Withering, Slithering or Dithering

From My Perspective - - -

Major shifts in politics and religion are occurring throughout the world. It should come as no surprise that a major contributor to both is secularism. Question: Has our nation and world become secular while the Church occupied itself with lesser matters than the Gospel and how it can and must impact the world? A basic and working definition for secularism is: “a spirit or tendency, especially a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith, practice and worship.” It holds to a “view that public education or other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element.” Have we arrived at this point?

A British Column – The Independent with Robert Fisk – makes the following assessment of where the United States is in terms of the crucial Middle East. The Headline is: “Who cares in the Middle East what Obama says?” We should be both clear and fair at this juncture. President Obama is the face of the United States in foreign affairs and becomes the subject for the United States and what people in the world think of this nation. A few of the editorial thoughts are: “This month, in the Middle East, has seen the unmaking…of the United States. More than that, it has witnessed the lowest prestige of America in the region since Roosevelt met King Abdul Aziz on the USS Quincy in the Great Bitter Lake in 1945. While Barack Obama and Benjamin Netanyahu played out their farce in Washington…the Arabs got on with the serious business of changing their world, demonstrating and fighting and dying for freedoms they have never possessed. Obama waffled on about change in the Middle East – and about America's new role in the region. It was pathetic. What is this role thing? an Egyptian friend asked me at the weekend. Do they still believe we care about what they think?"

Meanwhile, in this country, the area of religion is being reviewed as it rehashes what it believes. World Magazine for June 4, 2011 has this editorial: Withering away?  By Timothy Dalrymple. The article asserts: “Researchers rush to predict the demise of organized religion in the West - Celebrated intellectuals have long predicted the demise of religion in modern scientific society, and a new, headline-grabbing study presented at a Dallas meeting of the American Physical Society claims to demonstrate mathematically that organized religion will be "driven toward extinction" in at least nine Western-style democracies.  One of the study's authors…had developed a mathematical model to account for the extinction of languages spoken by small numbers of people. Another of the authors…noted that similar data was available for religious affiliation in some developed nations, and suggested they apply the same model to the waning of religious affiliation. Of the nations studied, only the Czech Republic already has a majority of its citizens who are unaffiliated with a religion, at 60 percent.” The implication is in terms of how far does the United States lag behind achieving the same type of majority!

What can be done for religion in our nation? Can it get back on track and represent the message and purpose declared by Jesus Christ. When Paul preached at Ephesus, he took issue with the costly idols (ornate gods) that were being sold. Note what occurred when Paul spoke an uncompromised message in that day – Acts 19:29-32 – “So the whole city was filled with confusion, and rushed into the theater with one accord, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travel companions…Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together.” Their motive was to preserve their profitable business venture – but this Paul – was taking a firm and non-compromised stand in terms of the truth and the right way. The question before the confused multitudes was simple: Do we accommodate the sellers of ornate gods which is profitable for all of us, or do we listen to the rabble-rouser Paul with his deliberate and decisive message about Jesus Christ and the Gospel. It seems as though a decisive day is coming soon for this nation and it may be marked by many unpleasant times that may include persecution and martyrdom. What will you do in such a day? With whom – for Whom will you stand?  Consider these things with me!

What In The World Is The Church Doing?

From My Perspective - - -

The Church has historically been viewed as a place of refuge – a sanctuary from the storms of life – and a place where they can regain a spiritual equilibrium and focus. Has the Church been able to do that task effectively – both within the church community itself – or as it addresses the needs of the secular culture in which it finds itself? Do people in public life have a positive view or a negative assessment of The Church and its Ministers? Does it have a credible voice that should be heard – that ought to be heard – today? What if the Church became introspective, would it be pleased with what it sees and what it had become? Would it find itself credible and effective?

