I am not sure about everyone else, but God sure finds venerable ways to bring me back from my meandering. Simply put; I am seeking restitution for my fractured faith. I have spent far too long clinging to contested differences of opinion. I have allowed my ignorance to overcome my open faith to the Lord.
Observing the strength of my faith now compared to its rigidity of years past, leaves me morose. I am sad to announce that my faith has become lacking and my morals have become weak. Because of this, the Lord has placed in my path clear signs to deter me from the path I now trudge. I see before me now, an intended path. On this path, I must find the humility in which I lack, while invoking the fortitude to tread steadfastly.
In the past, I have sanctimoniously viewed opposing opinions from mine, as testimony of that person's ignorance and self-actuated egocentrics. All of this, I have done without turning my eyes to a mirror. As I self-reflect now, I see the vileness others must have beheld. This acknowledgement saddens me deeply. I fear that I may have left scars not only on my own soul, but possibly on the hearts of others. Of this, I clutch regret and guilt.
To confirm my conviction of change, ask I for each person who may chance to read this, to remember me in their prayers. I am weak and foolish. To overcome these traits, I ask for your help.
Your brother in Christ,
-Brian
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Redundant Resolutions
In recent weeks, various people from my church have inquired upon my abscence from services. To some, I have been forthright and honest in my answers. Others, however, have no clue in the reason. While still others, could not care less nor have an interest in my absence. Regardless of the possible lack of interest, I will acquaint the true reason for recent omissions.
In the post, The Destructive Power of Dissension, I spoke of the abnormal amount of dissension in my church. In the year that has passed since, the few instances of improvement have been adumbrated by the copius quantity of negativity. Im my opinion, our church's leadership is not leading, instead, it is merely subjecting their opninions on the congregation. Disagreements will occur, but unless all parties involved decide to bend a little, issues will find a breaking point, leaving ill feelings between sanctions. The result is not only harmful to the church, but to the individuals as well.
For years, our church has had the same leadership. This of course, does not include our pastorship. Nevertheless, I must ask this: has our church improved during the last decade? I do not imply that our attendence has not grown since, because it has both risen and receded in that time. Rather, I am asking if the attendees of our church feel better in their relationship with God after they attend a service or while they become involved with the politics of the church? I for one do not, and have not in quite some time.
Let us dwell upon why this is so. If we stand aside and analyze our 'leadership,' what would we honestly have to say? Personally, I believe that they are doing what they think is best. Having said this, I ask: is their best good for the church or themselves and their comrades? The narcissism and arrogance of our 'leaders' make me ill.
I see genuinely good people at our church. The problem is that those good people have no authority. That power belongs to the same people year in and year out. I do not infer that our leadership is merely the members of SPRC, but rather those who are of influence in the church, as well. Names do not need to be mentioned, but who they are, is known.
These people, like most of us, are merely human. The difference lies with the fact that most of us know our limits and when our opinions should be pressed and when they should not. When in power for too long, people will begin to believe that their opinions matter above everyone else's. When this occurs, it is time to either abolish power or have it abolished. If we live above our influence it will be the demise of not only ourselves, but the very institution we were once dedicated to advocate. These people should step back and learn to seek God, rather than pursuing power in His name.
What it comes down to for me is this: I do not want to attend a church where the love of our Creator is diminished by the accession of self-righteousness. I wish to be in a place that inspires me to live by God's laws, rather than resenting His house.
Agree or not, this is how I feel.
-Brian
In the post, The Destructive Power of Dissension, I spoke of the abnormal amount of dissension in my church. In the year that has passed since, the few instances of improvement have been adumbrated by the copius quantity of negativity. Im my opinion, our church's leadership is not leading, instead, it is merely subjecting their opninions on the congregation. Disagreements will occur, but unless all parties involved decide to bend a little, issues will find a breaking point, leaving ill feelings between sanctions. The result is not only harmful to the church, but to the individuals as well.
For years, our church has had the same leadership. This of course, does not include our pastorship. Nevertheless, I must ask this: has our church improved during the last decade? I do not imply that our attendence has not grown since, because it has both risen and receded in that time. Rather, I am asking if the attendees of our church feel better in their relationship with God after they attend a service or while they become involved with the politics of the church? I for one do not, and have not in quite some time.
Let us dwell upon why this is so. If we stand aside and analyze our 'leadership,' what would we honestly have to say? Personally, I believe that they are doing what they think is best. Having said this, I ask: is their best good for the church or themselves and their comrades? The narcissism and arrogance of our 'leaders' make me ill.
I see genuinely good people at our church. The problem is that those good people have no authority. That power belongs to the same people year in and year out. I do not infer that our leadership is merely the members of SPRC, but rather those who are of influence in the church, as well. Names do not need to be mentioned, but who they are, is known.
These people, like most of us, are merely human. The difference lies with the fact that most of us know our limits and when our opinions should be pressed and when they should not. When in power for too long, people will begin to believe that their opinions matter above everyone else's. When this occurs, it is time to either abolish power or have it abolished. If we live above our influence it will be the demise of not only ourselves, but the very institution we were once dedicated to advocate. These people should step back and learn to seek God, rather than pursuing power in His name.
What it comes down to for me is this: I do not want to attend a church where the love of our Creator is diminished by the accession of self-righteousness. I wish to be in a place that inspires me to live by God's laws, rather than resenting His house.
Agree or not, this is how I feel.
-Brian
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Solace in Psalms
"O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." Psalm 63:1
These destitute words of longing sits well with my current circumstances. I read these words with solace. As I open my Bible for the first time in quite a while, I stare down at these words and think, 'Now that's how I feel!" As I keep reading, my eyes scan over Psalm 64:1-2, which reads,
Hear me, O god, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.
Of course I can use the language so poetically, but the meaning is what I have been trying to express. I continue on with Psalm 64:
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.
They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them?
They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.
But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down."
He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads with scorn.
Now I have to wonder if I am one of these very same people God will strike down. When a person is passionate about what leads them, it becomes easy to intertwine personal agendas with the original righteous agenda.
