storiesofvalue

Milo Yiannopoulos’ life just changed. After he made some statements interpreted by many to validate sex between grown men and underage boys, his book has been pulled by his publisher and he has stepped down from his position with Breitbart News.

The actual impact of these events on Yiannopoulos’ success remains to be seen. As they say, “all publicity is good publicity” and even the most sickening revelations can prove advantageous for a celebrity.

But let’s move beyond the man to a topic: that of truth as it relates to morality.

Is there such a thing as truth or not? If not, then our society has been unjust to Milo.  We can’t say there are no absolutes and then criticize a man when he crosses a line which we have already deemed arbitrary.  How is what Mr. Yiannopoulos suggested wrong if, indeed, there is no such thing as right and wrong?

One might say, “Well, in this case he is suggesting something illegal.”

But if there is no such thing as right and wrong, what is our basis for calling anything illegal? The kind of behavior Milo Yiannopoulos has referenced has not always been illegal everywhere?  If you don’t believe me, and you have the stomach for it, do a little research on the activities of men among the elite class of ancient Rome.

The biblical teaching, of course, is that there is such a thing as truth, and that truth is a worthy foundation for morality. God is “Truth” by His very nature, and every Word that flows from Him is true.  Every law He gives is good.  Every parameter He establishes is right and moral.

God is angered by sin and grieved by the bankruptcy of societies where people do what is right in their own eyes. Sooner or later, mankind’s arrogant attempt to create a morality of his own fails.  His sinful human nature always finds a way to distort the truth and create chaos out-of-order.

Evidently, Milo Yiannopoulos’ perspective is where some people draw the line. I get it.  He has entered a realm where innocent children have been victimized and hearts have been wounded forever.  It doesn’t get much worse.

And I am glad society still has a “line.”

What bothers me is, without a source of absolute truth, the line can and does move.

Some might say, “Oh, no. We would never move the line to allow such things as Milo is suggesting.”

As someone who has seen the line move several hundred feet in one short lifetime, I can say with all confidence this is a highly naïve perspective. I wish I could say otherwise.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I am glad people draw moral lines in the sand whether or not they accept God as the Author of absolute truth.

Yet, today’s outrage can become tomorrow’s permissiveness.

Without truth where do you draw the line?

Twitter and the Brother of Jesus

I have a Twitter account, but I don’t use it.

There’s a reason.

I have no doubt tweets would get me in trouble. When I’m angry I don’t always stop to think about how my comments might hurt someone else.  I also have a sick sense of humor and I know something that seems funny at the time could be inappropriate upon further reflection.

It is probably unnecessary to point out how high-profile tweets have impacted our culture in recent months. There was a time when politicians, pop stars, actors and newscasters were embarrassed by unguarded moments.

Remember when Ronald Reagan said, “We start bombing in five minutes?” Ironically, he was talking about Russia.

Now we seem to be proud of our unguarded words. It is still possible to get in a lot of trouble with an errant tweet, but we are becoming desensitized.

So what does the brother of Jesus have to do with Twitter? Jesus’ brother, James, once wrote this: ^“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,” (James 1:19)

James wrote these words almost two thousand years ago, and even then he knew one of the most treacherous distances in our lives is the space between our brains and our mouths, or in the case of Twitter, our fingers. If we don’t take time to process what we are thinking, we can say or do some terrible things.

I’m not being critical if you use Twitter. It’s just that I don’t have the discipline required to make sure I don’t tweet something stupid.

There is a sense in which this distance between our brains and our mouths or hands defines every expression of civility. This is why people get in fights and later can’t explain why, or why thugs tear up their own neighborhoods to make a statement.

I believe the ability to process what we are thinking before we speak or act is a learned discipline. When we fail to discipline ourselves, we teach other around us to do the same.

Thoughtfulness produces civility. Thoughtlessness produces chaos.

People who take time to think through what they are thinking can change their homes, workplaces or communities for the better. Those who don’t can be destructive.

I just checked to be sure my Twitter account was still active. It is.