Some of the recent studies done should result in alarm, concern and action! The question is: Will it? The research that was distilled from Barna, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary included the following: “Fifteen hundred pastors leave the ministry each month due to moral failure, spiritual burnout, or contention in their churches; Fifty percent of pastors' marriages will end in divorce; Eighty percent of pastors feel unqualified and discouraged in their role as pastor; Fifty percent of pastors are so discouraged that they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living; Eighty percent of seminary and Bible school graduates who enter the ministry will leave the ministry within the first five years; Seventy percent of pastors constantly fight depression; Almost forty percent polled said they have had an extra-marital affair since beginning their ministry; Seventy percent said the only time they spend studying the Word is when they are preparing their sermons…Most statistics say that 60% to 80% of those who enter the ministry will not still be in it 10 years later, and only a fraction will stay in it as a lifetime career. Many pastors—I believe over 90 percent—start off right with a true call and the enthusiasm and the endurance of faith to make it, but something happens to derail their train of passion and love for the call…Focus on the Family has reported that we in the United States lose a pastor a day because he seeks an immoral path instead of God’s, seeking intimacy where it must not be found. F.O.F. statistics state that 70% of pastors do not have close personal friends, and no one in whom to confide. They also said about 35% of pastors personally deal with sexual sin. In addition, that 25% of pastors are divorced. The statistics I had with church growth resources is even higher. Pastors who tend to be very educated seem to have the ability to embark in sin on Saturday and preach the Word on Sunday without thinking anything is wrong…Remember, Pride and Arrogance will be the diving board that will spring the pastor into the pool of sin and cause a church to fight among themselves!”

In a recent sermon, Erwin Lutzer, Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago stated (Getting Conversation Right) that of the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2 and 3, none of them exist as a church today. Instead, Islam has replaced Christianity and most of the early churches have become a Mosque, some a Museum or souvenir shop. What happened to them? The Head of the Church had said they needed to Remember where they once were and represented; to Return to that initial commitment; and to Repent of the sin that was being tolerated and the complacency that was all too common.

Does this mean there is no room for a resurgence of The Church and Christianity? Does this imply we have arrived at the end of The Church Age? Is there any common sense trying to breathe new life into a dying horse? It is true that there are some signs of our times that can be viewed as God’s displeasure with His world and this nation – the inordinate number of tornadoes and severe storms; floods; earthquakes; etc. – but does this mean the Church should fold up its tent and head for the hills? Does it still have the most transforming message to declare to the world today? Has the Church become fearful of getting aligned with God’s word so it can effectively do God’s work? It should be clearly understood that God will do His work with us or without us. Listen to what he said amid a desperate time and day in Habakkuk 1:5 (NKJV), “Look among the nations and watch - Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you.”  God wants us to be on-board with Him and His plan and work for His world! Can He count on you to be one of the faithful and committed? Consider these things with me!

Quenching Thirst

From My Perspective - - -

The sermon at church this week had a fascinating title: “Puddles, Springs and Rivers.” In this day of pollution and contamination, it reminds one of the old saying: “Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.” This quote from the Ancient Mariner by the English Romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge in the early 1800’s exemplifies the concern that water can be abundant but unusable. Both Discovery Education and National Geographic have developed a series of Lesson Plans to demonstrate that “as the world’s population grows, access to fresh water declines. This relationship is evident in both industrialized and developing countries and in both arid and wet climates…Most Americans take an endless supply of drinkable water for granted…The goal of this lesson is to familiarize students with the realities about water supply in other nations, as well as in the United States, and what the future holds…”

The Bulletin Insert was titled: “Drink Plenty of Water.” It is about a basic instruction if one is engaged in running a race, presumably a Marathon or some other distance venture. It is written by an Unknown Source but it offers good advice when it states to one running a race:”…Drink plenty of water. All along the race courses are water stations, and most runners slow down to drink a cup of cool water. Keeping ones water level up is critical when running. If you get slightly dehydrated, you will not run well. If you get moderately dehydrated, you will become disoriented. If you get seriously dehydrated, you can die. It’s serious business…” The author of this piece writes about himself and says: “The first year I ran, I was inexperienced…I passed water stop after water stop, occasionally drinking a swallow or two. I felt good, and I wasn’t going to waste precious seconds drinking water, even though it was a hot and humid day. Big mistake! As I neared the final mile, ‘I hit the wall.’ My energy level dropped to zero, I began having to walk some, and I realized I would have to work hard just to finish. I did make it across the line, but only with a tremendous headache and hardly enough energy to walk…I learned an important lesson that year – Stopping for water doesn’t actually slow you down. In fact, you will run a better race if you pause to drink water…your body is not designed to function without water…I saw a man become dehydrated just a mile from the finish. Strangely, he didn’t seem to recognize that anything was wrong. He was swaying from side to side as he walked, mumbling over and over ‘I’m fine, I’m fine’ – He was so disoriented that he failed to recognize his true condition…”

In John 4:10-14, Jesus is near a well when a Samaritan woman comes to that well. A dialogue begins with the woman regarding physical water that can and will quench one’s thirst for a while. Then Jesus moves the thought to spiritual water and references it in terms of the eternal benefit that comes if one drinks of it. Note the words of Jesus: “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water…Everyone who drinks of this (well) water will be thirsty again,but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." While the choice seems obvious, there are many who ignore the water stations and pass them by as the hurry and scurry about their life’s goals and ambitions. The very thing they need to sustain them, they ignore and refuse. Are they making a wise choice when they do so? No! Will there be a price to pay later because of what is being refused now? Yes!

