As I struggle to prioritize "my life" at the moment, I'm torn between doing the things that will get me through school and the things that really matter, like considering God and taking time to pray and even just taking time to think (because yes, we Christians really ought to think sometimes) about the issues I'm facing, decisions to make--and priorities I should have.
Should I begin working on a reading assignment, or should I put it off until Thanksgiving break? I'd really like to get at least half of it done so that I can finally sell the book back and have money to live off of--but, really, I should be creating lesson plans because they're due on Tuesday, before Thanksgiving--but I really don't think they'll take that long to do, though they'll probably take longer than I have time for right now. And when on earth should I clean my room, because it's been a couple of weeks...but, gosh, I'm so distracted by questions like "what is it like to really be proud of your country?" and "aren't Christians supposed to care more about God than their country?" and "where will I be teaching next year?" and "couldn't I be using this musing time for more constructive things?".
So, by the time all of this has happened, I could have at least vacuumed the floor--and I lose even more time considering everything I could have done with the time I just wasted, then try to decide what to do again and the cycle continues until it's time to head off to my next real appointment, and I've gotten nothing done.
Maybe I need to re-read The Purpose-Driven Life--in those spare moments.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Bum Thumb
Recently, I injured my thumb to such an extent that it was rendered essentially useless for over a week. (Don't worry; the injury is in no way permanent, though the scar may prove quite lasting, and besides the initial injury I have felt no pain.)
Honestly, you never realize how much you use your thumbs until one of them is incapacitated. Showers took twice as long, washing dishes became a chore, even fastening buttons became a complicated maneuver--and my handwriting suffered probably more than I did.
So, I now have a much better understanding of the passage in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul explains how the church is like a body--the very body of Christ, in fact. In order for a body to function most effectively, each part should be in tip-top shape. If one part is rendered useless, the other functions of the body also suffer, having to do jobs for which they are not designed in order to pick up that part's slack. I can function without using that thumb--but everything takes longer and, in the case of my handwriting, doesn't turn out quite like it should.
Please don't be the bum thumb in your body, wherever you are. Take steps to discover your area of usefulness--and then use it! Bum thumbs are no fun.
Honestly, you never realize how much you use your thumbs until one of them is incapacitated. Showers took twice as long, washing dishes became a chore, even fastening buttons became a complicated maneuver--and my handwriting suffered probably more than I did.
So, I now have a much better understanding of the passage in 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul explains how the church is like a body--the very body of Christ, in fact. In order for a body to function most effectively, each part should be in tip-top shape. If one part is rendered useless, the other functions of the body also suffer, having to do jobs for which they are not designed in order to pick up that part's slack. I can function without using that thumb--but everything takes longer and, in the case of my handwriting, doesn't turn out quite like it should.
Please don't be the bum thumb in your body, wherever you are. Take steps to discover your area of usefulness--and then use it! Bum thumbs are no fun.
Monday, November 9, 2009
An Interactive Post
Today's post is going to be what we education-types call "interactive." In this particular case, it means that I'm going to post a short passage (from nothing else but the book Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne, no less!) followed by a guiding question, and anyone who cares to respond may do so in whatever way he/she thinks fits.
"'Eeyore,' said Owl, 'Christopher Robin is giving a party.'
"'Very interesting,' said Eeyore. 'I suppose they will be sending me down the odd bits which got trodden on. Kind and Thoughtful. Not at all, don't mention it.'
"'There is an Invitation for you.'
"'What's that like?'
"'An Invitation!'
"'Yes, I heard you. Who dropped it?'
"'This isn't anything to eat, it's asking you to the party. Tomorrow.'
"Eeyore shook his head slowly.
"'You mean Piglet. The little fellow with the excited ears. That's Piglet. I'll tell him.'
"'No, no!' said Owl, getting quite fussy. 'It's you!'
"'Are you sure?'
"'Of course I'm sure. Christopher Robin said "All of them! Tell all of them."'
"'All of them, except Eeyore?'
"'All of them,' said Owl sulkily.
"'Ah!' said Eeyore. 'A mistake, no doubt, but still, I shall come. Only don't blame me if it rains.'" (152-53)
(Milne, A. A. Winnie the Pooh. New York: Puffin Books, 1992.)
So, based on this passage, I would ask:
1. Does this remind you of anything, to start with?
2. Have you ever felt like Eeyore did here? (Explain, if you wish)
3. Have you ever met anyone who behaved like Eeyore? (Elaborate, if you want)
4. Have you ever responded like Owl to someone like Eeyore? (Tell us how, if you're comfortable)
5. (And this one's really deep:) Do you suppose there are people who respond to salvation in the same way that Eeyore responds to the idea of an invitation specifically for him? How should we respond to such people's incredulous questions? What do we do if they don't believe us, in the end?