Step away from the phone…slowly…

The Weaker Member

I have just finished “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohllenben. If you love trees, you will enjoy the book.  But I must warn you.  Since finishing Wohllenben’s work, I feel really weird around trees.  They seem to be watching me.  I’m also pretty sure they are talking about me.

Don’t worry. If it continues, I will get help!

One of Wohllenben’s main points is the interconnectedness of a forest. Trees depend on one another.  They look out for each other.  And even the most unassuming members have their role to play.

Wohllenben writes, “It is obviously not in a forest’s best interest to lose its weaker members. If that were to happen, it would leave gaps that would disrupt the forest’s sensitive microclimate with its dim light and high humidity.”

This enhances the way I view the “weaker member” in the Lord’s church referenced in 1 Corinthians 12:22-25. The Apostle Paul wrote, “On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it.”

I used to think this passage highlighted the contribution less talented individuals make to the kingdom. Not only do those with fewer, or lesser talent have a meaningful impact, but in God’s wisdom, He often chooses these individuals for special purposes, because doing so draws attention to His power.

All of this true.

But now, thanks to Wohllenben, I see there is more.

Not only does God use “weaker” parts of the body to bring glory to Himself, but He also uses them to bring strength to the body.  In the forest, it is a mistake to think if smaller trees are removed bigger trees will grow better on their own.   Big trees and small trees actually make more efficient use of their resources when they huddle together.

I told you the book did something to me. Stick with me here…

Wohllenben writes, “This is because a tree can only be as strong as the forest around it.” In the same way, I now understand a believer in Jesus can only be as strong as the church around him, regardless of talent or time served in the kingdom.  No wonder we find this verse in 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, exactly as He wanted them to be” (vs. 18).

Do you see? God not only uses everyone in the body.  He also intentionally places people with varying strengths together for mutual edification and maximum ministry impact.   I realize now, this is one of Paul’s main points in 1 Corinthians 12.  I guess I knew it was there, but I didn’t give it the significance it deserves.

Whether you are the small, emerging member of the body, or the mature giant in the faith, don’t go it alone. That isn’t what God intended, and when you do, everyone suffers.

I need to go now. I think the pine trees outside of my living room are talking about me.

I’ll get help. I promise.

Could be a Good Thing

Less than two weeks into the new President’s term, the collective neurons of our society are “lighting up!” Arguments are breaking out on social media.  Political picket signs are bobbing up and down in a sea of protestors.  We have boycotts and sit-ins.  The world is reacting.  Newscasters are scrambling.

All of this, and we don’t even know yet if the groundhog is going to see his shadow. I’ve been told Punxutawney Phil is under investigation for distributing “fake news”, but I wouldn’t swear to it.

Amidst the turmoil, I would like to suggest this situation is very good for our country. I realize, conflict has its risks.  There is always the danger evil people will exploit unrest for a destructive agenda.  Protests can boil over and innocent people can be hurt.  And while we are distracted by the urgent, we can miss the important.

So what is good about it? I am not speaking of a particular policy or political principle.  I humbly submit these possible positive outcomes:

A new generation is becoming engaged in the political process and the cause of freedom.  There is an old song called “What is Truth” by Johnny Cash.  It was written during the tumultuous 60s.  Cash sang, “This old world’s waking to a new-born day, and I solemnly swear that it will be their way.  You better help the voice of youth find, what is truth.”  If you are older, don’t be dismayed if younger people take a stance that is different from your own.  Maybe they are right.  Maybe they will change.  But at least they are engaged.  If people keep their ideas to themselves and never test them in the social arena, they don’t learn and grow.

Believers are being challenged to embrace tension in their Christian walk. In regards to the subject of immigration, people on both sides of the debate have some important questions to ask themselves.

• On one side… “Has there even been a time in my life when I needed someone to open their arms to me? Have I ever faced bankruptcy?  Have I ever had to reach out for benevolence?  If so, and if I have been blessed since, what have I done to show my appreciation to those who helped me when I was down?  Has God blessed me so I can spend all of my money on myself, or has He blessed me so I can be a blessing to others?
• On the other side… “If I expect my country to care for those in need with the collective purse of its citizens, what have I done for people in need with my own resources? What do I know about immigrants in my own community?  Where do they live?  Do they go to church?  How do they clothe their children?  How do they help their children with their homework while they are still learning English?