Jesus would go on to say in John 6:35, as the hungry multitudes followed Him, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” In Isaiah 55:1 (NLT) is the offer: “Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink -- even if you have no money!” These words are echoed in Revelation 22:17 (NLT), “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. Let each one who hears them say, Come. Let the thirsty ones come -- anyone who wants to. Let them come and drink the water of life without charge.” Have you come to that spiritual water station to have your thirst quenched or have you thoughtlessly rushed by it – just passed it by? Stop and Drink freely! Consider these things with me!

Six Minus One

From My Perspective - - -

What is the greatest need in the world today? Where should nations place their focus? What should be the center of attention regarding current trends and realities? The answers depend on whether or not one is secular or spiritual centered and focused. When William Jefferson Clinton was the Democratic nominee for President, the campaign slogan and talking point quickly became, “It’s the economy, stupid.” The idea and thrust was to keep and stay focused on the primary issue of the day. If that same strategy was employed today, what should the major focus and thrust be? What should receive the most attention and represent the greatest urgency for the world today?

Some would argue that it is the long-term wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; others would suggest a general and expanding unrest with Middle Eastern countries and their leadership; and some would be focused on a shift from capitalism to socialism that is being championed as the answer for social and domestic needs world-wide. Is that the correct summary and approach? The Wall Street Journal for May 20, 2011 contains an article that states: “Senate Democratic leaders said Thursday they weren't yet ready to move ahead with a 2012 budget proposal, amid continuing differences within the party over the right balance between spending cuts and tax increases. The delay exposed Democrats to Republican charges that, even as the United States faced economically challenging times, they failed to draw up a blueprint for how the country should manage its finances. I think they are paralyzed, said Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama, the top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee. A budget is fundamentally your vision for the financial future of America."

Newsmax contained an article in reference to Senator Tom Coburn resigning from the “Gang Of Six” – the “gang” was attempting to reach a bi-partisan resolve to the growing financial and economic crisis in the United States today. The headline on Thursday, 19 May 2011 was, “Oklahoma Senator Was Debt-deal Linchpin.” The body of the article states: “Maybe it was all a pipe dream — the idea that a Gang of Six from across the Senate's ideological spectrum could solve the nation's deficit despite enormous obstacles placed in their way…The remaining five are opting to plug ahead, but they may just be marking time after the departure of conservative Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn, the crucial cog if the gang was ever going to be able to sell a deal. Meanwhile, the Group of Six Minus One was meeting again Thursday. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., said the group's goal remains to get a long-term deficit reduction plan that would work and that could be sold to 60 members of the Senate, period…Conservative activist Erick Erickson wrote in a blog post. Together, their bipartisan plan will raise Americans taxes massively over the next few years and do nothing to solve the very real crisis of Social Security and Medicare. Every once in a while the stupid party and evil party get together and do something both stupid and evil. They call it bipartisanship…”

Is there an answer for the times in which we live? Would it be wise to detach the secular/social from the spiritual? Psalm 106:43-47 gives an insight in terms of the plight and remedy for our nation and world: “Many times He delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, He looked upon their distress, when He heard their cry. For their sake He remembered His covenant, and relented according to the abundance of His steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all those who held them captive. Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise.” The remedy is close at hand but we need to come to our senses and cry out to the Lord for His mercy, forgiveness and deliverance. If we do, He will remember His Covenant and His Steadfast Love will prove to be more than sufficient for all of our need. Maybe we need to recognize that before the Lord we have allowed ourselves to be sucked into what is obviously stupid and evil. The words of Psalm 107:4-9, “Some wandered in desert wastes…hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress…Let them thank the Lord for His steadfast love…For He satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul He fills with good things.” Consider these things with me!

