraction?
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th ed. defines love as: A deep and tender feeling of affection for or attachment or devotion to a person or persons; The expression of such feelings; A feeling of brotherhood or good will toward other people; A strong liking or interest in something; A strong passionate affection for someone, usually based on sexual attraction; Sexual passion or intercourse.
A mother defined it as the warm feeling I get when I look at my new baby. At two am., after three nights in a row of dealing with a colicky baby, those feelings may not be so warm and pleasant. The same one you feel so sweet and loving toward may also make you totally frustrated and angry moments later. Feelings tend to change as circumstances change. If those feelings are love, then love is a very fleeting, insubstantial thing. Sexual attraction is just as fleeting. It’ll be almost impossible to build a long term relationship on something that unstable.
Love is a frequent subject in the Bible. Husbands are commanded to love their wives in Ephesians 5:25, and Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another in John 13:34-35. Our feelings are not under direct control. We may be able to deny and suppress them but we can’t eliminate them. Since we can’t control our feelings, the love he is describing must not be a feeling, or we can’t obey the command. Paul said that it was the older women’s job to teach the younger women to love their husbands and their children in Titus 2:4, implying that such love can be learned.
Is love just a system of actions one can learn to do? One Psychologist claims that women give sex to get love, and men give love to get sex. Was the preacher who told a group of Bible College students they must bring their wives flowers every week right? When his children accused him of not doing so one pastor said he’d prove he did and brought in a bag of flour to prove it. Since guys often buy flowers to get what they want, buying flour every week would be better proof, but while certain actions such as giving of flowers are considered romantic, they are not love. A romantic dinner or other actions can be performed without any love.
I Corinthians 13 makes it clear that apparently loving actions can be done without love. It also gives a clear description of the actions produced by biblical love. Notice the various actions described in I Corinthians 13:4-7. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind;” It does not project it’s suffering on others. “Charity envieth not;” is not jealous of what the object of love has or receives, whether of respect, or of physical objects.
“Charity vaunteth not itself,” it does not try to promote itself. Love “is not puffed up,” it does not consider itself better than it’s object. Love is considerate of the feelings of the other, “Doth not behave itself unseemly.” Love is not selfish or self centered, it“seeketh not her own.” Love “is not easily provoked,” it is not characterized by anger, nor does it assume evil motivations or actions, such as cheating or hiding things. It “thinketh no evil;” Love“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;” it doesn’t gloat over some sin by it’s object, but accepts the person as they really are. It doesn’t deny their behavior, or their responsibility for their behavior.
Love “Beareth all things,” taking whatever comes in stride. It “believeth all things, hopeth all things,” never giving up on the person, even after repeated failures. It “endureth all things.”
The description has more to do with the underlying attitude than actual actions. We can learn to control our attitudes, and we can choose which attitude we want. The attitude chosen will have a major effect on the feelings. As one marriage counselor titled his book, To Love Is To Be Happy With.
How do you define love?
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th ed. defines love as: A deep and tender feeling of affection for or attachment or devotion to a person or persons; The expression of such feelings; A feeling of brotherhood or good will toward other people; A strong liking or interest in something; A strong passionate affection for someone, usually based on sexual attraction; Sexual passion or intercourse.
A mother defined it as the warm feeling I get when I look at my new baby. At two am., after three nights in a row of dealing with a colicky baby, those feelings may not be so warm and pleasant. The same one you feel so sweet and loving toward may also make you totally frustrated and angry moments later. Feelings tend to change as circumstances change. If those feelings are love, then love is a very fleeting, insubstantial thing. Sexual attraction is just as fleeting. It’ll be almost impossible to build a long term relationship on something that unstable.
Love is a frequent subject in the Bible. Husbands are commanded to love their wives in Ephesians 5:25, and Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another in John 13:34-35. Our feelings are not under direct control. We may be able to deny and suppress them but we can’t eliminate them. Since we can’t control our feelings, the love he is describing must not be a feeling, or we can’t obey the command. Paul said that it was the older women’s job to teach the younger women to love their husbands and their children in Titus 2:4, implying that such love can be learned.
Is love just a system of actions one can learn to do? One Psychologist claims that women give sex to get love, and men give love to get sex. Was the preacher who told a group of Bible College students they must bring their wives flowers every week right? When his children accused him of not doing so one pastor said he’d prove he did and brought in a bag of flour to prove it. Since guys often buy flowers to get what they want, buying flour every week would be better proof, but while certain actions such as giving of flowers are considered romantic, they are not love. A romantic dinner or other actions can be performed without any love.
I Corinthians 13 makes it clear that apparently loving actions can be done without love. It also gives a clear description of the actions produced by biblical love. Notice the various actions described in I Corinthians 13:4-7. “Charity suffereth long, and is kind;” It does not project it’s suffering on others. “Charity envieth not;” is not jealous of what the object of love has or receives, whether of respect, or of physical objects.
“Charity vaunteth not itself,” it does not try to promote itself. Love “is not puffed up,” it does not consider itself better than it’s object. Love is considerate of the feelings of the other, “Doth not behave itself unseemly.” Love is not selfish or self centered, it“seeketh not her own.” Love “is not easily provoked,” it is not characterized by anger, nor does it assume evil motivations or actions, such as cheating or hiding things. It “thinketh no evil;” Love“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;” it doesn’t gloat over some sin by it’s object, but accepts the person as they really are. It doesn’t deny their behavior, or their responsibility for their behavior.
Love “Beareth all things,” taking whatever comes in stride. It “believeth all things, hopeth all things,” never giving up on the person, even after repeated failures. It “endureth all things.”
The description has more to do with the underlying attitude than actual actions. We can learn to control our attitudes, and we can choose which attitude we want. The attitude chosen will have a major effect on the feelings. As one marriage counselor titled his book, To Love Is To Be Happy With.
How do you define love?
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