Yesterday, as I executed my daily run through scenic Pigeon Cove, some thoughts came to me about the responsibility that Christians bear to effect changes in our society.
The Apostle Paul famously warned the Thessalonians that “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” Some had evidently decided to sit back and wait for the Lord’s return without exercising due diligence to provide for their own basic needs. Yes, Jesus had taught us to ask the Father for our daily bread. But such prayer was obviously not meant to negate the importance of individual responsibility to work to provide for the needs of one’s family. Elsewhere Paul wrote that failure to do so makes one “worse than an infidel.”
In 1 Timothy Paul charges believers to pray for civil authorities “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Now, following the analogy of daily bread, the call to prayer does not negate but rather assumes personal responsibility to work for the fulfillment of the prayer.
Some Christians refuse to vote because, in their mind, doing so somehow taints them with worldliness. But utilizing the daily bread analogy, not only are we to pray for a peaceful and stable society conducive to godly living, we must work to make it happen. One fundamental means of doing so is to cast intelligent votes for candidates who will support principles that undergird a Christian-friendly society.
Refusing to vote, out of a misguided concept of worldliness, or just plain lazy indifference, yet praying in the spirit of 1 Timothy 2, is akin to refusing to work while trusting God to provide food.
Scripture indeed teaches that our primary citizenship is in heaven. But such an identity does not negate temporal responsibilities in this world. Prayer, without accompanying human action, disregards clear biblical principles and vainly puts God to the test.
So, if you are concerned about the direction America is taking, earnestly intercede for our leaders. And vote in every election to demonstrate that your prayers for our nation are not empty rituals.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Wanting Tim Tebow to Fail
Rush Limbaugh has famously declared that he wants President Obama to fail in his quest to transform America into a socialist state. Picking up this same language, Sports Illustrated columnist Jeff Pearlman posted on his blog for February 2nd that “I want Tim Tebow to fail.” Specifically, Pearlman was referring to Tebow’s potential as a player in the NFL.
Now why would a famous sports writer wish ill of perhaps the most celebrated college football star to ever play the game? Pearlman made it clear that he was not wishing harm to come. “I don’t want him physically injured; h***, I don’t even want him to live anything but a happy life. But I want him to fail in the NFL nonetheless, because a famous Tim Tebow is a dangerous Tim Tebow.”
What has the seasoned columnist and best-selling author so agitated? By all accounts, Tim Tebow is a likeable person, respectfully dealing with his celebrity status in an exemplary manner. Not a hint of the snobbish, arrogant spirit that has afflicted other star athletes.
Mr. Pearlman doesn’t let any room for speculation; he boldly declares his concern: “Tim Tebow scares me, and … he should scare you, too. Tim Tebow doesn’t play football merely for the joy of the game. He plays football because he wants to spread the word of Jesus Christ.”
Pearlman’s chief concern seems to be not that Tebow is a Christian, but that he is motivated to share the gospel with others and urge them to embrace the Christian faith, or suffer the consequences in hell. “This is not merely Tim Tebow’s opinion—but he knows it, in his soul and heart and mind” laments the upset sports analyst.
Now this incident is instructive on two accounts. First, it is an in-your-face reminder of the visceral abhorrence that the Kingdom of Darkness maintains for the Kingdom of Light. Jesus declared that if the world hated Him it would likewise despise His disciples. When a young man of the likeability of Tim Tebow generates this kind of response, be assured it can and will happen to anyone that takes a bold stand for the gospel.
Second, Pearlman’s analysis should cause us to examine the credibility of our own testimony. While he is critical of Tebow’s faith, he has no doubt as to its genuineness or the depth with which it is held. Can critics level the same change with regard to your profession? We would do well to take heed to the nature of our witness. May it be accurately said of me, and you, that our faith permeates every corner of our soul, heart, and mind. God expects nothing less, and the world is rightly scornful of those who only half-heartedly proclaim their Christianity.