Just for your consideration. Respond to as many or as few as you wish.
Be seeing you!
"'Eeyore,' said Owl, 'Christopher Robin is giving a party.'
"'Very interesting,' said Eeyore. 'I suppose they will be sending me down the odd bits which got trodden on. Kind and Thoughtful. Not at all, don't mention it.'
"'There is an Invitation for you.'
"'What's that like?'
"'An Invitation!'
"'Yes, I heard you. Who dropped it?'
"'This isn't anything to eat, it's asking you to the party. Tomorrow.'
"Eeyore shook his head slowly.
"'You mean Piglet. The little fellow with the excited ears. That's Piglet. I'll tell him.'
"'No, no!' said Owl, getting quite fussy. 'It's you!'
"'Are you sure?'
"'Of course I'm sure. Christopher Robin said "All of them! Tell all of them."'
"'All of them, except Eeyore?'
"'All of them,' said Owl sulkily.
"'Ah!' said Eeyore. 'A mistake, no doubt, but still, I shall come. Only don't blame me if it rains.'" (152-53)
(Milne, A. A. Winnie the Pooh. New York: Puffin Books, 1992.)
So, based on this passage, I would ask:
1. Does this remind you of anything, to start with?
2. Have you ever felt like Eeyore did here? (Explain, if you wish)
3. Have you ever met anyone who behaved like Eeyore? (Elaborate, if you want)
4. Have you ever responded like Owl to someone like Eeyore? (Tell us how, if you're comfortable)
5. (And this one's really deep:) Do you suppose there are people who respond to salvation in the same way that Eeyore responds to the idea of an invitation specifically for him? How should we respond to such people's incredulous questions? What do we do if they don't believe us, in the end?
Just for your consideration. Respond to as many or as few as you wish.
Be seeing you!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Calling All Creatives...
It's been too long, I know. College really gets in the way of life sometimes.
But I have a very special announcement to make:
REVIVE IS ON THE MOVE!
And we want you to be a part.
There are several ways this may happen, of course, but my personal favorite is via the Creative Media Team. Probably because that's my area of "expertise." But, see, I'm no expert, by any means, which is why I'm excited to invite you to apply to be a part of the team.
Applications for this (and several other positions) can be found on our website, www.revivethecity.org, under the "applications" tab. I look forward to hearing from you!
But I have a very special announcement to make:
REVIVE IS ON THE MOVE!
And we want you to be a part.
There are several ways this may happen, of course, but my personal favorite is via the Creative Media Team. Probably because that's my area of "expertise." But, see, I'm no expert, by any means, which is why I'm excited to invite you to apply to be a part of the team.
Applications for this (and several other positions) can be found on our website, www.revivethecity.org, under the "applications" tab. I look forward to hearing from you!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Blocked
So, funny story: Recently, I inadvertently infected my computer with a virus (or two, I'm still not sure). It was what we call a Trojan because, like the Trojan's horse of ancient fame, it arrived posing as a good thing. In this case, it claimed that it was an antivirus-scanning software that had detected several viruses on my computer and wanted to run a scan to see if there were more. I'd encountered it once before and thought, at that earlier encounter, that it was fishy, so I had the sense to ignore it. This time, however, I was genuinely concerned, so I clicked and let it scan.
Mistake.
Because, after it scanned, of course it had found a ton of stuff, and the next step was, logically, to buy its software to safely remove all those dreadful viruses and safe my helpless computer from a certain death. As if I have money right now to spend on computer protection! So I ignored this warning and tried to go about my merry way. My first order of business was, of course, the Internet, which is pretty much where all of my business is these days. But, lo and behold! when I try to go to Facebook, I get a big red screen that reads "This site may cause harm to your computer," and it gave me two options: to proceed unprotected or the buy this antivirus software. I click "proceed unprotected." Fail. And I get to another red screen that reads "This site may cause harm to you computer."
This went on all weekend. After about two days, I realized that my computer needed help, or I was going to kill it faster than the virus would. Fortunately, I have friends who know what to do, and they gave me a few Internet links to try--links to recommended, safe, REAL antivirus software that will clean up my act. Only, guess what? When I tried to enter these URLs, I got this big red screen that read "This site may cause harm to your computer."
See, this malicious adware was trying to block me not only from everything, but from the very things that might have fixed my problem. Of course they would want to do that!