Hollow Logs

From My Perspective - - -

Some of us were reared in a day and time when pithy statements were often utilized by parents, grand-parents, teachers, etc. to make a point of application for a particular behavior of the moment. If a class was behaving in a rowdy fashion, a statement would be proffered that sometimes brought an immediate hush, namely, “Hollow Logs Make The Most Noise!” In that day, most children had learned that a response was expected – we were to tone it down and behave less boisterously. There is always a place for apt proverbs and maxims. In ones lifetime, a recurring proverb has been, “Actions speak louder than words.” As children, amid a conflict with another most have parroted – “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never harm me.” Additional words added stated – “when I die, you will cry for all the names you called me.” To get one to speak more softly, the saying employed was – “The walls have ears” – which meant – others could be listening so be careful what you say and how loudly you say it.

In the days prior to Television, Radio Programs were the source and means of entertainment. One of the more popular programs was The Fred Allen Show. One of the popular characters in that show beginning in 1945 was Senator Beauregard Claghornof Charleston, South Carolina. Senator Claghorn was a blustery Southern politician whose home was usually the first at which Fred Allen would knock. Claghorn would typically answer the door with, "Somebody, ah say, somebody knocked! Claghorn's the name, Senator Claghorn, that is. I'm from the South. Suh." Claghorn had an unshakable obsession with the South, and would proudly voice his disdain for the North in humorous ways. For instance, the Senator refused to ever wear a "Union Suit" (a brand name of men’s underwear) or drive through the Lincoln Tunnel when he visited New York, and he claimed to drink only out of Dixie Cups. The Senator even rebuked Fred Allen for saying the word "no" in his presence, saying "N-O…That's North abbreviated!!" Some of the Senator's other anti-Northernisms included: "When I'm in New York I'll never go to the Yankee Stadium"; "I won't even go to see the Giants unless a Southpaw's pitchin'!"; "I refuse to watch the Dodgers unless Dixie Walker's playin!"; "I won't go into a room unless it's got Southern Exposure!"; "When I got the Chicken Pox, they were Southern fried.” When Fred Allen was finally able to get a word in edgewise with the Senator, he would ask him a topical question, to which Claghorn would respond with a rapid stream of talk, shouting, repetition and punnery. After a quip, the senator would laugh uproariously, and utter one of his two catch phrases: "That's a joke, son!" or "Pay attention now, boy!"

Some might allow that there are some in government today who are a lot like Senator Claghorn. They are blustery, verbose and love to hear themselves speak. When they speak with verbosity (using an excess of words), it becomes obvious that some keep speaking until they can think of something to say. In Matthew 23:1-7 Jesus begins to define those who are blustery, verbose and who seek prominence in religious circles. They assume an authority that is not rightly theirs and place burdens upon others over whom they exercise control. Jesus states: “…The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat,so practice and observe whatever they tell you--but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice.They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long,and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagoguesand greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others…” The teaching and guideline lacking is given in James 1:19-22, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves…” The teaching that needs to be implemented in all our lives is Psalm 19:14, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” May this be your goal and practice!  Consider these things with me!

Retired or Just Tired

From My Perspective - - -

In the debates and discussions regarding the national debt and entitlement programs, one of the talking points is that the “baby boomers” have now advanced in age where they have retired and will become recipients of Medicare and Social Security Benefits. Rather than their previous contributing into, they are now positioned to be withdrawing out of. Why? The answer is because they have reached the age of retirement. Do they deserve the benefits? As contributors into, they most assuredly should have the expectation of receiving the benefits that have been promised.

It’s interesting to hear some of the talking points in terms of how to “fix” the problem. One point that is being advanced is to raise the retirement age to 67 or 70. A point that is omitted is that the Federal Government ought to spend less and guard against waste and fraud rather than printing more money or moving secured funds into non-secured expenditures. All of this makes one think about “retirement” and whether or not one can allow for such or afford to be retired. An interesting point was raised in the May 7^th, 2011 issue of World Magazine in an article by John Piper entitled, “Turning 65.” He is musing about his own life and the fact that he will turn 65 in January 2012. He did an Internet Search to determine what people accomplished after age 65. Some of what he discovered is: “Turning 65 has set me to pondering what people have done in the great years. For example, I just received a copy of the first major biography of Charles Hodge in over a century: Paul C. Gutjahr, Charles Hodge: Guardian of American Orthodoxy (Oxford, 2011). On the first page, I read, ‘When people reach their seventies, they often think their work is done. Not so with Hodge. His last years were among this most productive as he sat ensconced in his study, wielding his favorite pen to compose literally thousands of manuscript pages, which would eventually become his monumental Systematic Theology and his incisive What Is Darwinism?’ (p. vii).