As I search the Psalms for answers, my eyes catch a simple word on the adjacent page. That word is, 'rest'. I read the passage and am shown the way through the word. I have been embracing animosity for too long and I needed something to assist in showing me the light. Then while reading scripture about the demise of my enemies, I see something that gives me hope and brings life into perspective. What scripture is it, you ask? It is Psalm 62 and it reads:
My should finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hears they curse.
Find rest, O my should, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, I will not be shaken.
This tells me what I have known all along. People may plot and scheme, but they should have no influence over my faith, because it has nothing to do with them. There is only God who can save me.
Let the bickering continue. For now I will fight for what is right. My faith will heal more with each good passing deed.
May you have a blessed day,
-Brian
These destitute words of longing sits well with my current circumstances. I read these words with solace. As I open my Bible for the first time in quite a while, I stare down at these words and think, 'Now that's how I feel!" As I keep reading, my eyes scan over Psalm 64:1-2, which reads,
Hear me, O god, as I voice my complaint; protect my life from the threat of the enemy. Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from that noisy crowd of evildoers.
Of course I can use the language so poetically, but the meaning is what I have been trying to express. I continue on with Psalm 64:
They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like deadly arrows. They shoot from ambush at the innocent man; they shoot at him suddenly, without fear.
They encourage each other in evil plans, they talk about hiding their snares; they say, "Who will see them?
They plot injustice and say, "We have devised a perfect plan!" Surely the mind and heart of man are cunning.
But God will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down."
He will turn their own tongues against them and bring them to ruin; all who see them will shake their heads with scorn.
Now I have to wonder if I am one of these very same people God will strike down. When a person is passionate about what leads them, it becomes easy to intertwine personal agendas with the original righteous agenda.
As I search the Psalms for answers, my eyes catch a simple word on the adjacent page. That word is, 'rest'. I read the passage and am shown the way through the word. I have been embracing animosity for too long and I needed something to assist in showing me the light. Then while reading scripture about the demise of my enemies, I see something that gives me hope and brings life into perspective. What scripture is it, you ask? It is Psalm 62 and it reads:
My should finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hears they curse.
Find rest, O my should, in God alone; my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, I will not be shaken.
This tells me what I have known all along. People may plot and scheme, but they should have no influence over my faith, because it has nothing to do with them. There is only God who can save me.
Let the bickering continue. For now I will fight for what is right. My faith will heal more with each good passing deed.
May you have a blessed day,
-Brian
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Destructive Power of Dissension
Months have passed since my last post and I have to admit that I have been a little too disgruntled to write passionately. My temperament is an obstacle which I can rarely maneuver around. You see, several months ago I began finding myself disagreeing with many things in my church. Allow me to clarify. To insinuate that I disagree with the doctrine would be misleading, rather it is the enormous amount of dissension which courses through the congregation. People civilly disagreeing is tolerable, but the frequent bickering and plotting is not what attracts me to this church.
I am allowing people to interfere with my time to worship. I know I should not. I see people in our church doing and saying things that should not be said or done outside of church, much less within the walls of God's house. The intent of revealing this is not for self-gratification, but rather as a means of explanation of the reasoning behind my lack of inspiration. I, like you, am a mere human. I make mistakes more than most. I know my limitations and my faults. My bravado and narcissism are kept in check more often than not.
I am simply tired of putting on my "happy face" at church when I am not happy there. I can honestly say that I do not feel God there. This is saying a lot, considering the lack prose which we enjoy by our pastor. Although the messages we hear weekly are inspiring, the tension in the church over-powers and smothers that inspiration.
The fact that I become tense, simply by walking in and seeing certain people, irritates me. What is more irritating, is the fact that I become irritated. I find it sad to see our church the way it is rather than the way it should be. The lack of Christian ethics there is intolerable. Seeing certain people becoming leaders in our church when they are not biding by God's rules, infuriates me. Seeing people persuading, raising, and encouraging their children to live a homosexual lifestyle is wrong. What is more wrong, is allowing that person to have an influence over other people's children without even pointing out to that person their errors, is simply absurd. People have never had a problem pointing out my faults. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but I do now. I learned from my critiques. Maybe other people need to learn from their own arbitrary critiques.
I know, I know...You are saying, "Good luck with that one," right? That is simply another point of frustration. It is simply impossible to make the "Me" generation see the light. Am I being too pessimistic? Probably, but frustration needs a vent and this is my vent. I have prayed and I have used positive thoughts, but cannot shake this animosity. I don't like what I am becoming. I am happy outside of church and become a pessimist once within the walls.
How do I shake this? Is this normal? I have been thinking of looking for a different church. I may possibly even leave Methodism. The structure of the church allows for too much trouble. I have not felt this far from God in years. What should I do? I haven't touched my Bible in for over a month. Maybe I should pick it up and search for the answers. I may be able to put on a fake smile and pretend to be righteous, but He who matters, knows better. I want the passion in my faith again.
If you have some advice, please share. Inspire me.
-Brian
I am allowing people to interfere with my time to worship. I know I should not. I see people in our church doing and saying things that should not be said or done outside of church, much less within the walls of God's house. The intent of revealing this is not for self-gratification, but rather as a means of explanation of the reasoning behind my lack of inspiration. I, like you, am a mere human. I make mistakes more than most. I know my limitations and my faults. My bravado and narcissism are kept in check more often than not.
I am simply tired of putting on my "happy face" at church when I am not happy there. I can honestly say that I do not feel God there. This is saying a lot, considering the lack prose which we enjoy by our pastor. Although the messages we hear weekly are inspiring, the tension in the church over-powers and smothers that inspiration.
The fact that I become tense, simply by walking in and seeing certain people, irritates me. What is more irritating, is the fact that I become irritated. I find it sad to see our church the way it is rather than the way it should be. The lack of Christian ethics there is intolerable. Seeing certain people becoming leaders in our church when they are not biding by God's rules, infuriates me. Seeing people persuading, raising, and encouraging their children to live a homosexual lifestyle is wrong. What is more wrong, is allowing that person to have an influence over other people's children without even pointing out to that person their errors, is simply absurd. People have never had a problem pointing out my faults. I may not have appreciated it at the time, but I do now. I learned from my critiques. Maybe other people need to learn from their own arbitrary critiques.
