"Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
"He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers" (Psalm 1:1-3).
As I read this Psalm, I noticed a phrase that I had not paid any attention to in the past: "yields its fruit in its season".
As I was considering those words, I thought about the pecan tree in our back yard. Every fall, we spend the months of October through December picking up pecans. In most years, we pick up hundreds of pecans from our one tree.
However, our tree does not produce pecans for us to harvest throughout most of the year. During the winter months, it is dormant. It rests. It survives the cold, the wind, the snow, the freezing rain, the hail, the sleet, and the ice. It does what it needs to do, but it does not produce.
In the spring and summer, our tree starts to grow. Leafs bud. Branches develop and expand. Pecans begin to develop. It starts to produce its fruit, but the pecans are not ready for the harvest. It still does what it needs to do, but we do not enjoy its fruit yet.
Finally, in the fall, our tree begins to give us its fruit. We are able to pick up the pecans and enjoy them.
A believer's life, according to Psalm 1, is much like our pecan tree. He avoids evil, loves God's law, thinks about the meaning and application of the Lord's words throughout his day, and lives his life according to his understanding of the Lord's message. He will go through seasons in which he is doing everything right; but like the tree in winter, he is not productive in yielding fruit. He will go through seasons in which he is developing; but like the tree in spring and summer, the fruit is not ready to be harvested and enjoyed. He will go through seasons of great productivity; and like the tree in fall, the fruit of his life has matured and has become available to be shared and enjoyed by others.
If you are a Christian who feels down because your life does not seem productive at the moment, you are not alone. We all go through it. It's biblical. Just keep avoiding evil, loving God's law, thinking about the meaning and application of the Lord's words throughout your day, and living according to your developing understanding of the Lord's message. Then someday, you will enter a season of fruitfulness, a season of harvesting as you bless many people around you. And the cycle will begin again.
Showing posts with label Righteousness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Righteousness. Show all posts
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
How to Have a Good Life
"Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do
good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those
who do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12).
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do
good;
let him seek peace and pursue it.
"For the eyes of the Lord are on the
righteous,
and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those
who do evil" (1 Peter 3:10-12).
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Doing Good When It Looks Bad
As one of his requirements in the Cub Scouts, our son Christopher needed to pick up trash in our neighborhood. It was a part of the requirement dealing with learning to care for creation.
Yesterday, I told our son that it was time to meet this requirement. However, he absolutely did not want to pick up trash. When I asked why he didn't want to do it, he replied, "Everyone will think I'm in jail!"
In our community, inmates pick up the trash on the streets as a form of community service. Christopher did not want to be mistaken for an inmate.
His reaction made sense, but he picked up the trash anyway.
Later, I explained that we need to have the courage to do the right thing even when it looks like we're doing something wrong. After all, Mary, the mother of Jesus, looked like she had done something wrong when she was carrying the baby Jesus even though she was not married. In addition, Jesus often looked like he was doing something wrong when he healed someone on the Sabbath or associated with sinful people at a meal. However, in the cases of both Mary and Jesus, they were doing good. And God was pleased, even though others misunderstood.
It's okay to look like you've done something wrong. Just make sure that you've done something good.
"Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil" (1 Peter 3:13-17).
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Hope of Christ's Return
"The Lord isn't really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
"Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, He will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness.
"And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in His sight" (2 Peter 3:9-14, New Living Translation).
Friday, March 04, 2011
The Successful Father
I will succeed as a father if I can help my son to develop a desire for the right things in life:
~right motives
~right attitudes
~right actions
~right relationships with other people and with God
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" (Matthew 5:6).
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Heart of Christianity
"Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (2 Timothy 4:8, NIV).
Christians can be passionate concerning many things. We love worship music. We are passionate about Bible study. We are driven to help the widows, the orphans, and the poor among us. We are passionate about pursuing justice, righteousness, and high ethical standards.
But above all, we are passionate about Jesus Christ. We love to hear about what he has done for us. We love to think about his character, his words, and his actions. We love to let other people know about him. And we look forward to his return above all other expectations.
Jesus Christ is the heart of Christianity.
Christians can be passionate concerning many things. We love worship music. We are passionate about Bible study. We are driven to help the widows, the orphans, and the poor among us. We are passionate about pursuing justice, righteousness, and high ethical standards.