But this is not just a scheme employed by computer viruses; our enemy, Satan, uses the same tactics. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that he invented the art. So, beware of his malicious adware, because it's tricky and may even pose as a good thing. (Those are the really scary ones!) As for breaking free from the "website block"--I'll get back to you on that, and I hope you don't think any worse of my for leaving you without any answers. But I don't want to throw answers at you on this, because it's serious. So, I'll leave you to mull over the potential viruses in your lives, because identification is the first step to correction.
Mistake.
Because, after it scanned, of course it had found a ton of stuff, and the next step was, logically, to buy its software to safely remove all those dreadful viruses and safe my helpless computer from a certain death. As if I have money right now to spend on computer protection! So I ignored this warning and tried to go about my merry way. My first order of business was, of course, the Internet, which is pretty much where all of my business is these days. But, lo and behold! when I try to go to Facebook, I get a big red screen that reads "This site may cause harm to your computer," and it gave me two options: to proceed unprotected or the buy this antivirus software. I click "proceed unprotected." Fail. And I get to another red screen that reads "This site may cause harm to you computer."
This went on all weekend. After about two days, I realized that my computer needed help, or I was going to kill it faster than the virus would. Fortunately, I have friends who know what to do, and they gave me a few Internet links to try--links to recommended, safe, REAL antivirus software that will clean up my act. Only, guess what? When I tried to enter these URLs, I got this big red screen that read "This site may cause harm to your computer."
See, this malicious adware was trying to block me not only from everything, but from the very things that might have fixed my problem. Of course they would want to do that!
But this is not just a scheme employed by computer viruses; our enemy, Satan, uses the same tactics. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that he invented the art. So, beware of his malicious adware, because it's tricky and may even pose as a good thing. (Those are the really scary ones!) As for breaking free from the "website block"--I'll get back to you on that, and I hope you don't think any worse of my for leaving you without any answers. But I don't want to throw answers at you on this, because it's serious. So, I'll leave you to mull over the potential viruses in your lives, because identification is the first step to correction.
Monday, August 24, 2009
From Complacency to Change
It's been a while, I know...and, when it hasn't been a while, posts have been sporadic, at best. Which is one indication of my summer growth, I'm afraid.
See, sometimes in the summers I grow complacent. I mean, it's not like I'm on campus surrounded by other people who are just as crazy as I am--indeed, some are even crazier, believe it or not. In the summertime, I'm at home where it's comfortable and where I've known everyone for pretty much my entire life. There's not much challenge to living at home, and I therefore forget that there should be a challenge at all.
But, if we're not challenged, then we're not changed. Shoot, we're not even motivated to change. And our lives are all the time in need of changing! If you don't need changing, then you're perfect and you're delusional. Congratulations. For the rest of us, if something in our lives doesn't change every so often, we become way too comfortable with where we are, and the desire to change wears off. If it's not broke, don't fix it, right? That's when we get stuck in a dangerous place called complacency. It's something like the walking dead, because you're missing out on so much that God wants to do in your life but you don't even realize it. You're missing the parade as it passes by because you didn't change what needed changing based on a challenge in or on your life.
Perhaps you find yourself in this complacent state; you don't see a need for change, because your life, though dull and/or meaningless, is at least easy. I reckon the best cure for such a disease is to find a challenge. Now, don't rush off just yet, and let me clarify: for real change, not just any challenge will do. I suggest that you search through the Bible for the sorts of challenges that will bring extended, if not lasting, results. It is rich with challenges for the Christian life. Again, I want to plug Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship, because it, besides the Bible, is the most challenging book I have read--because of the Bible. The same man wrote another book which concerns the Christian community called Life Together. Also, a Brit named J. I. Packer has written a book called Knowing God which deals with God's nature and our relationship to Him; and, finally, a smart man named C. S. Lewis wrote several books about Christianity. I've read Mere Christianity and Surprised by Joy and found both to be thought-provoking and, yes, challenging. Finally, Pastor Steven Furtick has written about change and challenge a great deal on his blog, which is always a good read. I mention all of these authors and titles, in fact, because, for one, they use the Scriptures as their basis for arguement and explanation; and, secondly, I have been challenged by them at some point or another--again, simply because of the Bible. I offer them to you as suggestions for a starting point in your journey from complacency to changed life.
See, sometimes in the summers I grow complacent. I mean, it's not like I'm on campus surrounded by other people who are just as crazy as I am--indeed, some are even crazier, believe it or not. In the summertime, I'm at home where it's comfortable and where I've known everyone for pretty much my entire life. There's not much challenge to living at home, and I therefore forget that there should be a challenge at all.