Public debate teaches us to agree to disagree.  A fundamental principle of the church I serve is, “In essentials unity, in non-essential liberty and in all things, love.”  One of the most disheartening things I can hear someone say is, “I can’t worship with you because you don’t… (Insert an opinion)”.  An opinion is a non-essential.  It is not a matter of salvation, therefore, I refuse to make it a “test of fellowship” in my relationship with a brother or sister in Christ.  Our opinions on government policy can have an impact on how we serve God, but in most cases, I don’t think they will determine whether we go to heaven or not.  I know, if we feel strongly about a policy, it might rise to this level in our minds.  But in reality, the grace of Jesus is probably going to cover most political differences.  If you disagree with me on this, then that is just another place we are going to have to agree to disagree.  In Ephesians 4:3, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” A time of political turmoil tests our ability to discuss issues about which we feel passionately, while still respecting and loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Frankly, I am embarrassed by some of the dialogue I have seen on social media between believers.  I don’t think it honors Christ, and I don’t think it represents us well to the world.

So, perhaps this is a season that has been a long time coming. This is a moment when we have an opportunity to stretch muscles we either didn’t know we had or had forgotten we had.  It isn’t guaranteed we will come out of it better people.  That outcome is up to us.

I hope followers of Jesus are among those who make sure we end up in a better place.

What place are you in right now?

Little Ears and Eyes

Children crave the approval of their parents, and sometimes other adults in their lives. Sure, they can be rebellious when we stand in their way of getting what they want.  But little minds are easily influenced by the words and actions of the grown-ups they respect.

Jesus highlighted this trait in one of His teachings. He called a child and had him stand in the presence of His disciples.  Then He said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.  But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:3-6)

Can you hear the theme song from The Godfather playing? Swimming with the fishes with a millstone around my neck sounds pretty bad.  Yet, I would consider myself fortunate to die this way if I misled a child.

Why?

Children look up to us, and they are easily influenced, for good and for bad. When they are exposed to trauma early in their lives, they can be scarred forever.  Their cultural biases and relational skills are formed by their environments, and while “nature” certainly plays a huge role in the people they will become, the “nurture” they receive is like a hammer on an anvil, fashioning them into the shape others will see.

With this in mind, I wonder what our responsibility is as adults in this season of political firestorm. As our children are exposed to public conversations they can’t possibly understand, as well as words we pray they won’t repeat, what is God calling us to do?  Here are some possible answers to this question:

• Manage what children see and hear. There is nothing wrong with turning off the TV when we think there is a news story our children might not be old enough to process. The Proverbs writer says this concerning the things we allow ourselves to hear and see: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) If we are to guard our own hearts, then we certainly will want to give attention to the hearts of our children.
• When necessary give children a fair assessment of the conflict before them. It is difficult for us to be unbiased when we interpret what is going on in our world for our children. However, if we believe they are old enough to understand, we should provide them with a context.  We can also use news stories as opportunities to talk with our children about human behavior, perhaps even pointing out how others could have contributed to a better solution with different actions.  Look for opportunities to find Biblical parallels to current events and talk with your children about “cause and effect.”
• Remind children we are going to keep them safe. The world is a scary place. If it isn’t frightening enough, the news media often makes a story bigger than it needs to be to capture a viewers’ attention.  We know we have human limitations when it comes to protecting our children, but they need to know we will do everything within our power to keep them from harm.  We can also reassure them with scripture which speaks to God’s protection.  David once wrote, “You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”  (Psalm 32:7)
• Guard our example. If we hate people just because we disagree with them, and spew venom in our conversations, or on social media, it is possible our children will mimic our behavior. Here is a good rule of thumb: think of someone in your life who epitomizes Christian character and maturity.  Would you be comfortable if the children in your life told this person about your unguarded moments?