But above all, we are passionate about Jesus Christ. We love to hear about what he has done for us. We love to think about his character, his words, and his actions. We love to let other people know about him. And we look forward to his return above all other expectations.
Jesus Christ is the heart of Christianity.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Frogs, Tadpoles, and Righteousness
"A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel" (Proverbs 12:10, NIV).
A few days ago, I was going to empty my son Christopher's outdoor toy box after a rain. As I was about to tip it over, I saw something make a splash. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that a couple of frogs and a number of tadpoles had made the outdoor toy box into their new home.
I called for Christopher. Immediately he asked me to allow the frogs and tadpoles to keep the water, since the tadpoles would die without it.
Of course, I agreed. There was no need to kill the tadpoles. In addition, it became a practical way to apply the principles of one of Christopher's memory verses.
Now Christopher checks on his frogs and tadpoles several times a day as he lives out Proverbs 12:10.
In the picture above, Christopher is holding one of the frogs in our backyard.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
The Evil Desires of Youth May Not Be What You Think
This is a passage from The Strength of a Man by David Roper. The Scripture quotations are from the New International Version of the Bible. His books are available from Discovery House Publishers at www.dhp.org.
"Most of us are biblically educated beyond our character, perhaps because we confuse the means with the end. We falsely assume that the purpose of Bible study is mere learning, a fallacy particularly characteristic of those of us who take the Bible straight.
"But mere orthodoxy is never enough. Even the demons are orthodox (James 2:19). They study the Bible too. They make their own prophetic charts and draw their own theological lines, but the Book doesn't alter their behavior. They're devilish to the end.
"In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he encouraged his young friend to be an approved workman 'who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth' (2 Timothy 2:15).
"The word here translated 'who correctly handles' means 'one who goes for a goal.' Classical Greek writers used the word of road builders who cut their way straight through a forest to a predetermined location. The Septuagint (the first Greek translation of the Old Testament) used the word in the last phrase of Proverbs 3:6. 'In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (direct you to the goal)."
"Paul contrasted good Bible study with the flawed methods of those who were 'quarreling about words,' which he said, 'is of no value, and only ruins those who listen' (2:14). Further, 'godless chatter'--mere discussion of the Bible without the goal of godliness--will make one become 'more and more ungodly' (2:16). Ironically, God's Word, when misused, can make us less and less like God!
"Paul therefore warns Timothy to 'flee the evil desires of youth' (2:22), a command that in context has little or nothing to do with youthful sexual desires. Paul rather had in mind the wrong-headed passion of the young and the immature to argue about meaning--'word-fight' is the term he coins. Those who mishandle God's Word in this way are workmen who ought to be ashamed.
"Instead of arguing about meaning, Timothy was to 'pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart' (2:22). In other words, he was to seek God and his goodness through the Book. To do so is to handle the Word correctly--to go straight to the goal.
"The purpose of Bible study is clear. It ought to produce worship and make us more and more like our Lord. To the extent that we read the Scriptures for that reason our Bible reading is valid; to the extent that we do not, it's nonproductive. Worse, it's counterproductive, making us less and less like our Lord. Thus the hymnist prayed:
"Beyond the sacred page, I seek Thee, Lord,
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word."
(Pages 70-71)
"Most of us are biblically educated beyond our character, perhaps because we confuse the means with the end. We falsely assume that the purpose of Bible study is mere learning, a fallacy particularly characteristic of those of us who take the Bible straight.
"But mere orthodoxy is never enough. Even the demons are orthodox (James 2:19). They study the Bible too. They make their own prophetic charts and draw their own theological lines, but the Book doesn't alter their behavior. They're devilish to the end.
"In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he encouraged his young friend to be an approved workman 'who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth' (2 Timothy 2:15).
"The word here translated 'who correctly handles' means 'one who goes for a goal.' Classical Greek writers used the word of road builders who cut their way straight through a forest to a predetermined location. The Septuagint (the first Greek translation of the Old Testament) used the word in the last phrase of Proverbs 3:6. 'In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight (direct you to the goal)."