So I started poking around on the internet. Here's some of what I found…At 65 Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of England, and for the next five years led the Western world to freedom. At 69 English writer and lexicographer Samuel Johnson began his last major work, The Lives of the English Poets. At 69 Ronald Reagan became the oldest man ever sworn in as president of the United States. He was reelected at 73. At 70 Benjamin Franklin helped draft the Declaration of Independence. At 77 Grandma Moses started painting. At 77 John Glenn became the oldest person to go into space. At 82 Johann Wolfgang von Goethe finished writing his famous Faust. At 82 Winston Churchill wrote A History of the English-Speaking Peoples. At 88 Michelangelo created the architectural plans for the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli. At 89 Albert Schweitzer ran a hospital in Africa. At 89 Arthur Rubinstein performed one of his greatest recitals in Carnegie Hall. At 93 P.G. Wodehouse worked on his 97th novel, and got knighted…”

A passage of Scripture read at many funerals is Psalm 90:9-12, “All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years-- or eight…for they quickly pass, and we fly away…Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” The words of commitment and challenge utter by the Apostle Paul and recorded in II Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.” The idea is to endure to the finish line – the race we run is not a 100 yard dash but a marathon. There are the encouraging words from the Lord in Isaiah 46:3-4, “Listen to me…you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you…” These words are a very intimate and personal application of Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want…” Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need – He lets me rest; He renews my strength; He leads me beside peaceful streams; He delivers me from fear; He prepares a feast for me; He welcomes me as His special guest. Consider these things with me!

Pivotal Moments

From My Perspective - - -

What is a Pivotal Moment?  One of the several definitions for pivotal is that it represents something that is “of vital or critical importance: a pivotal event.” The online Self-Improvement Community asks: “What have been the pivotal moments in your life? What have been the real life changing events? The moments of illumination? The moments when you realized something important that would change the course of events to come?” The truth is that every life is marked and filled by pivotal events and moments. Just pause and look back at your personal life – the things that helped shape it; the people who cared and loved you who were a real part of who you were and have become; associates and friends who in one way or another have influenced you; your educational background and professors who took their opportunity seriously and saw something in you – a spark – that needed to be fanned into a flame; the church you attended and the Biblical instruction you received there – these and a host of other factors have all contributed to fashion and shape you into who you are and becoming. I am indebted to several who were willing to invest time and effort into my life. I have much for which I can be thankful as I reflect back upon my formative years.

My wife and I are slowly working on the story of our lives (our children are goading us into “telling all”). It is an interesting process – most of it joyful, some of it painful. There are things in my life experiences that, frankly, I would like to forget or leave forgotten – those hurtful and painful disappointments – the dashed hopes and aspirations. Times like when I appealed to an older and wiser head who listened to me and then advised – “you have great ideals but it would be best if you stuck them in your back pocket – never forget them and never lose them – but remember – they will never become reality.” Those were words uttered at the beginning – after ten years of schooling and great sacrifices – graduating and coming enthusiastically and eagerly to that first place of service – and to be met by those who made a career out of squabbling and bickering over petty things, behaving more like children than maturing adults – who all wanted their own way and several who had a personal agenda. It was a pivotal moment because I had worked very hard to arrive at this point and my beloved and family had sacrificed so greatly – what should one do? If this is how “reality” is, what’s the point of committing one’s life for this task. The commitment my wife and I had willingly made was to go anywhere, at any time, to do any task/work, at any cost. Wow! Was this first experience an introduction to the ramifications of what that commitment meant?

Over the years, we have been privileged to know some outstanding people who influenced our lives. Those good and positive influences far outweigh the negative ones. The great problem with the negative types is they leave so much collateral damage and debris after their pivotal moment. In some ways, its not dissimilar to this nation’s need to cope with the Katrina-type moments, or the Tuscaloosa-Tornado where devastation was left behind its path and the debris was scattered for miles. The disgruntled types never stop to think about collateral damage and the scars that can be left behind. While we tried to protect our children from the harsh and cruel behavior of people, I often wonder and sometimes grieve over the scars that may have occurred and the negative memories that remain from some of the negative pivotal moments. While my wife and I can pray that we and our children will forget those hurtful times, children are very impressionable and I can’t help but wonder about their thoughts in this regard and how it has and is influencing them.