Now why would a famous sports writer wish ill of perhaps the most celebrated college football star to ever play the game? Pearlman made it clear that he was not wishing harm to come. “I don’t want him physically injured; h***, I don’t even want him to live anything but a happy life. But I want him to fail in the NFL nonetheless, because a famous Tim Tebow is a dangerous Tim Tebow.”
What has the seasoned columnist and best-selling author so agitated? By all accounts, Tim Tebow is a likeable person, respectfully dealing with his celebrity status in an exemplary manner. Not a hint of the snobbish, arrogant spirit that has afflicted other star athletes.
Mr. Pearlman doesn’t let any room for speculation; he boldly declares his concern: “Tim Tebow scares me, and … he should scare you, too. Tim Tebow doesn’t play football merely for the joy of the game. He plays football because he wants to spread the word of Jesus Christ.”
Pearlman’s chief concern seems to be not that Tebow is a Christian, but that he is motivated to share the gospel with others and urge them to embrace the Christian faith, or suffer the consequences in hell. “This is not merely Tim Tebow’s opinion—but he knows it, in his soul and heart and mind” laments the upset sports analyst.
Now this incident is instructive on two accounts. First, it is an in-your-face reminder of the visceral abhorrence that the Kingdom of Darkness maintains for the Kingdom of Light. Jesus declared that if the world hated Him it would likewise despise His disciples. When a young man of the likeability of Tim Tebow generates this kind of response, be assured it can and will happen to anyone that takes a bold stand for the gospel.
Second, Pearlman’s analysis should cause us to examine the credibility of our own testimony. While he is critical of Tebow’s faith, he has no doubt as to its genuineness or the depth with which it is held. Can critics level the same change with regard to your profession? We would do well to take heed to the nature of our witness. May it be accurately said of me, and you, that our faith permeates every corner of our soul, heart, and mind. God expects nothing less, and the world is rightly scornful of those who only half-heartedly proclaim their Christianity.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A Reason for Optimism in 2010
Ever since the 2008 national election, it seems that we have been treated to an endless stream of “bad news” stories capable of dampening the spirits of the most dyed-in-the-wool optimists among us. Politicians bent on remaking the nature of the USA into something utterly unrecognizable by her founding fathers seem to be winning the day.
Christians have fasted, prayed, joined fellow patriots in tea parties and other forms of protests, jammed congressional phone lines in an effort to communicate heart-felt concerns, sent endless emails, faxes, and “pink slips” to their members of Congress. But, to date, it seems these efforts have not checked our descent toward oblivion. It appears as though we have engaged a supernatural force for evil that has been impervious to all efforts at mitigating its destructive designs. Certain government leaders seem to have taken a page from Muslim terrorists in assuming almost a suicidal effort to pass their agenda, election results come what may.
It is my opinion that our nation’s very existence is threatened in a manner not seen before, with the possible exception of the War Between the States in the mid-19th century. In the midst of this crisis for the soul and future of America, is there any hope?
Recently I have been reading a biography of Nathaniel Green, George Washington’s top general during the War for Independence. One of the repeated themes permeating the book is the extremely tenuous thread that supported the revolutionary fervor of the Founders. On numerous occasions, our fledgling forces were on the verge of being wiped out by the superior British. But our understanding of history is so weak that we have forgotten the nature of that war.
On February 6, 1783 Washington wrote the following to Green:
“If Historiographers should be hardy enough to fill the page of History with the advantages that have been gained with unequal numbers [on the part of America] in the course of this contest, and attempt to relate the distressing circumstances under which they have been obtained, it is more than probable that Posterity will bestow on their labors the epithet and marks of fiction; for it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely less, composed of Men oftentimes half starved; always in Rags, without pay, and experiencing, at times, every species of distress which human nature is capable of undergoing” (Sacred Fire, 174).
In other words, Washington is suggesting that future generations would not believe that such weak and bedraggled American forces were capable of defeating the British, the world’s superpower. They would consider the truth to be fiction. Time and again the Americans “miraculously” survived and won. Washington did not hesitate to credit Providence as the unseen force behind their victories.