I know, I know...You are saying, "Good luck with that one," right? That is simply another point of frustration. It is simply impossible to make the "Me" generation see the light. Am I being too pessimistic? Probably, but frustration needs a vent and this is my vent. I have prayed and I have used positive thoughts, but cannot shake this animosity. I don't like what I am becoming. I am happy outside of church and become a pessimist once within the walls.
How do I shake this? Is this normal? I have been thinking of looking for a different church. I may possibly even leave Methodism. The structure of the church allows for too much trouble. I have not felt this far from God in years. What should I do? I haven't touched my Bible in for over a month. Maybe I should pick it up and search for the answers. I may be able to put on a fake smile and pretend to be righteous, but He who matters, knows better. I want the passion in my faith again.
If you have some advice, please share. Inspire me.
-Brian
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Sermon Ideas
This Sunday I will be the substitute pastor for two local churches. Because of the short notice, I am scrambling to find a fitting topic. If you have any ideas for topics or any helpful information, please post.
Thank you,
Brian
Thank you,
Brian
Monday, March 24, 2008
What You Believe
Because I control the conversations and ideas of this meager little blog, but am wanting other people's input, I am starting this topic in hopes that whomever may read this may state their views on any subject regarding their faith.
It has come clear that either those who read this either completely agree with me, or simply do not want to openly discuss what is on their mind. This blog is a learning tool. Please feel free to express your faith here. I would love to discuss our similarities and/or disagreements in views.
The pompous like me always freely give our opinion. With the emplacement of ideas and thoughts of others, I may in fact bring life to this withering blog.
-Brian
It has come clear that either those who read this either completely agree with me, or simply do not want to openly discuss what is on their mind. This blog is a learning tool. Please feel free to express your faith here. I would love to discuss our similarities and/or disagreements in views.
The pompous like me always freely give our opinion. With the emplacement of ideas and thoughts of others, I may in fact bring life to this withering blog.
-Brian
Christian Documentaries
This past weekend, I tried to find some time to unwind and find a semi-vegetative state of mind. Consequently I turned on the television and began channel surfing like a pro. While doing so, I stopped on a series on the Discovery Channel about the life of Jesus. I assumed the content would offer a bit of leisure time. Instead, I was disappointed.
Let me begin by saying that I understand the unfortunate truth that not every person in this world believes in Christ...or any religious entity, but when we Christians, who by the way are still in the majority, are in the midst of one of our most cherished times of the Christian faith, it would be nice to watch documentaries which actually reflect our views. This particular program explained the Christian belief in the death and resurrection of our savior, but went further and explained why some people believe it not to be true.
I would like to unbiased documentaries produced by historians who believe. I guess what I am discouraged with is the fact that they can't even produce on brief documentary without blaspheming or trying to disprove our faith. The explanations they give are absurd with no proof. If the producers do not believe what we believe, then they should find another topic rather than defacing what we hold dear.
Am I the only one who gets irritated with this? Maybe so.
-Brian
Let me begin by saying that I understand the unfortunate truth that not every person in this world believes in Christ...or any religious entity, but when we Christians, who by the way are still in the majority, are in the midst of one of our most cherished times of the Christian faith, it would be nice to watch documentaries which actually reflect our views. This particular program explained the Christian belief in the death and resurrection of our savior, but went further and explained why some people believe it not to be true.
I would like to unbiased documentaries produced by historians who believe. I guess what I am discouraged with is the fact that they can't even produce on brief documentary without blaspheming or trying to disprove our faith. The explanations they give are absurd with no proof. If the producers do not believe what we believe, then they should find another topic rather than defacing what we hold dear.
Am I the only one who gets irritated with this? Maybe so.
-Brian
Monday, March 17, 2008
My Life as of Late
Wow, it really doesn't seem like two months have passed since I've last written in this blog. For those of you who are curious, I will explain my absence.
Near the middle of January, I was unfortunate enough to have a viral infection. Nothing serious, but it did put me down for a week or so. Shortly after, the medical supply firm I work for began making drastic changes...luckily, the were positive changes for myself. For the last month, we have been preparing, moving, and opening a new office. This is where most of my time has been spent.
Now, with the girls in dance and soccer, and my busy work schedule, I have found no time to write or even prepare many ideas for this blog.
Thursday, I will be portraying St. Peter in our church's production of "The Living Last Supper," inspired by Leonardo's fresco. I merely have a seven minute monologue then spend the remaining to the production in an awkward pose, while counting the seconds before I can relax.
I'm hoping to Begin finding more time to write after this week. In fact, I am determined to find time this week to write. Until then, I hope you and yours has a blessed week.
-Brian
Near the middle of January, I was unfortunate enough to have a viral infection. Nothing serious, but it did put me down for a week or so. Shortly after, the medical supply firm I work for began making drastic changes...luckily, the were positive changes for myself. For the last month, we have been preparing, moving, and opening a new office. This is where most of my time has been spent.
Now, with the girls in dance and soccer, and my busy work schedule, I have found no time to write or even prepare many ideas for this blog.
Thursday, I will be portraying St. Peter in our church's production of "The Living Last Supper," inspired by Leonardo's fresco. I merely have a seven minute monologue then spend the remaining to the production in an awkward pose, while counting the seconds before I can relax.
I'm hoping to Begin finding more time to write after this week. In fact, I am determined to find time this week to write. Until then, I hope you and yours has a blessed week.
-Brian
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Out of Pocket
Sorry for the lack of new blogs recently. I have spent the last week or so feeling under the weather. I have several topics I am wanting to write about and will begin sometime this weekend.
I hope all is well.
-Brian
I hope all is well.
-Brian
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Day of the Lord
"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire, says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the loses of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the Lord Almighty.
-Malachi 4:1-3
He said it, I believe it...do you? Will you be an evildoer who will pay the consequences for not repenting? Fix what is broken in your life. Live like you never knew you could. Live for your maker and live forever.
"You have wearied the Lord with your words...by saying, "All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord..."
"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."
"I, the Lord do not change." Malachi 2-3
I am afraid to go into what God says about tithing in the book of Malachi. Robbing God is not a pleasant thought.
To me, there are no books in the bible which speaks more bleakly than Malachi, Jude, and parts of Timothy. If reading these does not put a fire under your pants, then I am afraid to see what will.