"Paul contrasted good Bible study with the flawed methods of those who were 'quarreling about words,' which he said, 'is of no value, and only ruins those who listen' (2:14). Further, 'godless chatter'--mere discussion of the Bible without the goal of godliness--will make one become 'more and more ungodly' (2:16). Ironically, God's Word, when misused, can make us less and less like God!
"Paul therefore warns Timothy to 'flee the evil desires of youth' (2:22), a command that in context has little or nothing to do with youthful sexual desires. Paul rather had in mind the wrong-headed passion of the young and the immature to argue about meaning--'word-fight' is the term he coins. Those who mishandle God's Word in this way are workmen who ought to be ashamed.
"Instead of arguing about meaning, Timothy was to 'pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart' (2:22). In other words, he was to seek God and his goodness through the Book. To do so is to handle the Word correctly--to go straight to the goal.
"The purpose of Bible study is clear. It ought to produce worship and make us more and more like our Lord. To the extent that we read the Scriptures for that reason our Bible reading is valid; to the extent that we do not, it's nonproductive. Worse, it's counterproductive, making us less and less like our Lord. Thus the hymnist prayed:
"Beyond the sacred page, I seek Thee, Lord,
My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word."
(Pages 70-71)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Respectable and Godly Man
A few weeks ago, I heard someone mention that Proverbs 31 is the text commonly used when one teaches about the qualities of a godly woman, and that Job 29 should be the text commonly used when one teaches about the qualities of a godly man. I don't remember who made that point, but it was a good one.
Job 29 describes the characteristics of a man who received high praise from God himself. The Lord said of Job, "(T)here is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil" (Job 1:8).
What would prompt God to say such a thing about a man? Consider Job's description of his life at the time the Lord made those comments:
"...I delivered the poor who cried out for help,
and the fatherless who had none to help him.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
my justice was like a robe and a turban.
I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy,
and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
I broke the fangs of the unrighteous
and made him drop his prey from his teeth...
Men listened to me and waited
and kept silence for my counsel.
After I spoke they did not speak again,
and my word dropped upon them.
They waited for me as for the rain,
and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
and the light of my face they did not cast down" (Job 29:12-17, 21-24).
Job cared about the poor, the orphans, and the widows. He helped and encouraged the oppressed. He was consumed with pursuing a right relationship with God and with those around him. He aided the disabled, and actively sought out those who needed his help. He did not back down from a fight against those who would take advantage of others. He was a formidable foe to those who would harm the innocent and the vulnerable. When he spoke, his words were simultaneously weighty and encouraging.
In many ways, Job (like Christ himself) is the model of biblical manhood. The world needs more men like Job.
My goal is to be more like him, too.
Job 29 describes the characteristics of a man who received high praise from God himself. The Lord said of Job, "(T)here is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil" (Job 1:8).
What would prompt God to say such a thing about a man? Consider Job's description of his life at the time the Lord made those comments:
"...I delivered the poor who cried out for help,
and the fatherless who had none to help him.
The blessing of him who was about to perish came upon me,
and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy.
I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
my justice was like a robe and a turban.
I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy,
and I searched out the cause of him whom I did not know.
I broke the fangs of the unrighteous
and made him drop his prey from his teeth...
Men listened to me and waited
and kept silence for my counsel.
After I spoke they did not speak again,
and my word dropped upon them.
They waited for me as for the rain,
and they opened their mouths as for the spring rain.
I smiled on them when they had no confidence,
and the light of my face they did not cast down" (Job 29:12-17, 21-24).
Job cared about the poor, the orphans, and the widows. He helped and encouraged the oppressed. He was consumed with pursuing a right relationship with God and with those around him. He aided the disabled, and actively sought out those who needed his help. He did not back down from a fight against those who would take advantage of others. He was a formidable foe to those who would harm the innocent and the vulnerable. When he spoke, his words were simultaneously weighty and encouraging.
In many ways, Job (like Christ himself) is the model of biblical manhood. The world needs more men like Job.
My goal is to be more like him, too.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Pro-Life Implications of Christmas
A few years ago, Planned Parenthood sent out Christmas cards celebrating "Choice on Earth." In doing so, the largest abortion provider in America revealed a profound misunderstanding of biblical teaching and the significance of Christ's birth.
Under the Law of Moses, pre-born children received legal protection (Exodus 21:22-25). They were protected because it was recognized that children were formed by the Lord within the wombs of their mothers (Psalm 139:13-16). As children made in the image of God, they were given the respect and legal protections due to all human beings.