With this said, I must put your mind at ease and remind you that children are resilient. We aren’t going to be perfect, and there will probably be times when we will need to apologize for something we say or do.  In fact, such an admission can provide an incredible teaching moment.

It’s just that I fear we have lost some of our sensibilities in these regards. As we have become less civil in our treatment of one another, we have become less cautious in the exposure of children to ungodly behavior.

Think it through. I know I am.

I’ve seen a millstone, and if Jesus used one to illustrate the best option for my disobedience, I don’t want to see the worst.

Snow Day

What do you do on a snow day? Sled?  Build a snowman?  Play games?  Watch TV?  Homework?

Snow days are fun because we get to stay home and do whatever we want. But the fun always costs us something.

If we have too many snow days, we have to make up the time by going to school longer. And if we stay out of school too long, we have to review the subjects we have forgotten.

So, are snow days good or bad?

They are good, of course!

But, remember: they always cost us something.

Most good things cost somebody something. For example, the Bible tells us God, in His goodness, has forgiven our sins.  He has also promised to give us a home forever in heaven.  We call God’s forgiveness “grace” and our promise of a home in heaven “eternal life.”

How much are these things going to cost us?  I know I said anything good always costs us something, but I need to change what I said…just a little.  Forgiveness and a forever home in heaven doesn’t cost us anything.  Instead, it cost Jesus everything!

When Jesus died on the cross, He gave up everything to pay for our sins. Then He rose from the dead to show us He has power over death.  This is why we know Jesus is able to keep us alive forever in heaven.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were able to have as many snow days as we wanted, and someone else did our homework and went to school for us when we had to attend on extra days? It would be wonderful, but it isn’t very likely.

Snow days cost us something.

Forgiveness and eternal life in heaven cost us nothing, but they cost Jesus everything.

Does this mean we don’t have to do anything to be forgiven? No.  There is still something we must do.  We must ask Jesus to forgive us and accept His gift of life forever in heaven.  Jesus isn’t going to give us something we don’t want.

But we all want to forever, and we all want to live forever in heaven.

Since Jesus already paid the price, it would be crazy not to take what He wants to give us.

It would also be crazy not to enjoy a snow day. It is going to cost us something later, but that’s ok.  Good things always cost someone something.

The “One” Resolution You Simply Must Make!

Have you made your resolutions yet? Are you going to eat healthier and exercise more?  Do you have some books you want to read?  Some projects around the house you need to complete?  Is there a relationship you plan to repair or a career path you hope to pursue?

I have a question: “Is it easier to partner with others when you make a resolution, or to go it alone?”

I guess it depends. Some of us pursue goals better alone.  We get discouraged when we are on a journey with people who move at a faster pace.  On the other hand, friends can lift us up when we fall.  This brings me to some important information about our prayers for “one.”

First, allow me to revisit the “Pray for One” concept.  God is always bringing individuals into our lives who need Jesus.  We are surrounded by “ones”!  When we pray for our “ones” we are asking God to help us recognize the people He is sending into our lives, and to have the wisdom to know what to do and say.  If we think about the people we meet on a normal day, we quickly realize how little we know about their spiritual conditions.  It is highly possible we talk with our “ones” every day.

When we resolve to “Pray for One” we can expect some set-backs.  We may not always see the fruit of our efforts.  We might even meet with resistance and wonder if we have done more harm than good.

Yet, if we are planting the message of Jesus in people’s hearts, we must assume we won’t always be around to see the end result. If we are watering what someone has already planted, we might witness the transformation of a life, but miss the connection between our efforts and another’s “Pray for One.”

In many ways, the economy of the prayers of God’s people, and the decisions others make for Jesus is a mystery. It is difficult for us to know about everything that goes into a decision to follow Jesus because we rarely see the whole process.

The good news is, God sees it all. He is on the journey with us, and He works through the efforts of His church to build His kingdom.  Some plant and some water, but God makes everything grow (1 Corinthians 3:6).