-Brian
-Malachi 4:1-3
He said it, I believe it...do you? Will you be an evildoer who will pay the consequences for not repenting? Fix what is broken in your life. Live like you never knew you could. Live for your maker and live forever.
"You have wearied the Lord with your words...by saying, "All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord..."
"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap."
"I, the Lord do not change." Malachi 2-3
I am afraid to go into what God says about tithing in the book of Malachi. Robbing God is not a pleasant thought.
To me, there are no books in the bible which speaks more bleakly than Malachi, Jude, and parts of Timothy. If reading these does not put a fire under your pants, then I am afraid to see what will.
-Brian
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
The Intentional Zealot
If you watch the evening news, no matter on which station, you will often hear a newscaster speak of "those evangelicals." They say it as if it is something horrific or at the very least absurd. Now that we are in the midst of an election year, the phrase tends to be repeated even more so. Allow me to ask this of you: When you hear the phrase, 'the evangelical Christians,' do you believed it is being used in a negative connotation? I believe that it is.
Speaking for myself, I am offended everytime I hear it used in negative a manner. I am a Christian. I am not perfect, but I do my best to be Christ-like. I would love to be labled a zealot, but am afraid I do not possess the zeal to be labeled as such.
In Titus 2:13-14 it is written, "...our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people who are his very own, who are zealous for what is good." There is no greater good than our Lord. We should be zealous in spreading the Good News.
Maybe we should devote more attention on becoming intentional zealots. In order to live up to the priviledge to call ourselves Christians, we should disseminate our Holy gifts to evangelize. The time for practicing soft Christianity needs to come to an end. The rewards will most definately out weigh the costs.
May God grace you and protect you,
-Brian
Speaking for myself, I am offended everytime I hear it used in negative a manner. I am a Christian. I am not perfect, but I do my best to be Christ-like. I would love to be labled a zealot, but am afraid I do not possess the zeal to be labeled as such.
In Titus 2:13-14 it is written, "...our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people who are his very own, who are zealous for what is good." There is no greater good than our Lord. We should be zealous in spreading the Good News.
Maybe we should devote more attention on becoming intentional zealots. In order to live up to the priviledge to call ourselves Christians, we should disseminate our Holy gifts to evangelize. The time for practicing soft Christianity needs to come to an end. The rewards will most definately out weigh the costs.
May God grace you and protect you,
-Brian
Monday, January 14, 2008
Better in than Out
Jesus said in Mark 7:15-23:
"Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'"
"Don't you see that nothing that that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it does not go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body."
"What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' From from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "
Is this message simply instructions of dietary habits of Jews of the time or was it meant metaphorically? Does this mean I can eat all the pizza I want, because all I really need to worry about is what lies within my heart?
Maybe, but I believe this parable may have had its literal meaning, but also includes a metaphorical meaning. In my reasoning, I take it to be a sign of our times. Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with immoral messages. In some cases of political correctness, we are coerced into believing immoral behaviors are appropriate. I believe Jesus was warning us about just these things. I believe he was telling us that no matter what is crammed down our throats, we should allow it to pass through us while keeping little from the experience.
We have a guidebook to lead us through our life. We cannot and should not allow immoral entities to persuade us otherwise.
What do you think?
-Brian
"Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.'"
"Don't you see that nothing that that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? For it does not go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body."
"What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' From from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' "
Is this message simply instructions of dietary habits of Jews of the time or was it meant metaphorically? Does this mean I can eat all the pizza I want, because all I really need to worry about is what lies within my heart?
Maybe, but I believe this parable may have had its literal meaning, but also includes a metaphorical meaning. In my reasoning, I take it to be a sign of our times. Everywhere we turn, we are bombarded with immoral messages. In some cases of political correctness, we are coerced into believing immoral behaviors are appropriate. I believe Jesus was warning us about just these things. I believe he was telling us that no matter what is crammed down our throats, we should allow it to pass through us while keeping little from the experience.
We have a guidebook to lead us through our life. We cannot and should not allow immoral entities to persuade us otherwise.
What do you think?
-Brian
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Valediction of Vows
Have you noticed that it is almost becoming the norm of our society to go through marriages as you often as you buy a car? The issue is quite frightening when considering the maleffects it places on our children. As you are aware, we are living in the midst of the "Me" generation. The disturbing effects of today's casual parenting styles are simply allowing the trends to become more dreary.
If you ask me, I believe we can lay blame on several fronts. The baby-boomers were raised in an era which was very anti-violence...or so they liked to tell themselves so. We can also look to the infamous Dr. Spock, who preached that children should not be spanked, instead reasoned with. As the decades have past and the generations have worsened, Dr. Spock on his death bed admitted he was wrong. If that is not a kick in the pants, I don't know what is. Spend decades telling our nation how to parent, then after your philosophy has caused irreversible social damage, then simply apologize and die. But when it comes down to brass tacks, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Too many people began parenting by the wrong book. Now we are stuck with the result.
Children are having children. We live in a society where anything goes as long as it makes you feel good. Consequences means little until it is too late to make corrections. Marriages without love occurs and near inevitable divorce follows. But why divorce? The answer is simple to say but difficult to hear...the lack of love for our Maker.
See, when we cannot find love for Him who has created us, it is impossible to love anyone else. Without God, there is not love. Greed, narcissism, lack of self-control replaces the void where love should have been.
Oh sure, there are people who will not agree with me nor like what I am writing. But do not fool yourself. A marriage without God is a marriage doomed to end or doomed to be unhappy. We are unable to do God's will as explained in Leviticus 19:18, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge...but love your neighbor as yourself." Who can love their neighbor as we do ourselves? None of us, but when we do not put forth the effort to attempt forgiveness and love others, we cannot expect to live a meaningful life.