Part of the prayer that my wife and I have embraced, and we continue to pray for the increasing evidence of it, were the words uttered by David and recorded in Psalm 37:23-28, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread. He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever. For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever…” Pivotal Moments come and go – but through them all – the Lord remains constant and faithful. Don’t give up or despair – God knows and He cares!  Consider these things with me!

Being On A Stage

From My Perspective - - -

Do you ever pause and wonder what life really means? With all the activity of people and their jockeying for notoriety, do you ever wonder “why” this occurs? On a personal level, do we ever “perform” as though we were an actor on a stage – fulfilling an assigned role and playing the part assigned to us? A famous phrase from English Literature declares: “All The World’s A Stage” – is this true and an accurate description of life and how it is lived and acted out? Note the origin of the phrase and how/where it was employed: "All The World's A Stage" is the phrase that begins a monologue from William Shakespeare’s – As You Like It, spoken by the melancholy Jaques. The speech compares the world to a stage and life to a play, and catalogues the seven stages of a man's life, sometimes referred to as the seven ages of man: infant, schoolboy, lover, soldier, justice, pantaloon (an absurd old man), and second childhood…(Copied from: Wikipedia). The monologue begins: “All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts…”

Let’s focus on the line about the behavior and activity of “all the men and women - - they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts…” When one considers Christian Character and the ultimate possibility for a solitary life, an excellent definition is submitted by Bill Gothard:  “Character is the inward motivation to do what is right according to the highest standards of behavior in every situation. Character consists of the stable and distinctive qualities built into an individual’s life that determine his or her responses, regardless of the circumstances. Character is the wise response to the pressure of a difficult situation and what we do when we think that no one is watching. It is the predictor of good behavior.” It is a reference to how one will live his/her life amid pressures, adversity, opposition, conflict and peril. How will one perform and what will one project in such times? The challenges to a principled life will come – some frontally, many others in more subtle ways. People whom you consider loyal friends will prove otherwise. Those you counted on for support and encouragement – some will desert you. Many times, you will have to face all the challenges that come along all alone. It is a scene reminiscent of Theodore Roosevelt’s, The Man in The Arena -  "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out howthe strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

What is one way to prepare for the unknowns as one seeks to model Christian Character consistently? There are several places one can begin, but focus on just one – Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Message):“…God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.  This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long…” Are you ready to be measured in the arena? This is not a stage or staged performance – this is reality with all of its ramifications? Can you be counted on to stand with those of like precious faith – those of whom it is said, “the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38) and having done all – to stand? We need to be prepared for such a moment. The time is not far off when we will have to enter the arena – maybe all alone – so don’t falter and don’t let your knees buckle. Be strong! Consider these things with me!

Character and Characters

From My Perspective - - -

Character is a term that is applied in different ways. If there is a stage production or film presentation, normally there would be a list of several who are fulfilling the role of a character in the stage production or film presentation. These people are known as actors/actresses because they endeavor to give the observer and viewer an enactment of what a particular life or subject is about. There are other applications for the term character but the focus here will be somewhat narrower and according to a more strict definition. In Wikipedia, the following definition is found: “The word character is derived from the Greek word charaktêr, which was originally used of a mark impressed upon a coin. Later and more generally, it came to mean a point by which one thing was told apart from others…” When this term is used in manuscripts from which the Holy Bible was translated, the word charaktêr means “express image” or becoming like another to such a degree that the similarity becomes obvious. In the mintage of coins or some other manufactured goods, they are said to be die-cast. When something is “die-cast”, it is “…to shape or form a metal or plastic object by introducing molten metal or plastic into a reusable mould, especially under pressure, by gravity, or by centrifugal force.” The purpose for this process is to produce an end result – uniformity to what is being minted or manufactured. The end-product should be an exact duplication because of the die-cast process and the constant pressure that has been applied.

There is an organization formed that has named itself The Character Council. Each month, they issue one Character Trait or Quality for an individual to assess. For May 2011, the Character Trait is Discernment. The following is what is shared: “Discernment (versus Shortsightedness) – “…the definition is very simple: Understanding the deeper meaning of why things happen. This definition allows us to look at discernment in terms of simple problem solving or curiosity that prompts us to discover the “whys”…Crime scene investigators often look for patterns when solving a crime so they can understand the deeper reasons why things happen. It is structured problem solving that ties together the facts to come to a solution. It is using not only our mind, but our gut - our intuition - to sort through the facts and arrive at the truth…Rather than jumping to hasty conclusions, take the time to understand the deeper reasons why things happen and use discernment to arrive at better solutions.”