The other piece of good news is that, while most resolutions only apply to this life, the discipline of praying for our “ones” makes an eternal difference. This means the decision to pray for our “ones” is the resolution we are most likely to keep.  Since we are certain a prayer for someone’s salvation is in perfect keeping with God’s will, and we know God is the One who makes things grow, we are assured of success!  All we have to do is plant and water.

But it takes a commitment.

Nothing grows out of the ground unless a seed is planted, and what is planted will die it is isn’t watered.

Add a daily prayer for “one” to your resolution list. When your prayer is answered, the angels in heaven will break out rejoicing.

I can’t think of another promise we make to ourselves where this is the case.

My “One” and Other “Ones”

Does the world ever get you down?

If it doesn’t you might want to poke yourself in the side or pull out an eyelash to see if you feel anything. You might be a robot.

Sadness is a part of life, and there is no shortage of depressing news in our world.

I have a bad habit of letting my imagination run wild when I hear bad news. No, I don’t fear for myself.  Instead, I think about the details of a tragedy and visualize what it was like for those affected.

Morbid?

Maybe. But it keeps me from becoming desensitized by the things I hear and see.

Today, I read about the possible execution of women and children in the city of Aleppo, Syria. The mere possibility the reports are true weighs my heart down.  I will spare you my detailed analysis, but it is enough to say I see faces with expressions of terror, and tears of unimaginable grief.

I also read about a case of child abuse. Two parents neglected their children to the point of near starvation.  The children, if they survive, are indelibly marked with deep wounds that will torment them for the rest of their lives.

Obsessive?

Perhaps. But I must confess I struggle to know how an obsession with pain in the world differs from a heart that refuses to stuff a sad memory in a box and stack it in a hall closet.

Here is what I feel. I feel my prayer for “one” is more relevant than ever, not just because my “one” needs Jesus, but also because my “one” will touch the lives of other “ones.”

What if a potential murderer came face-to-face with Calvary? What if his heart was broken by the Lord Jesus as He showed the full extent of His love?  Would he pull the trigger?  Would he see people as “ones” instead of objects of scorn?

If a parent knew the love of her Heavenly Father, would she treat her own child differently? Would her own damaged soul find healing?  Would an earthly father see himself as a steward, and put aside his selfish ways?

I know, I know. It’s a complicated world.  Cruelty is often passed down from generation to generation, and relationships are complex.

But I must continue to pray for my “one”. We must all pray for our “ones.”  Our “ones” need Jesus, and the future of the other “ones” in their lives are at stake.  We can’t change the world, but we can lead people to Jesus, and He can change their corner of the world.

It starts with “one.”

Pray for “one”.

Please.

The future of all of the other “ones” depends on it.

Do You Have A “Loved One?”

Christmas is one of those times when we look forward to sharing with “loved ones.” What is a “loved one?”

He is someone we care about deeply.

She is a close relative.

“Loved ones” are precious, valued and trusted. Some have passed from this life.  Others live miles away.  But all of them are forever in our hearts.

Sometimes the term “loved ones” appears in the context of a disaster. When others lose family members we huddle close with our “loved ones.”  They become more precious than ever because something has reminded us the people we care about are more important than anything: our schedules, our possessions, our careers, and even our very lives.  This is why Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

As we near our Christmas celebrations, I hope you are able to spend time with family members and close friends. If people dear to you has passed away recently, I pray God will comfort you and fill you with His assurance and peace.

And there is something else I want to encourage you to try. I know Christmas is a busy time, and we all have our traditions.  The last thing we want is another responsibility!

But here goes:

I want to encourage you to look for God’s “loved one.”  Our church family has been praying for “one”.  God has been working providentially in our lives to bring us into contact with our “one” or “ones.”  As we have discerned His hand moving, we have responded by planting with the love of Jesus, or watering what someone else has already planted.

There are many “ones.” Look into the faces of weary shoppers in the check-out line.  Take note of the people you see counting out change to pay for their gas at the convenience store.  There are “ones” who live on your street.  There are “ones” in your workplace.  There are even “ones” sitting near you as you worship with the church.