When we allow sefishness and pride to rule our every emotion and decisions, we cannot see clearly enough to forgive, much less love. If not controlled, your spouse may not be the only one hurt. If there are children in a broken marriage, more control and consideration must given. Slanderous words about a spouse or ex-spouse in front of children will lead to excessive anger, frequent outbursts, depression, and reclussiveness. In the longrun, children will pay the ultimate price. Instead of learning to be happy from their parents, they learn hostility, anger, and resentment. In doing so, you are clearly disobeying the Word. It is stated in Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers do not exasperate (stir up anger in) your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
I have to question the faith of those who behave in such a way. If they are Christians, why do they behave in such this way? Surely if they were devout, they would not even consider behaving so. Fathers should always be an example of the type of husband their daughters should seek, and wives should be an example of the type of wife their sons should seek. They should guide there children together. Children need both, a father and a mother, no matter what you hear on Oprah.
With the knowledge that we are separated from God due to our sinful nature, I am aware that none of us are perfect. Some however, may be closer to God's grace than others. If you are one of these people, I pray that you become the fisher of men as you should. Let us make a conscious effort to better our children and bring them and their parents to Jesus Christ.
-Brian
If you ask me, I believe we can lay blame on several fronts. The baby-boomers were raised in an era which was very anti-violence...or so they liked to tell themselves so. We can also look to the infamous Dr. Spock, who preached that children should not be spanked, instead reasoned with. As the decades have past and the generations have worsened, Dr. Spock on his death bed admitted he was wrong. If that is not a kick in the pants, I don't know what is. Spend decades telling our nation how to parent, then after your philosophy has caused irreversible social damage, then simply apologize and die. But when it comes down to brass tacks, we have no one to blame but ourselves. Too many people began parenting by the wrong book. Now we are stuck with the result.
Children are having children. We live in a society where anything goes as long as it makes you feel good. Consequences means little until it is too late to make corrections. Marriages without love occurs and near inevitable divorce follows. But why divorce? The answer is simple to say but difficult to hear...the lack of love for our Maker.
See, when we cannot find love for Him who has created us, it is impossible to love anyone else. Without God, there is not love. Greed, narcissism, lack of self-control replaces the void where love should have been.
Oh sure, there are people who will not agree with me nor like what I am writing. But do not fool yourself. A marriage without God is a marriage doomed to end or doomed to be unhappy. We are unable to do God's will as explained in Leviticus 19:18, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge...but love your neighbor as yourself." Who can love their neighbor as we do ourselves? None of us, but when we do not put forth the effort to attempt forgiveness and love others, we cannot expect to live a meaningful life.
When we allow sefishness and pride to rule our every emotion and decisions, we cannot see clearly enough to forgive, much less love. If not controlled, your spouse may not be the only one hurt. If there are children in a broken marriage, more control and consideration must given. Slanderous words about a spouse or ex-spouse in front of children will lead to excessive anger, frequent outbursts, depression, and reclussiveness. In the longrun, children will pay the ultimate price. Instead of learning to be happy from their parents, they learn hostility, anger, and resentment. In doing so, you are clearly disobeying the Word. It is stated in Ephesians 6:4, "Fathers do not exasperate (stir up anger in) your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."
I have to question the faith of those who behave in such a way. If they are Christians, why do they behave in such this way? Surely if they were devout, they would not even consider behaving so. Fathers should always be an example of the type of husband their daughters should seek, and wives should be an example of the type of wife their sons should seek. They should guide there children together. Children need both, a father and a mother, no matter what you hear on Oprah.
With the knowledge that we are separated from God due to our sinful nature, I am aware that none of us are perfect. Some however, may be closer to God's grace than others. If you are one of these people, I pray that you become the fisher of men as you should. Let us make a conscious effort to better our children and bring them and their parents to Jesus Christ.
-Brian
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Content of Christian Character
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
-Martin Luther King, Jr. August 18, 1963
For those who know me, I have my bachelor's degree in history, and Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most impressive historical figures to study and admire. This little excerpt from King's, "I have a dream," speech, addresses a trait I want to ponder. The trait I am interested in is character.
Character is defined as a description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities. So, when determining one's character, in all probability we would, or at least should, search for positive attributes. Because this blog views the world in a Biblical, or more particularly, a specific Christian viewpoint, I will put Dr. King's dream under Christian scrutiny.
Romans 5:3-5 says that, "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces proven character and proven character produces hope." These versus tell us that as we continue to have faith and hope in God, He will use that perseverance in seeking Him to help build our character as Christians.
Now I wonder how many of us continue to persevere to find His favor. In reference to Dr. King, I find that most people in today's society find it easier to judge people not by the color of their skin. But it is apparent that the difficulty lies within the judging of people by the content of their character, fore the lack of Christian character lies deeply rooted into the souls of most. Finding someone who possesses Christian values can be difficult, much less finding someone who has a great deal of Christian character.
There are many who believe that God does indeed exist, but there are few who live for Him.
"I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live." -MLK. Have you discovered Someone you would die for? If not, you may not be fit for eternal life.
-Brian
-Martin Luther King, Jr. August 18, 1963
For those who know me, I have my bachelor's degree in history, and Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most impressive historical figures to study and admire. This little excerpt from King's, "I have a dream," speech, addresses a trait I want to ponder. The trait I am interested in is character.
Character is defined as a description of a person's attributes, traits, or abilities. So, when determining one's character, in all probability we would, or at least should, search for positive attributes. Because this blog views the world in a Biblical, or more particularly, a specific Christian viewpoint, I will put Dr. King's dream under Christian scrutiny.
Romans 5:3-5 says that, "...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces proven character and proven character produces hope." These versus tell us that as we continue to have faith and hope in God, He will use that perseverance in seeking Him to help build our character as Christians.
Now I wonder how many of us continue to persevere to find His favor. In reference to Dr. King, I find that most people in today's society find it easier to judge people not by the color of their skin. But it is apparent that the difficulty lies within the judging of people by the content of their character, fore the lack of Christian character lies deeply rooted into the souls of most. Finding someone who possesses Christian values can be difficult, much less finding someone who has a great deal of Christian character.
There are many who believe that God does indeed exist, but there are few who live for Him.
"I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live." -MLK. Have you discovered Someone you would die for? If not, you may not be fit for eternal life.
-Brian
Monday, January 7, 2008
Inspiration Through Faith
"When I was abandoned by everybody, in my greatest weakness, trembling and afraid of death, when I was persecuted by this wicked world, then I often felt most surely the divine power in the name, Jesus Christ...So, by God's grace, I will live and die for that name."