The humanity of pre-born children was further demonstrated in this portion of the Christmas account:
"In those days (after Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of God's Son) Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Luke 1:39-45, English Standard Version).
At least two pro-life points are apparent within this passage:
1. During the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy (Luke 1:36), Elizabeth's pre-born son was moving and expressing emotions. Obviously, he was a human being who was different from his mother even though he depended on her nurturing for survival.
2. In addition, Mary was called "the mother of my Lord" very early in her pregnancy, a time when Jesus would have been a developing embryo within his mother. Mary did not need to wait until her Son was born; everyone knew that she was a mother long before Jesus was born.
Although Planned Parenthood celebrates "choice" as the ultimate value, the saints of the Bible upheld right choices as far more important than the mere ability to choose. Joseph and Mary chose to protect and to nurture their Son. They chose to risk their lives for him. They chose to look as if they were guilty of sexual impurity in order to care for Jesus, risking ostracism within their religious community for the sake of their Son.
On the other hand, King Herod chose to kill the little boys of Bethlehem in order to protect his standard of living. He wanted to eliminate any threat that a child would pose to his position in society.
Herod made the wrong choice. Joseph and Mary made the right choice. One was condemned. The other two were blessed.
"Choice on Earth" is not worthy of praise. However, selfless, compassionate, and noble choices on behalf of children are worthy of a celebration. Those are the pro-life implications of Christmas.
Under the Law of Moses, pre-born children received legal protection (Exodus 21:22-25). They were protected because it was recognized that children were formed by the Lord within the wombs of their mothers (Psalm 139:13-16). As children made in the image of God, they were given the respect and legal protections due to all human beings.
The humanity of pre-born children was further demonstrated in this portion of the Christmas account:
"In those days (after Mary was told by the angel Gabriel that she would be the mother of God's Son) Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord" (Luke 1:39-45, English Standard Version).
At least two pro-life points are apparent within this passage:
1. During the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy (Luke 1:36), Elizabeth's pre-born son was moving and expressing emotions. Obviously, he was a human being who was different from his mother even though he depended on her nurturing for survival.
2. In addition, Mary was called "the mother of my Lord" very early in her pregnancy, a time when Jesus would have been a developing embryo within his mother. Mary did not need to wait until her Son was born; everyone knew that she was a mother long before Jesus was born.
Although Planned Parenthood celebrates "choice" as the ultimate value, the saints of the Bible upheld right choices as far more important than the mere ability to choose. Joseph and Mary chose to protect and to nurture their Son. They chose to risk their lives for him. They chose to look as if they were guilty of sexual impurity in order to care for Jesus, risking ostracism within their religious community for the sake of their Son.
On the other hand, King Herod chose to kill the little boys of Bethlehem in order to protect his standard of living. He wanted to eliminate any threat that a child would pose to his position in society.
Herod made the wrong choice. Joseph and Mary made the right choice. One was condemned. The other two were blessed.
"Choice on Earth" is not worthy of praise. However, selfless, compassionate, and noble choices on behalf of children are worthy of a celebration. Those are the pro-life implications of Christmas.
Monday, January 19, 2009
In Memory of Martin Luther King Jr.
This is an excerpt from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s sermon "The Drum Major Instinct," which he delivered on February 4, 1968, just a few months before his murder. In it, he described how he would like to be remembered.
"If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don't want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Noble Peace Prize--that isn't important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards--that's not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school.
"I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.
"If you want to say that I was a drum major, say I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace... I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that's all I want to say."
How would you like to be remembered? You're writing your own eulogy every day.
"If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don't want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk too long. And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Noble Peace Prize--that isn't important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards--that's not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school.
"I'd like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I'd like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody. I want you to say that day that I tried to be right on the war question. I want you to be able to say that day that I did try to feed the hungry. And I want you to be able to say that day that I did try in my life to clothe those who were naked. I want you to say on that day that I did try in my life to visit those who were in prison. I want you to say that I tried to love and serve humanity.
"If you want to say that I was a drum major, say I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace... I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won't have any money to leave behind. I won't have the fine and luxurious things of life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that's all I want to say."