As a child growing up, one of the favorite Hymns that was sung often was, “Onward, Christian Soldiers. This was a Hymn that was sung at the end of the 1942 Academy Award Winning film, Mrs. Minerva; and it was also sung at the Funeral of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the National Cathedral in 1969.  Some of the words used in this Hymn championed this concept: “Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.” The force of this Stanza is to emphasize unity, as well as clarity and commonality in purpose. Another Stanza contains: “Crowns and thrones may perish, kingdoms rise and wane, But the church of Jesus constant will remain…” The emphasis is that regardless of anything else that occurs or impacts world governments and kingdom rules – the Church of Jesus Christ remains constant!

Is the word “constant” descriptive of where the Church of Jesus Christ is today? Does it represent for us the impact of Christian Character. One webpage (BillGotherd.com) makes these statements about Christian Character: “…This impression with its particular features was considered as the exact representation of the object whose image it bore…In Hebrews 1:3, Christ is referred to as the express image of God; He fully expressed the character of God through His life. One of God’s primary goals for believers is to transform them into the image of His Son so that they may be a reflection of the character of Christ. We can take comfort in this purpose when we experience difficulties because - We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).” Do an inventory of your life and determine where you are in terms of Christian Character. Is there evidence of the “express image” of Christ in your life? Consider these things with me!

Glee and Gloating

From My Perspective - - - 

On the night of May 1^st, 2011 news alerts were given to the media that the President of the United States had an important announcement regarding national security to make to the nation and the world at 10:30 PM. The usual delays ensued and it was almost Midnight before the President addressed the nation. By the time he got to the cameras and microphones, the news speculators had come to the conclusion that the announcement would inform all that Osama bin Laden had been killed by a United States Special Forces Unit in Pakistan. There was a mixture of glee and gloating because the acclaimed architect of September 11^th, 2001 had been flushed out, offered the opportunity to surrender, refused and was killed in the firefight that followed. The President’s brief address included that “justice has been done.” However – is this a time for glee and gloating – or – for sober reflection in terms of who or what we are and/or have become? For many, this was the occasion to celebrate. For others, they were in the midst of their own tragedy following the horrific Tornado that ripped across the South and wreaked major loss in the State of Alabama.

Osama bin Laden has symbolized the age of terrorism in which the world finds itself. This symbol has occupied the attention of three American administrations – William J. Clinton; George W. Bush and Barack H. Obama. The comments of the former Presidents is telling. Former President Clinton, who was in office for the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, issued a written statement: "I congratulate the President, the National Security team and the members of our armed forces on bringing Osama bin Laden to justice after more than a decade of murderous al-Qaida attacks…” Former President George W. Bush, whose entire presidency was defined by the September 11th attacks, said in a statement tonight that President Obama called him to inform him of the news of bin Laden’s death. Bush called the operation a “momentous achievement” that “marks a victory for America, for people who seek peace around the world, and for all those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001: “I congratulated him and the men and women of our military and intelligence communities who devoted their lives to this mission. They have our everlasting gratitude…The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done.”

There are two very broad questions that are in the minds of some with the events that have been occurring: (1) The increased activity of tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. – is God angry with this nation for its disregard of Him? And (2) Is the killing of Osama bin Laden in actuality the killing of an Antichrist? In terms of the activities throughout the world in terms of earthquakes, etc., in the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:43-45 – Jesus stated: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” The focus: “…He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Since this is the way God functions in terms of His Creation, Can we ignore the fact that God can and does use the forces of “nature” in terms of Judgment and Punishment. Just remember the events leading up to the efforts of Noah to proclaim the message of righteousness and hope – but – when that message was rejected - the universal flood followed. There was the effort of Abraham as he tried to have God divert his judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah by asking if he could find a few righteous people there – even though God was willing for that effort and search – because there were no righteous remaining except Lot and his family – judgment by fire rained down upon those cities. 

When it comes to the possibility of killing an antichrist, in I John 2:18-27, we read: “…it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour…Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also…If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us--eternal life…” This message can be maligned and ignored, but one does it to his/her own peril and judgment. Consider these things with me!