-Martin Luther
When times come and I find myself in doubt and my faith has been questioned, I persevere in finding the resolve to seek inspiration from those whose faith I admire. Martin Luther, in this quote, summarized my feelings. When troubled times seek to depress me, I find comfort in my Savior. "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He Cares for those who trust in Him" -Nahum 1:7.
I have been questioning the virulent nature of sins I have committed. The time has come for me to set aside the reasoning of sin and to concentrate on the forgiveness of them. So then, to begin finding resolution to this personal crises, I turn to Romans 6:1-4, which reads, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Paul discusses further in chapters seven our struggle with sin. In chapter 8:38, he explains the salvation of believers when he writes, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers...in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." When we give our selves to Christ, there is nothing that can come between us. The love our Father has is eternal.
What next? With a firm foundation I go. It is time to wash the feet of others (John 13:12-17).
Keep with Christ in all you do.
-Brian
-Martin Luther
When times come and I find myself in doubt and my faith has been questioned, I persevere in finding the resolve to seek inspiration from those whose faith I admire. Martin Luther, in this quote, summarized my feelings. When troubled times seek to depress me, I find comfort in my Savior. "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He Cares for those who trust in Him" -Nahum 1:7.
I have been questioning the virulent nature of sins I have committed. The time has come for me to set aside the reasoning of sin and to concentrate on the forgiveness of them. So then, to begin finding resolution to this personal crises, I turn to Romans 6:1-4, which reads, "What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Paul discusses further in chapters seven our struggle with sin. In chapter 8:38, he explains the salvation of believers when he writes, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers...in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." When we give our selves to Christ, there is nothing that can come between us. The love our Father has is eternal.
What next? With a firm foundation I go. It is time to wash the feet of others (John 13:12-17).
Keep with Christ in all you do.
-Brian
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Possibly Apostasy
This weekend I joined fellow church leaders to a retreat to discuss various aspects of our church. I shared a room with our music director (who is fast becoming a dear friend). In one of our many discussions, he enlightened me with a copy of Beware the Pretenders, by John MacArthur, Jr. The book, which is a mere ninety-six pages, opened my eyes to a side of myself which is bringing concern like none I have had in years.
I am fully aware that I am often on a soap-box and think I truly know the truth of life. I become content in my faith and readily point to the flaws in behavior and the faith of others. As I do when working on behavioral and mental flaws, I train myself to correct them. After reading this tiny book with such a big message, I see myself in a different light. I am finding myself questioning my faith and reasoning. Self-evaluation often allows me to see the light, but I am truly wondering whether or not I am the devout man I have tried to become.
Am I one of the many of whom Jude has written? I am almost afraid to look so deep into myself to answer this question. I am putting forth effort to live the life I should. I adversely overcome obstacles in my life and faith, but continue to sin. Oftentimes repeating the same sins on such a regular basis that I am not even aware that I am committing them. By the shear repetition of sins do I deny my faith in the Lord?
After reading the book of Jude, my mind drifted to 2 Timothy 3:1-4, which says:
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
What could be more frightening than this statement? This describes me, no matter how much I deny it. I am often vain, which is loving myself. I strive and work for more money and do not tithe as I should. A full ten percent is demanded and I do not give ten percent. I often boast of various aspects of my life. I too often am proud of what I have accomplished, no matter how inconsequential. I am abusive at times in my language, and by neglect, I am abusive to my faith. I have a life full of disobedience to my parents. I take too many things in my life for granted, which shows how ungrateful I am. By being all of these things, I am being unholy. I love my family and friends, but struggle with loving my enemies. I do not forgive as easily as I should. Slanderous words come from both my mouth and pen. I am too hasty and rash on many decisions. Conceitedness goes along with my vanity. I love selfish pleasure, which includes constant entertainment. This includes watching violent movies instead of devoting that time to Christ.
With all of these faults, can I be the Christian I claim? Will I see the gates of heaven? I do not devote my life to Christ in the manner which is demanded. I often behave in ways I should not and always look to see what I am getting in return. These are not behaviors of a Christian, are they?
By acknowledging this abundance of misgivings, how do I change them? Can I change them? I try to be all I should, but fail miserably. Will I be shown mercy simply because I have put for a minuscule amount of effort? I hope so.
I am concerned that, unlike Lot, I will not survive my Sodom and Gomorrah. I ask, how many will? I do not believe I am an apostate, but I am a sinner who struggles blatantly with evil and loses. I may not be much better than an apostate.
May God's graces bless you,
Brian
I am fully aware that I am often on a soap-box and think I truly know the truth of life. I become content in my faith and readily point to the flaws in behavior and the faith of others. As I do when working on behavioral and mental flaws, I train myself to correct them. After reading this tiny book with such a big message, I see myself in a different light. I am finding myself questioning my faith and reasoning. Self-evaluation often allows me to see the light, but I am truly wondering whether or not I am the devout man I have tried to become.
Am I one of the many of whom Jude has written? I am almost afraid to look so deep into myself to answer this question. I am putting forth effort to live the life I should. I adversely overcome obstacles in my life and faith, but continue to sin. Oftentimes repeating the same sins on such a regular basis that I am not even aware that I am committing them. By the shear repetition of sins do I deny my faith in the Lord?
After reading the book of Jude, my mind drifted to 2 Timothy 3:1-4, which says:
"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God."
What could be more frightening than this statement? This describes me, no matter how much I deny it. I am often vain, which is loving myself. I strive and work for more money and do not tithe as I should. A full ten percent is demanded and I do not give ten percent. I often boast of various aspects of my life. I too often am proud of what I have accomplished, no matter how inconsequential. I am abusive at times in my language, and by neglect, I am abusive to my faith. I have a life full of disobedience to my parents. I take too many things in my life for granted, which shows how ungrateful I am. By being all of these things, I am being unholy. I love my family and friends, but struggle with loving my enemies. I do not forgive as easily as I should. Slanderous words come from both my mouth and pen. I am too hasty and rash on many decisions. Conceitedness goes along with my vanity. I love selfish pleasure, which includes constant entertainment. This includes watching violent movies instead of devoting that time to Christ.