The remnant of believers in America today are, humanly speaking, out-manned, out-gunned, out-spent, and out-organized by the powerful forces bent on changing our country. But such factors are no match for the Spirit and power of God.
2500 years ago, the Lord encouraged another overwhelmed people with these words, “Not by might nor by power, but my My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). The allied political and media conglomerate that is seeking to foist its agenda upon the American populace is no match for the people of God when they trust in His power, even as they necessarily continue the fight on human terms.
May God encourage your soul and strengthen your hands for battle. In the end, Righteousness and Truth will prevail. Let us not fear the onslaughts of the wicked; let us persevere, knowing that the battle is ultimately the Lord’s.
The secret to eventual victory for the people of God is humble repentance and genuine faith—not enhanced fundraising, community organizing, and slick political machines. The truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is timeless. The restoration process may yet involve some very dark days for America. Economic and social upheaval, on an unprecedented scale, may be the consequences to be paid for our profligate sins of the past. But, ultimately, blessed is this, and any nation, whose God is the Lord (Ps. 33:12).
Compromised media, corrupt politicians, chicken-hearted leaders, and careless Christians notwithstanding, God’s eye—and His blessing—rest upon those who truly fear Him (Ps. 33:18). God told Abraham He would spare Sodom if just ten righteous men could be found. Let us determine to be that faithful remnant for whom the Lord will spare and restore this nation.
Christians have fasted, prayed, joined fellow patriots in tea parties and other forms of protests, jammed congressional phone lines in an effort to communicate heart-felt concerns, sent endless emails, faxes, and “pink slips” to their members of Congress. But, to date, it seems these efforts have not checked our descent toward oblivion. It appears as though we have engaged a supernatural force for evil that has been impervious to all efforts at mitigating its destructive designs. Certain government leaders seem to have taken a page from Muslim terrorists in assuming almost a suicidal effort to pass their agenda, election results come what may.
It is my opinion that our nation’s very existence is threatened in a manner not seen before, with the possible exception of the War Between the States in the mid-19th century. In the midst of this crisis for the soul and future of America, is there any hope?
Recently I have been reading a biography of Nathaniel Green, George Washington’s top general during the War for Independence. One of the repeated themes permeating the book is the extremely tenuous thread that supported the revolutionary fervor of the Founders. On numerous occasions, our fledgling forces were on the verge of being wiped out by the superior British. But our understanding of history is so weak that we have forgotten the nature of that war.
On February 6, 1783 Washington wrote the following to Green:
“If Historiographers should be hardy enough to fill the page of History with the advantages that have been gained with unequal numbers [on the part of America] in the course of this contest, and attempt to relate the distressing circumstances under which they have been obtained, it is more than probable that Posterity will bestow on their labors the epithet and marks of fiction; for it will not be believed that such a force as Great Britain has employed for eight years in this Country could be baffled in their plan of Subjugating it by numbers infinitely less, composed of Men oftentimes half starved; always in Rags, without pay, and experiencing, at times, every species of distress which human nature is capable of undergoing” (Sacred Fire, 174).
In other words, Washington is suggesting that future generations would not believe that such weak and bedraggled American forces were capable of defeating the British, the world’s superpower. They would consider the truth to be fiction. Time and again the Americans “miraculously” survived and won. Washington did not hesitate to credit Providence as the unseen force behind their victories.
The remnant of believers in America today are, humanly speaking, out-manned, out-gunned, out-spent, and out-organized by the powerful forces bent on changing our country. But such factors are no match for the Spirit and power of God.
2500 years ago, the Lord encouraged another overwhelmed people with these words, “Not by might nor by power, but my My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zech. 4:6). The allied political and media conglomerate that is seeking to foist its agenda upon the American populace is no match for the people of God when they trust in His power, even as they necessarily continue the fight on human terms.
May God encourage your soul and strengthen your hands for battle. In the end, Righteousness and Truth will prevail. Let us not fear the onslaughts of the wicked; let us persevere, knowing that the battle is ultimately the Lord’s.