How would you like to be remembered? You're writing your own eulogy every day.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Juneteenth
"And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness" (Romans 6:18, NKJV).
In honor of Juneteenth, Marvin Williams has written a good devotional for Our Daily Bread at http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/06/19/devotion.aspx.
In honor of Juneteenth, Marvin Williams has written a good devotional for Our Daily Bread at http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2008/06/19/devotion.aspx.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
No More Jellyfish, Chickens, or Wimps (Part 1)
I recently completed reading No More Jellyfish, Chickens, or Wimps by Paul Coughlin. The book aims to help parents raise secure and assertive children in a tough world. I found it to be fascinating and very helpful.
I plan to share several quotes from the book along with some of my comments during the month of March.
After analyzing the psychological problems that many young people confront today (such as depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse), Mr. Coughlin starts to list some of the contributing factors to the problems. He asserts that children have been taught to live with timidity by parents, teachers, and churches. While we have the best of intentions, we are raising children to be compliant and sweet rather than righteous and courageous. As a result, our children are suffering from inhibitions that are driving them toward unhealthy thinking and living.
He writes, "Here's a huge part of the problem: Christians are raising some of our culture's wimpiest kids. I don't say that they're becoming wimpy because we're teaching them to be humble and training them to embrace patience. They're going out into the world as wimps because we parents are ignoring the broader counsel of God, pushing away character traits that make us uncomfortable and pretending that being disengaged from the world is actually about holiness and purity, when more often it's about fear and a lack of love...
"We're often either marginalizing or largely eradicating such rugged virtues as shrewdness, boldness, and courage. These aspects of integrity require an active and assertive approach toward life---but many Christians think being assertive is wrong. As a result, we're bringing up our kids to be so sweet and compliant that I wouldn't be surprised if the federal government and armed forces commissioned studies to determine whether or not children who grew up in churches are capable of defending our country" (pp. 14-15).
The last sentence of the first paragraph above struck me. How often have I been disengaged from something or someone because I either feared the situation or lacked love for the people involved? How many time have I tried to convince myself that I was being holy or pure by remaining uninvolved? How pathetic! I don't want to live like that, and I don't want to teach others to live like that either. I want to live by faith and love, not in fear and apathy.
This book can nudge parents to live with the boldness God always intended and to teach their children to do the same. It can inspire us to courageous and assertive living for the sake of Christ.
I plan to share several quotes from the book along with some of my comments during the month of March.
After analyzing the psychological problems that many young people confront today (such as depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse), Mr. Coughlin starts to list some of the contributing factors to the problems. He asserts that children have been taught to live with timidity by parents, teachers, and churches. While we have the best of intentions, we are raising children to be compliant and sweet rather than righteous and courageous. As a result, our children are suffering from inhibitions that are driving them toward unhealthy thinking and living.
He writes, "Here's a huge part of the problem: Christians are raising some of our culture's wimpiest kids. I don't say that they're becoming wimpy because we're teaching them to be humble and training them to embrace patience. They're going out into the world as wimps because we parents are ignoring the broader counsel of God, pushing away character traits that make us uncomfortable and pretending that being disengaged from the world is actually about holiness and purity, when more often it's about fear and a lack of love...
"We're often either marginalizing or largely eradicating such rugged virtues as shrewdness, boldness, and courage. These aspects of integrity require an active and assertive approach toward life---but many Christians think being assertive is wrong. As a result, we're bringing up our kids to be so sweet and compliant that I wouldn't be surprised if the federal government and armed forces commissioned studies to determine whether or not children who grew up in churches are capable of defending our country" (pp. 14-15).
The last sentence of the first paragraph above struck me. How often have I been disengaged from something or someone because I either feared the situation or lacked love for the people involved? How many time have I tried to convince myself that I was being holy or pure by remaining uninvolved? How pathetic! I don't want to live like that, and I don't want to teach others to live like that either. I want to live by faith and love, not in fear and apathy.
This book can nudge parents to live with the boldness God always intended and to teach their children to do the same. It can inspire us to courageous and assertive living for the sake of Christ.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Training to be Godly
"Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come" (1Timothy 4:7-8, NIV).
When football players train, they exercise in order to build strength and endurance. They lift weights. They run. They know that the game is tough. They put effort into it, because they want to win.