With all of these faults, can I be the Christian I claim? Will I see the gates of heaven? I do not devote my life to Christ in the manner which is demanded. I often behave in ways I should not and always look to see what I am getting in return. These are not behaviors of a Christian, are they?
By acknowledging this abundance of misgivings, how do I change them? Can I change them? I try to be all I should, but fail miserably. Will I be shown mercy simply because I have put for a minuscule amount of effort? I hope so.
I am concerned that, unlike Lot, I will not survive my Sodom and Gomorrah. I ask, how many will? I do not believe I am an apostate, but I am a sinner who struggles blatantly with evil and loses. I may not be much better than an apostate.
May God's graces bless you,
Brian
Monday, December 31, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
Christian Complacency
For Christmas, I received the book Being the Body, by Charles Colson. While reading the first chapter, I noticed that Colson discussed the complacency of Americans before September 11th. This made me think of the complacency of not just Americans, but of Christians as a whole. Maybe we have become too comfortable with our lives. Maybe we do take our faith and our purpose for this life for granted.
As usual, my brother and I were discussing a similar topic just today. Have we reached the point in today's society that we take God for granted? Do people truly believe that they can make it with Him? I believe so. Technology is beginning to replace the need for God in today's society. Every time the television is turned on, we become indoctrinated into the grand scheme of the world. Arrogance is abundant. No one has time for God anymore. Well, that is until a cataclysmic event happens in their lives.
This reminds me of a story. Several years ago when I was attending OU, there was a gentleman standing outside of Dale Hall handing out free copies of the New Testament. You know, those small versions that easily fit into your back pocket. I remember seeing this man try to hand one to a student passing by. The student informed him that, "I don't believe in that stuff." The man with the Word quipped, "There are a lot of people in Hell right now who believed the same thing."
I think often of those who do not believe. I wonder how many on their death beds repent and come to the Lord. Most I would assume. Then I wonder if they are allowed to enter the Kingdom. I would bet the answer would be yes. They may not have had a long standing relationship with Christ, but they did receive him nonetheless. This proves that the Lord is more loving than I, because I can honestly say that I would struggle to find love for a person who has undermined me their whole life then only accept my ways in the face of condemnation. But I guess that is another example of my humanity.
As for complacent Christians, well now, where do I begin? It is probably easy to become complacent in faith these days. We are told on a daily basis that every sin we commit is okay. It's just a mistake. And that being sinful is okay. Just let everyone be to do as they wish. Do not impose your views....especially if you are Christian. When did we all become so narcissistic?
When my brother and I spoke today, he said something that I have often thought myself. Have you ever had something bad happen to you and then have someone say, "It's okay, everything happens for a reason" or "God has other plans for you." This drives me insane as well. For one thing, if I, for example, jump out in front of a moving car and get hit, don't tell me that everything happens for a reason and wonder why God let something like this happen. This is about free will. He allowed me to make a dumb decision and I have to pay the consequences.
I am a prime example of the God has other plans for you theory. Last summer I had tried to obtain a goal I felt the Lord wanted me to acheive. I prayed about it, my wife and children prayed about it, and I knew this was what I was meant to do. After I was denied the path in which was intended for me, I had several people tell me that God must have other plans for me. I believe that He had plans for me, but those who had control of the situation did not ask Him what He had planned for me. Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows?
My point is that sometimes we may believe that we are being good Christians, without praying and asking if we are correct in this assumption. I wonder if we pray too little and think too much. I know this is one of my many faults. I make too many decisions without getting guidance. No matter how sure I am of a decision, I should still take the matter up with the Lord.
God Bless,
Brian
As usual, my brother and I were discussing a similar topic just today. Have we reached the point in today's society that we take God for granted? Do people truly believe that they can make it with Him? I believe so. Technology is beginning to replace the need for God in today's society. Every time the television is turned on, we become indoctrinated into the grand scheme of the world. Arrogance is abundant. No one has time for God anymore. Well, that is until a cataclysmic event happens in their lives.
This reminds me of a story. Several years ago when I was attending OU, there was a gentleman standing outside of Dale Hall handing out free copies of the New Testament. You know, those small versions that easily fit into your back pocket. I remember seeing this man try to hand one to a student passing by. The student informed him that, "I don't believe in that stuff." The man with the Word quipped, "There are a lot of people in Hell right now who believed the same thing."
I think often of those who do not believe. I wonder how many on their death beds repent and come to the Lord. Most I would assume. Then I wonder if they are allowed to enter the Kingdom. I would bet the answer would be yes. They may not have had a long standing relationship with Christ, but they did receive him nonetheless. This proves that the Lord is more loving than I, because I can honestly say that I would struggle to find love for a person who has undermined me their whole life then only accept my ways in the face of condemnation. But I guess that is another example of my humanity.
As for complacent Christians, well now, where do I begin? It is probably easy to become complacent in faith these days. We are told on a daily basis that every sin we commit is okay. It's just a mistake. And that being sinful is okay. Just let everyone be to do as they wish. Do not impose your views....especially if you are Christian. When did we all become so narcissistic?
When my brother and I spoke today, he said something that I have often thought myself. Have you ever had something bad happen to you and then have someone say, "It's okay, everything happens for a reason" or "God has other plans for you." This drives me insane as well. For one thing, if I, for example, jump out in front of a moving car and get hit, don't tell me that everything happens for a reason and wonder why God let something like this happen. This is about free will. He allowed me to make a dumb decision and I have to pay the consequences.
I am a prime example of the God has other plans for you theory. Last summer I had tried to obtain a goal I felt the Lord wanted me to acheive. I prayed about it, my wife and children prayed about it, and I knew this was what I was meant to do. After I was denied the path in which was intended for me, I had several people tell me that God must have other plans for me. I believe that He had plans for me, but those who had control of the situation did not ask Him what He had planned for me. Maybe I'm wrong. Who knows?
My point is that sometimes we may believe that we are being good Christians, without praying and asking if we are correct in this assumption. I wonder if we pray too little and think too much. I know this is one of my many faults. I make too many decisions without getting guidance. No matter how sure I am of a decision, I should still take the matter up with the Lord.
God Bless,
Brian
The Sociological Psychosis of Religion
A few years ago, when still working on my bachelor's degree, I enrolled in a class called Religion in Society. I believed this class would give me insight to the interrelation between society and religion. I cannot say that I learned little from the class, but I will say that not all which was taught I agree with.