The secret to eventual victory for the people of God is humble repentance and genuine faith—not enhanced fundraising, community organizing, and slick political machines. The truth of 2 Chronicles 7:14 is timeless. The restoration process may yet involve some very dark days for America. Economic and social upheaval, on an unprecedented scale, may be the consequences to be paid for our profligate sins of the past. But, ultimately, blessed is this, and any nation, whose God is the Lord (Ps. 33:12).
Compromised media, corrupt politicians, chicken-hearted leaders, and careless Christians notwithstanding, God’s eye—and His blessing—rest upon those who truly fear Him (Ps. 33:18). God told Abraham He would spare Sodom if just ten righteous men could be found. Let us determine to be that faithful remnant for whom the Lord will spare and restore this nation.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Proof Is in the Pudding
Don Quixote is evidently the origin of the adage: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” That is, the true quality of something can only be determined by using it. The meticulously prepared dessert dish may look delectable, but one only knows for sure by tasting it.
Similarly, Jesus declared that people would recognize true Christianity only as they observed His followers practicing it in their daily lives: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Sermons of flawless logic, impeccable organizational structure, highly charged worship services, and a large budget are not cited as evidences of genuine Christianity in action. Instead, Jesus points to the practical outworking of loving relationships.
This dimension is the means by which Christianity must be proclaimed to a skeptical world. And, indeed, praise is coming from some unexpected quarters.
Matthew Parris writes for the U.K. Times Online, being twice honored as “Columnist of the Year.” He is also an outspoken atheist. Yet he has high praise for Christianity’s impact in Africa. “[A] confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects, and international aid efforts.”
Parris used to wish that faith could simply be divorced from all the good things that Christians do and build. But he now appreciates how the Christian faith has transformed the hearts of people from the Africa he knew as a boy. “[S]omething changed in the faces of the people … something in their eyes … the way they approached you direct, man-to-man, without looking down or away.”
Parris has not (yet) embraced Christianity himself, but he has taken a giant step in the right direction by observing the genuine fruits of conversion. The characteristics of honesty, diligence, and optimism he attributes to “a conception of man’s place in the universe that Christianity had taught.”
Similarly, Jesus declared that people would recognize true Christianity only as they observed His followers practicing it in their daily lives: “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Sermons of flawless logic, impeccable organizational structure, highly charged worship services, and a large budget are not cited as evidences of genuine Christianity in action. Instead, Jesus points to the practical outworking of loving relationships.
This dimension is the means by which Christianity must be proclaimed to a skeptical world. And, indeed, praise is coming from some unexpected quarters.
Matthew Parris writes for the U.K. Times Online, being twice honored as “Columnist of the Year.” He is also an outspoken atheist. Yet he has high praise for Christianity’s impact in Africa. “[A] confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects, and international aid efforts.”
Parris used to wish that faith could simply be divorced from all the good things that Christians do and build. But he now appreciates how the Christian faith has transformed the hearts of people from the Africa he knew as a boy. “[S]omething changed in the faces of the people … something in their eyes … the way they approached you direct, man-to-man, without looking down or away.”
Parris has not (yet) embraced Christianity himself, but he has taken a giant step in the right direction by observing the genuine fruits of conversion. The characteristics of honesty, diligence, and optimism he attributes to “a conception of man’s place in the universe that Christianity had taught.”
Friday, July 24, 2009
Marriage in Trouble
It’s not often that a cover story in Time reinforces the Bible. But in the July 13th issue, Caitlin Flanagan eloquently did just that. Lambasting adulterous politicians Gov. Mark Sanford and Sen. John Ensign, Mrs. Flanagan exposed their self-centered hypocrisy for the destructive behavior that it is. Both men built reputations as conservative and family-friendly. But their actions belie their professions.
Their sorry narcissism adds fuel to the fire of those who argue that conservative, pro-family leaders are hypocrites who spout idealistic principles in an effort to curry the favor of a certain segment of the voting population.