It’s alright to celebrate God’s blessings in our lives.  In fact, “shame on us” if we don’t acknowledge His goodness.  On the other hand, Christmas is one of those holidays where it is easy to forget why we are here.  God hasn’t blessed us for our own pleasure only.  To assume as much is to stumble down the road to self-absorption and self-righteousness.  Instead, God has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others.

This brings me back to our “loved ones.” Just as a disaster in others’ livres makes us cling more tightly to our “loved ones,” the thought that anyone would pass from this life without Jesus reminds us we have “loved ones” we don’t know.  We must think of God’s “loved ones”.  Jesus told us all about them in John 3:16 when He said, “For God so loved the world”.

I know. I know.  It seems preachers are always throwing a wet blanket on our celebrations.  That isn’t my intent at all.  As I have said, if we don’t celebrate God’s blessings in our lives, we should be ashamed.

It’s just that everyone doesn’t know about God’s love or His message of Salvation.  Yes, it is true most people have caught bits and pieces of Jesus on the daily news and television comedy skits.  They have driven by buildings where His people worship and have seen His name in lights.

But they don’t know they are a “loved one.” Maybe no one has ever loved them with the Lord’s love.  Maybe they have been burned by other, misguided, definitions of love.

The only thing we can take with us to heaven is our “loved ones.”  His “loved ones.”

Who are the “ones” in you life who need to know the Lord?

“All Square” or Grace?

My cousin and I were prone to trouble when we spent time together. We never intentionally tried to hurt anyone or anything, but we weren’t always good at discerning “cause and effect” when it came to our actions.

One summer night we were engaged in an activity which I will refer to as “lightning bug tag.”  Our game involved stuffing approximately ten lightning bugs (fireflies) down the barrel of an air rifle and shooting them at each for points.  I know it was cruel, but you must realize how hard it was for two young boys to resist plastering each other with luminescent material in the night.

I have since repented, and regret the fact I prevented so many lightning bugs from connecting with their soul mates in their relatively short life-spans (2 months). This is, after all, why God gave them their light apparatus.

Anyway, one night, during a game of “lightning bug tag” I accidentally loaded a BB in my gun chamber and shot my cousin. It wasn’t a “glance off of his body” shot, but rather a “pass through the first layer of skin and nearly penetrate his stomach” shot.  We were both terrified, as he writhed on the ground in pain.  We carefully extracted the BB, applied medication and successfully hid the incident from others.  All was well between us, but I still felt guilty for shooting my cousin.  Then two days later, the scale was balanced (sort of).  While crossing a creek, my cousin’s gun went off and he accidentally shot me in the foot.  The BB went through my shoe and bounced off of my toe.

We were “even – all square.” My debt was settled.  Or was it?

Was a second accident grounds for forgiving the first one?  If anything, we should have been more careful, and any further harm to either one of us was less excusable.  Looking back, allowing us to have the guns in the first place was probably inexcusable.  But this was 1970 and we were in the country.

Ok, I have taken a while to make my point. But I am finally there.

Our world is becoming more violent by the moment and much of the violence is retaliatory. People kill to teach others a lesson, or to carry out their own brand of justice.  From gang activity to terrorist acts, scores are settled.

But we never seem to be “all square.”

Nor will we ever be.

My cousin and I were able to say we were even because we cared about one another and didn’t actually feel a need to settle the score. If I had never been shot in the foot all would have been forgiven.  Getting even wasn’t necessary.  Having fun together and getting on with our lives was.

In a similar way, godly grace doesn’t get even. It isn’t designed that way.  If you are trying to get even with someone who has harmed you, I would like to suggest grace as a viable alternative.  Getting even only serves to increase our bitterness and resentment (which runs counter to the belief we will be able to let something go if we get even).  People bent on getting even spend their whole lives trying to hurt the people they believe have hurt them.  While they might be successful in hurting others, they are more likely to destroy themselves as they slowly push everyone out of their lives.

I can’t tell you when and how to show grace. That’s up to you and God.  But I can leave you with this important question:

What would happen if God decided to make things “all square”?