Religion in reference to socio-economics, according to this class, measured how devout a class was by income. Meaning, that lower-income classes tended to be more devout and dedicated to their religion. While at the same time, the upper-class spent less time devoted to spiritual growth. We were instructed that the poor embraced religion simply as crutch. They needed their faith for hope alone. Without hope, they had no or little value to their lives. Whereas the upper-class do not have the same void in their lives. Instead, their lives are filled with the natural wants as lower-classes, but instead of merely having wants, they also had the means to fill those wants.
An example used was that of slaves and slaveholders. The slaves, who had no rights to property, and who were considered property themselves, had no hope and no sense of importance. Therefore, they readily embraced Christianity to give their lives purpose. Whereas the slaveholders were content in their lives and had a sense of value and purpose to theirs.
To me, this makes little sense when incompassing the bigger picture. Jesus said in Matthew 19:23, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." I believe the word of Jesus over an atheist professor. What my dear old instructor failed to see is that he is only partly correct. Yes, it may be true that the rich are less devout and the poor more so, but not for the reasons he believed.
Wealth is simply an obstacle. When a person has wealth, he is more apt to fill prideful urges and push aside righteous intentions for selfish ones. Wealth becomes blinders. Money and means replaces faith and logic. It will make a person greedy and blind to the plights of others. If God blesses a person with wealth, that person should be obligated to use the influence in a manner which it should. God will always show us the way. It is up to us to listen and obey.
A person of fewer means, on the other hand, is not blinded by wealth. Therefore, they have may not have the same moral delimmas as the wealthy. However, both the haves and the have-nots do have one great obstacle to overcome...ambition. Prideful ambition is an obstacle we all face. It is another way in which wealth influences us. Whether we are wealthy or not, we all have ambitions which drive us. We must attempt to analyze our ambitions and ask ourselves who will benefit most from them. As always, prayer is the answer. Pray, listen, and act.
-Brian
Religion in reference to socio-economics, according to this class, measured how devout a class was by income. Meaning, that lower-income classes tended to be more devout and dedicated to their religion. While at the same time, the upper-class spent less time devoted to spiritual growth. We were instructed that the poor embraced religion simply as crutch. They needed their faith for hope alone. Without hope, they had no or little value to their lives. Whereas the upper-class do not have the same void in their lives. Instead, their lives are filled with the natural wants as lower-classes, but instead of merely having wants, they also had the means to fill those wants.
An example used was that of slaves and slaveholders. The slaves, who had no rights to property, and who were considered property themselves, had no hope and no sense of importance. Therefore, they readily embraced Christianity to give their lives purpose. Whereas the slaveholders were content in their lives and had a sense of value and purpose to theirs.
To me, this makes little sense when incompassing the bigger picture. Jesus said in Matthew 19:23, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." I believe the word of Jesus over an atheist professor. What my dear old instructor failed to see is that he is only partly correct. Yes, it may be true that the rich are less devout and the poor more so, but not for the reasons he believed.
Wealth is simply an obstacle. When a person has wealth, he is more apt to fill prideful urges and push aside righteous intentions for selfish ones. Wealth becomes blinders. Money and means replaces faith and logic. It will make a person greedy and blind to the plights of others. If God blesses a person with wealth, that person should be obligated to use the influence in a manner which it should. God will always show us the way. It is up to us to listen and obey.
A person of fewer means, on the other hand, is not blinded by wealth. Therefore, they have may not have the same moral delimmas as the wealthy. However, both the haves and the have-nots do have one great obstacle to overcome...ambition. Prideful ambition is an obstacle we all face. It is another way in which wealth influences us. Whether we are wealthy or not, we all have ambitions which drive us. We must attempt to analyze our ambitions and ask ourselves who will benefit most from them. As always, prayer is the answer. Pray, listen, and act.
-Brian
Thursday, December 27, 2007
What Have You Done for Him Lately?
If you are as I am, then you are always ready to proclaim your faith and willing to discuss it with others. Although this fact may be true with most of us, I know we should do more. I love discussing faith and learning from others while expressing my own, but in truth, I do little to evangelize the Word. I am not the steward I should be or the fisher of men as wish. Nevertheless, I often fall into the false reasoning that I am merely doing all I can, when in fact, I can and should do more to bring those who have strayed back to the light.
To be honest, I feel that I am too hypocritical to evangelize and that I am not educated enough in the Word to assist in leading others to a place I feel I have not arrived myself. I do see the flaws of my reasoning, but it is how I feel nonetheless. I know that none of us, or rather, few of us are truly secure in our faith. Jesus said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge...?" I am not as faithful as I should be, nor wise for that matter, but it is a Christian duty to do bring the blind to the Light.
I look at it this way, in my case, it may simply be the blind leading the blind, but in the end, I am still doing the Lord's work. While doing so, I am not only helping lost sheep, but helping myself as well. While helping others, I am learning by doing, making it a win-win situation for all who may be involved.
If you are having the same doubts about your ability to evangelize and spread the Word as I do, you may try reading William Fay's 1999 book, Share Jesus Without Fear. I have read it twice, and am going to read it again this weekend. It will help motivate you in this endeavor.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
God Bless,
Brian
To be honest, I feel that I am too hypocritical to evangelize and that I am not educated enough in the Word to assist in leading others to a place I feel I have not arrived myself. I do see the flaws of my reasoning, but it is how I feel nonetheless. I know that none of us, or rather, few of us are truly secure in our faith. Jesus said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge...?" I am not as faithful as I should be, nor wise for that matter, but it is a Christian duty to do bring the blind to the Light.
I look at it this way, in my case, it may simply be the blind leading the blind, but in the end, I am still doing the Lord's work. While doing so, I am not only helping lost sheep, but helping myself as well. While helping others, I am learning by doing, making it a win-win situation for all who may be involved.
If you are having the same doubts about your ability to evangelize and spread the Word as I do, you may try reading William Fay's 1999 book, Share Jesus Without Fear. I have read it twice, and am going to read it again this weekend. It will help motivate you in this endeavor.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.
God Bless,
Brian
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