Numerous observers have documented the schizophrenia of American culture with respect to marriage. Society continues to uphold the ideal of a permanent, child-bearing marriage broken only by death. Yet, in practice, the decisions to marry and stay married have been declining for decades. Increasingly, people are choosing cohabitation, nonmarital childbearing, or having no children.
Utilizing the hard facts of social science, Flanagan concludes: “There is no other single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage.” Even feminist sociologist Maria Kefalas is forced to concede that growing up without a father has a deep psychological impact on a child: “The mom may not need that man, but her children still do.”
The weakened state of American marriage is due to an unrealistic, romantic view of marriage setting impossible expectations that no relationship can achieve, and the myopic failure to account for the devastating consequences of marital breakup.
Flanagan wonders who is left to ensure that the next generation will appreciate the stability and blessings found only in enduring marriage. Her biting answer strikes at the heart of much marital failure: “the ones who are willing to sacrifice the thrill of a love letter for the betterment of their children.”
The bedrock of an enduring society, stable homes require hard work and regular maintenance. But unless present trends are reversed, cultural deterioration will only intensify.
Their sorry narcissism adds fuel to the fire of those who argue that conservative, pro-family leaders are hypocrites who spout idealistic principles in an effort to curry the favor of a certain segment of the voting population.
Numerous observers have documented the schizophrenia of American culture with respect to marriage. Society continues to uphold the ideal of a permanent, child-bearing marriage broken only by death. Yet, in practice, the decisions to marry and stay married have been declining for decades. Increasingly, people are choosing cohabitation, nonmarital childbearing, or having no children.
Utilizing the hard facts of social science, Flanagan concludes: “There is no other single force causing as much measurable hardship and human misery in this country as the collapse of marriage.” Even feminist sociologist Maria Kefalas is forced to concede that growing up without a father has a deep psychological impact on a child: “The mom may not need that man, but her children still do.”
The weakened state of American marriage is due to an unrealistic, romantic view of marriage setting impossible expectations that no relationship can achieve, and the myopic failure to account for the devastating consequences of marital breakup.
Flanagan wonders who is left to ensure that the next generation will appreciate the stability and blessings found only in enduring marriage. Her biting answer strikes at the heart of much marital failure: “the ones who are willing to sacrifice the thrill of a love letter for the betterment of their children.”
The bedrock of an enduring society, stable homes require hard work and regular maintenance. But unless present trends are reversed, cultural deterioration will only intensify.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Consequences of Conflicting Visions
This year the world remembers two men whose impacts upon society are beyond measure. July 10th marks the 500th birthday of John Calvin. Charles Darwin was born 200 years ago on February 12th.
By any reckoning, both men are giants of history. But it would be difficult to find two men with more contrasting visions of life and its significance. Darwin wrote that the laws of nature, apart from God, can explain “the beneficent arrangement of the world.” Rejecting a sovereign Creator, Darwin argued that an evolutionary process in which the fittest survive produced the human race.
Calvin taught the existence of God and that all men are accountable to Him. A product of God’s creative work, humans are obligated to worship God their Creator, seeking forgiveness for their sins that are an offence to His holiness.
The consequences of a Darwinian worldview are abundant and devastating. If men are the products of time and chance, ultimately life has no meaning. There can be no moral absolutes because God doesn’t exist. People are free to follow their own whims, biases, and perversions. No one is in a position to condemn the lifestyle of others. Darwinian thinking thus leads to moral and spiritual chaos.
Conversely, Calvin emphasized that the moral absolutes of God’s character must be the standards of human society. We can condemn certain lifestyle choices because God does. As Creator, He sets the standard for His universe. Moreover, there is such a thing as sin that must be recognized and restrained by society. Our own republican representative government grew out of a Calvinistic mindset. Darwin’s followers became proponents of Marxism and totalitarianism.
Calvin has left a legacy of respect for human life, the family as defined by the Bible, and the necessity of society operating under the law of God. The fruit of Darwinism is moral relativism, leading to abortion on demand, racism, eugenics, and oppression of the helpless.