When Christians train, they also exercise in order to build strength and endurance. They pray. They read and study the Scriptures. They know that life is tough. They put effort into to it, because they want to win.
Football players will think about their goals and about the possible tactics of their opponents. They will think ahead. They will succeed when they are not caught off guard.
Christians will consider their goals and possible obstacles to reaching those goals. Wise Christians will be asking themselves questions.
*How will I avoid the temptation to be selfish?
*How can I demonstrate to my wife that I love her?
*How can I teach my son to be a man?
*How can I show kindness to a co-worker?
*How can I stand firm for biblical principles when compromise and tolerance are more valued in society?
*How can I share the good news about Christ with an unbelieving friend?
*How can I forgive someone who has harmed me?
*How can I grow older with grace and avoid becoming a bitter old man?
*How can I become more thankful?
*How can I confront sin in someone who is hurting himself and others?
*How can I think, act, and speak in ways that glorify God?
Successful saints will think ahead. They will succeed when they are not caught off guard.
Football players depend on others. They need the team owners, the coaches, and other players. Even in training, a limited amount can be done alone. They need support, guidance, encouragement, and cooperation. Even the player named the Most Valuable Player never wins the game alone. He receives help both before and during the game.
Christians depend on others. They need God, pastors, teachers, and other disciples. They may be able to pray and study on their own, but they need support, guidance, encouragement, and cooperation. One Christian cannot make it through life successfully without help from God and his people.
When football players train, they exercise in order to build strength and endurance. They lift weights. They run. They know that the game is tough. They put effort into it, because they want to win.
When Christians train, they also exercise in order to build strength and endurance. They pray. They read and study the Scriptures. They know that life is tough. They put effort into to it, because they want to win.
Football players will think about their goals and about the possible tactics of their opponents. They will think ahead. They will succeed when they are not caught off guard.
Christians will consider their goals and possible obstacles to reaching those goals. Wise Christians will be asking themselves questions.
*How will I avoid the temptation to be selfish?
*How can I demonstrate to my wife that I love her?
*How can I teach my son to be a man?
*How can I show kindness to a co-worker?
*How can I stand firm for biblical principles when compromise and tolerance are more valued in society?
*How can I share the good news about Christ with an unbelieving friend?
*How can I forgive someone who has harmed me?
*How can I grow older with grace and avoid becoming a bitter old man?
*How can I become more thankful?
*How can I confront sin in someone who is hurting himself and others?
*How can I think, act, and speak in ways that glorify God?
Successful saints will think ahead. They will succeed when they are not caught off guard.
Football players depend on others. They need the team owners, the coaches, and other players. Even in training, a limited amount can be done alone. They need support, guidance, encouragement, and cooperation. Even the player named the Most Valuable Player never wins the game alone. He receives help both before and during the game.
Christians depend on others. They need God, pastors, teachers, and other disciples. They may be able to pray and study on their own, but they need support, guidance, encouragement, and cooperation. One Christian cannot make it through life successfully without help from God and his people.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
No One on Earth Like Him
"Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil'" (Job 1:8, NIV).
What an awesome compliment from the only one who could know such information: God himself.
Job was a special man. He loved the Lord and his family. Although a man of great wealth and influence in his society, he never became corrupted by greed, power, or selfishness. In fact, reflecting on his past, Job said,
"Oh, for the days when I was in my prime,
when God's intimate friendship blessed my house...
When I went to the gate of the city
and took my seat in the public square,
the young men saw me and stepped aside
and the old men rose to their feet;
the chief men refrained from speaking
and covered their mouths with their hands;
the voices of the nobles were hushed,
and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.
Whoever heard me spoke well of me,
and those who saw me commended me,
because I rescued the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to assist him.
The man who was dying blessed me;
I made the widow's heart sing.
I put on righteousness as my clothing;
justice was my robe and my turban.
I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy;
I took up the case of the stranger.
I broke the fangs of the wicked
and snatched the victims from their teeth" (Job 29:4, 7-17, NIV).
Job used his wealth, his influence, and his gifts in order to benefit the poor, the orphans, the widows, the disabled, the immigrants, and victims of injustice. He became a model of the kind of righteousness that comes from "God's intimate friendship" (Job 29:4, NIV). He became a source of inspiration and encouragement for the people of God who would come after him.