But, if we're not challenged, then we're not changed. Shoot, we're not even motivated to change. And our lives are all the time in need of changing! If you don't need changing, then you're perfect and you're delusional. Congratulations. For the rest of us, if something in our lives doesn't change every so often, we become way too comfortable with where we are, and the desire to change wears off. If it's not broke, don't fix it, right? That's when we get stuck in a dangerous place called complacency. It's something like the walking dead, because you're missing out on so much that God wants to do in your life but you don't even realize it. You're missing the parade as it passes by because you didn't change what needed changing based on a challenge in or on your life.
Perhaps you find yourself in this complacent state; you don't see a need for change, because your life, though dull and/or meaningless, is at least easy. I reckon the best cure for such a disease is to find a challenge. Now, don't rush off just yet, and let me clarify: for real change, not just any challenge will do. I suggest that you search through the Bible for the sorts of challenges that will bring extended, if not lasting, results. It is rich with challenges for the Christian life. Again, I want to plug Dietrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipleship, because it, besides the Bible, is the most challenging book I have read--because of the Bible. The same man wrote another book which concerns the Christian community called Life Together. Also, a Brit named J. I. Packer has written a book called Knowing God which deals with God's nature and our relationship to Him; and, finally, a smart man named C. S. Lewis wrote several books about Christianity. I've read Mere Christianity and Surprised by Joy and found both to be thought-provoking and, yes, challenging. Finally, Pastor Steven Furtick has written about change and challenge a great deal on his blog, which is always a good read. I mention all of these authors and titles, in fact, because, for one, they use the Scriptures as their basis for arguement and explanation; and, secondly, I have been challenged by them at some point or another--again, simply because of the Bible. I offer them to you as suggestions for a starting point in your journey from complacency to changed life.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Revolutionary
So, here's a revolutionary idea: what if Christians gave up their rights instead of fighting so hard to keep them?
I still have a lot to learn about (and from!) the Bible, but I have made one observation that I think holds true for the whole thing: while God talks a lot about giving up stuff (time, possessions, family, home, and so on) for the sake of one's faith, He doesn't spend much time telling us to keep anything--except faith. And, trust me, this realization staggers me as much as anyone. After all, could God really expect me to live as a doormat?
Before I answer my own question, let me clarify some stuff: God's original plan was a perfect world and sinless people. Unfortunately, sin made that plan impossible, and we now inhabit an imperfect world populated by sinful people--including you and me. But our loving God did not wish to allow us to all perish and suffer the punishment for our wrongdoings, so He sent His Son to the earth to take our place--and, as a perfect person, to serve as an example to His disciples, an added bonus. So, ultimately, we Christians, as Christ's disciples in our times, should also follow His example. This example is, of course, laid out in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible), which I encourage you to investigate on your own. We all learn best by our own discovery.
Please do correct me if you discover that I'm wrong, but it seems that the example of Jesus points towards a life fully committed to glorifying and obeying God, no matter what the cost to Himself. He gave up His earthly rights to dignity, a fair trial, and life in order to accomplish His Father's will. That's what surrender looks like: giving up what we like to call even our most basic rights in order that God be glorified--even your "right" to public recognition when you do so.
A smart man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer thought of things like this long before I did and gave a detailed explanation in a book called The Cost of Discipleship. Pick it up, if you get a chance, and enjoy!
I still have a lot to learn about (and from!) the Bible, but I have made one observation that I think holds true for the whole thing: while God talks a lot about giving up stuff (time, possessions, family, home, and so on) for the sake of one's faith, He doesn't spend much time telling us to keep anything--except faith. And, trust me, this realization staggers me as much as anyone. After all, could God really expect me to live as a doormat?
Before I answer my own question, let me clarify some stuff: God's original plan was a perfect world and sinless people. Unfortunately, sin made that plan impossible, and we now inhabit an imperfect world populated by sinful people--including you and me. But our loving God did not wish to allow us to all perish and suffer the punishment for our wrongdoings, so He sent His Son to the earth to take our place--and, as a perfect person, to serve as an example to His disciples, an added bonus. So, ultimately, we Christians, as Christ's disciples in our times, should also follow His example. This example is, of course, laid out in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible), which I encourage you to investigate on your own. We all learn best by our own discovery.
Please do correct me if you discover that I'm wrong, but it seems that the example of Jesus points towards a life fully committed to glorifying and obeying God, no matter what the cost to Himself. He gave up His earthly rights to dignity, a fair trial, and life in order to accomplish His Father's will. That's what surrender looks like: giving up what we like to call even our most basic rights in order that God be glorified--even your "right" to public recognition when you do so.
A smart man named Dietrich Bonhoeffer thought of things like this long before I did and gave a detailed explanation in a book called The Cost of Discipleship. Pick it up, if you get a chance, and enjoy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)