A funny thing happened on the way to writing Distractions. I got distracted. First, it was going to be an update to something I wrote almost eight years ago. Somehow, it turned into something brand new. Then, I got distracted again. This time, by medical news. News that raises the question – to run from God – or run to God?
Distractions – part 1 – run away from God, or run to God? More
Is the Bible relevant today? Of course, I say yes – absolutely. The Bible is relevant today! But then there’s the question of why? Why should anyone believe the Bible is relevant today?
To that end, I’m going to do a series on something written for secular people. 23 Things Successful People Never Do, from bestlifeonline.com. It’s an interesting approach. I was surprised how much the general thoughts line up with things Christians should do. The only real differences were in the actual examples, not in the concepts. In a way, maybe not all that surprising.
Jesus came to earth to die for us, and one of the results of that is that His followers can have “life to the full”. Let’s examine that passage. After that, we can better understand why a Christian might want to look at a secular list of things to not do.
Is the Bible relevant today? More
Beer, biscuits and butter – is that settling for less? Some people will ask, “less than what?” Others will just say, “I’m fine with that.” How about you? Is that enough to make you happy? Keep you happy? Or do you want more? A whole lot more?
It seems weird – a site about religion talking about beer, biscuits, butter and bourbon. Relax, I’m not going to get into the evils of drinking and eating unhealthy food.
No, we need to consider something Jesus said. Something we probably just assume means we can eat whatever we want. But Jesus points out a whole new category of things that we should have been watching out for all along. But probably didn’t. Check it out.
Beer, biscuits and butter – is that settling for less? More
Greater love has no one … Most of you recognize those words. And know how they end. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. But what do they really mean? Do these words tell us that the greatest love we can show for another person is to die for them? Literally, physically, die?
On it’s face, it seems rather extreme. While not discounting times when literally, physically dying does, in fact, show great love, I can’t help but wonder if that’s the only thing Jesus meant when He said that. Given the context within which Jesus made that one extracted sentence, I feel it means more. Given the overall context of a Christian who truly works at following Jesus’ teachings, I believe it means a whole lot more.
It matters what that line means. We’ll explore why as we go along.
Greater love has no one … More
What’s in a worship song? Well, it’s a song. So there’s music, unless it’s “a capella”. And it’s worship, so there must be words. After all, worship is about praising and honoring. Words are kind of important when doing that. More specifically, in a Christian worship song, it’s about praising God. The God we believe created – everything. The songs should reflect that. What else should be in Christian worship songs? Love. And Truth.
These things probably seem line no-brainers. Of course, they should all be there. By, when we sing or listen to them, do we really think about what’s in a worship song that we’re directing to God? Do we just blindly sing the words, whatever they might be? Or do we meditate on them as we’re singing? In essence, are we praying those words?
What’s in a worship song? or two? More
Here’s a question for Christians. Are you a light on a hill? Or a noisy gong? Or are you just wondering why I’m asking? It is a legitimate question. We’re supposed to be “making disciples”. But how? Are we supposed to beat people over the head until they finally give in? I know that’s been done. Is still being done. But is it what Jesus asked for?
The same can be asked of any “in your face” approach to making people become Christians. The thing about “making disciples” is that Jesus said a whole lot more than just “go do it!”. He taught us how. He was a living example of how to do it. But do we pay attention to that part?
A light on a hill? Or a noisy gong? More
Can you accidentally build on rock? If you’re not Christian, you probably won’t get the point of the question. But please, read on. Learn what it’s about and why I ask. If you are Christian, you should get it. But, have you ever really thought about it? Or do you just assume you’re building on rock?
Here’s what “build on rock” is about. It’s something Jesus said. Something about the “wise man”, meaning the one who truly follows Jesus. Someone who believe what Jesus said. In fact, who believes it so much that Jesus’ teachings guide their life. Not just someone who says a few words and hopes they’re saved. Someone who lives out their faith. And their faith is based on what Jesus taught.
Christians – can you accidentally build on rock? More
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Very much like the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Except in this case, the one doing unto us is God. So if we show mercy to other people, then God will show mercy to us.
Like faith and believing is Jesus, action is an integral part of mercy. We’ll see that just saying, “God have mercy on you”, isn’t what Jesus is talking about. Nor is praying for someone and walking away.
It’s about doing something. Helping. kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
Trump Announces New Religious Freedom Initiatives. And Evangelical leaders cheer. But let’s be honest. Exactly what do those religious freedom initiatives accomplish? Oh yeah – businesses are going to be involved too. Huh? “Freedom of religion and belief can contribute to a rich pluralism that is itself associated with economic growth.” Again – Huh? And since the announcement was at the United Nations, they chimed in as well. “The UN secretary-general António Guterres, seated to Trump’s right, thanked the President for his focus on religious freedom and praised the recent efforts of Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed al-Tayyib, to promote religious peace and fraternity. He announced two new UN initiatives to support religious freedom—a strategy against hate speech and an action plan to protect houses of worship.” One more time – Huh?
I’m sorry but, is that what religion is really about? Pluralism, a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist? Really? Contributing to economic growth? Really? Religious fraternity? Really?
Any Christian should be asking, what happened to salvation?
Trump’s New Religious Freedom Initiatives – what do they mean? More
Why are we so willing to settle for less? Did that get your attention? Probably. You’re reading this. As if “we” somehow covers everyone. But it does. Or as if literally everyone really does settle for less. And yet, we do. So much less. Less than what? Less than what we could have. Not only right this moment, but every moment after this one. For the rest of our lives. And even beyond.
Hard to believe? Apparently not too hard, since you’re still reading. And even for someone who doesn’t believe it, that lack of belief doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
Why are we so willing to settle for less? More