What an awesome compliment from the only one who could know such information: God himself.
Job was a special man. He loved the Lord and his family. Although a man of great wealth and influence in his society, he never became corrupted by greed, power, or selfishness. In fact, reflecting on his past, Job said,
"Oh, for the days when I was in my prime,
when God's intimate friendship blessed my house...
When I went to the gate of the city
and took my seat in the public square,
the young men saw me and stepped aside
and the old men rose to their feet;
the chief men refrained from speaking
and covered their mouths with their hands;
the voices of the nobles were hushed,
and their tongues stuck to the roof of their mouths.
Whoever heard me spoke well of me,
and those who saw me commended me,
because I rescued the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to assist him.
The man who was dying blessed me;
I made the widow's heart sing.
I put on righteousness as my clothing;
justice was my robe and my turban.
I was eyes to the blind
and feet to the lame.
I was a father to the needy;
I took up the case of the stranger.
I broke the fangs of the wicked
and snatched the victims from their teeth" (Job 29:4, 7-17, NIV).
Job used his wealth, his influence, and his gifts in order to benefit the poor, the orphans, the widows, the disabled, the immigrants, and victims of injustice. He became a model of the kind of righteousness that comes from "God's intimate friendship" (Job 29:4, NIV). He became a source of inspiration and encouragement for the people of God who would come after him.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Caring for Your Animal
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. (Proverbs 12:10, NIV)
I learned many years ago that righteousness was defined as right thinking and right acting. Then, I learned that it had a relational component; righteousness involved being rightly related to God and to people. Proverbs 12:10 expands the definition a little further. Righteousness involves being rightly related to one's animals, taking care of their needs.
Proverbs 12:10 has become our family's latest memory verse. It comes in handy when Christopher does not want to feed the dog.
I learned many years ago that righteousness was defined as right thinking and right acting. Then, I learned that it had a relational component; righteousness involved being rightly related to God and to people. Proverbs 12:10 expands the definition a little further. Righteousness involves being rightly related to one's animals, taking care of their needs.
Proverbs 12:10 has become our family's latest memory verse. It comes in handy when Christopher does not want to feed the dog.
Friday, January 26, 2007
The Home of Righteousness
"But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13, NIV).
I love Peter's phrase for our ultimate destination as Christians: "the home of righteousness."
When Jesus Christ returns, everything will change. The universe will be different. I will be different. I will be at home in the home of righteousness.
I will have the right attitude. I will think the right thoughts. I will say the right words. I will act in the right ways. I will be all right...and that is something exciting to anticipate.
However, I am most excited about the expectation of completely right relationships. Nothing will interfere with my relationship with God. I will be as close to him as a man can possibly be. I will worship without distraction. I will be in awe of aspects of his character and power that I have not even noticed in this life.
Furthermore, I will enjoy completely right relationships with other people, angels, and whatever other creatures may live with us in the home of righteousness. No more broken friendships. No more misunderstandings. No more selfishness interfering with us.
Followers of Jesus Christ have an enormous inheritance waiting for us in the home of righteousness. When he returns, we will experience a joy and a sense of fulfillment that cannot even be imagined. May that day come soon, and may everyone I love enjoy that day with me!
I love Peter's phrase for our ultimate destination as Christians: "the home of righteousness."
When Jesus Christ returns, everything will change. The universe will be different. I will be different. I will be at home in the home of righteousness.
I will have the right attitude. I will think the right thoughts. I will say the right words. I will act in the right ways. I will be all right...and that is something exciting to anticipate.
However, I am most excited about the expectation of completely right relationships. Nothing will interfere with my relationship with God. I will be as close to him as a man can possibly be. I will worship without distraction. I will be in awe of aspects of his character and power that I have not even noticed in this life.
Furthermore, I will enjoy completely right relationships with other people, angels, and whatever other creatures may live with us in the home of righteousness. No more broken friendships. No more misunderstandings. No more selfishness interfering with us.
Followers of Jesus Christ have an enormous inheritance waiting for us in the home of righteousness. When he returns, we will experience a joy and a sense of fulfillment that cannot even be imagined. May that day come soon, and may everyone I love enjoy that day with me!
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