Thank God for Calvin!
By any reckoning, both men are giants of history. But it would be difficult to find two men with more contrasting visions of life and its significance. Darwin wrote that the laws of nature, apart from God, can explain “the beneficent arrangement of the world.” Rejecting a sovereign Creator, Darwin argued that an evolutionary process in which the fittest survive produced the human race.
Calvin taught the existence of God and that all men are accountable to Him. A product of God’s creative work, humans are obligated to worship God their Creator, seeking forgiveness for their sins that are an offence to His holiness.
The consequences of a Darwinian worldview are abundant and devastating. If men are the products of time and chance, ultimately life has no meaning. There can be no moral absolutes because God doesn’t exist. People are free to follow their own whims, biases, and perversions. No one is in a position to condemn the lifestyle of others. Darwinian thinking thus leads to moral and spiritual chaos.
Conversely, Calvin emphasized that the moral absolutes of God’s character must be the standards of human society. We can condemn certain lifestyle choices because God does. As Creator, He sets the standard for His universe. Moreover, there is such a thing as sin that must be recognized and restrained by society. Our own republican representative government grew out of a Calvinistic mindset. Darwin’s followers became proponents of Marxism and totalitarianism.
Calvin has left a legacy of respect for human life, the family as defined by the Bible, and the necessity of society operating under the law of God. The fruit of Darwinism is moral relativism, leading to abortion on demand, racism, eugenics, and oppression of the helpless.
Thank God for Calvin!
Friday, June 12, 2009
Bending God
Years ago I knew of a prisoner who was devoutly following his religion. Asked why he faithfully engaged in various rituals, he replied that he was “bending God.” He was saying prayers and reading from his holy book in an effort to induce his god to respond as he wanted.
This man was not a Christian. But his worldview is sometimes found among those who profess to follow Christ. The question that must be answered is this: Is God a means to an end, or the end for which all exists? In other words, does God exist to make our lives comfortable, safe, and prosperous? Or is our existence ordained so that we may glorify His name through all of life, whether it is peaceful or turbulent, prosperous or penniless?
Popular preachers sometimes suggest the former; the Bible teaches the latter. Some of God’s choicest servants, in biblical times and since, have suffered tremendously and died in poverty—simply because they were faithful to their calling. The Christian experience is much deeper than mere material and financial well being
British writer C. S. Lewis said it well: “I haven’t always been a Christian. I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
No, the Christian life is a ceaseless struggle against sin and temptation as we journey toward eternity. Sometimes the Christian identity brings tremendous peril, even death. We grieve over our lack of faithfulness to our God. But we understand that our guilt was born by the Savior. So we rejoice in that forgiveness, striving to serve God in a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness.
God’s purpose is not to be a “genie in the bottle” waiting to grant our next wish.
We humans exist for the glory and praise of God, the Creator. Make that your chief end.
This man was not a Christian. But his worldview is sometimes found among those who profess to follow Christ. The question that must be answered is this: Is God a means to an end, or the end for which all exists? In other words, does God exist to make our lives comfortable, safe, and prosperous? Or is our existence ordained so that we may glorify His name through all of life, whether it is peaceful or turbulent, prosperous or penniless?
Popular preachers sometimes suggest the former; the Bible teaches the latter. Some of God’s choicest servants, in biblical times and since, have suffered tremendously and died in poverty—simply because they were faithful to their calling. The Christian experience is much deeper than mere material and financial well being
British writer C. S. Lewis said it well: “I haven’t always been a Christian. I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”
No, the Christian life is a ceaseless struggle against sin and temptation as we journey toward eternity. Sometimes the Christian identity brings tremendous peril, even death. We grieve over our lack of faithfulness to our God. But we understand that our guilt was born by the Savior. So we rejoice in that forgiveness, striving to serve God in a spirit of gratitude and faithfulness.
God’s purpose is not to be a “genie in the bottle” waiting to grant our next wish.
We humans exist for the glory and praise of God, the Creator. Make that your chief end.
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