BEING FORTUITOUS

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

Are we part of a generation whose lives are lived fortuitously? Is life just a happening event divorced from plan, purpose or commitment? Has this generation been conditioned to a point where they fail to realize that with choices made there will always be consequences? The simple definition of fortuitous is: “happening by chance, especially by a lucky chance; unplanned; accidental.” Do we really want to observe and experience a directionless generation that has become settled with a come ci – come ca mindset? This type thinking is based upon a false and weak philosophy for life being derived from a French usage: “Comme ceci, comme cela is often shortened to Comme ci, comme ça. The French pronunciation is the following: kum see, kum sah. The English equivalent is 'like this, like that', 'so-so', or in other words 'lukewarm'.”

An illustration of this mindset can be seen in a post at: http://www.okwu.edu/blog/2015/11/this-is-not-a-day-care-its-a-university/ - in remarks made by Dr. Everett Piper, President of Oklahoma Wesleyan University: “This is Not a Day Care. It’s a University!” His remarks need to be made known across our nation and in every home and community: “This past week, I actually had a student come forward after a university chapel service and complain because he felt “victimized” by a sermon on the topic of 1 Corinthians 13. It appears that this young scholar felt offended because a homily on love made him feel bad for not showing love. In his mind, the speaker was wrong for making him, and his peers, feel uncomfortable. I’m not making this up. Our culture has actually taught our kids to be this self-absorbed and narcissistic. Any time their feelings are hurt, they are the victims. Anyone who dares challenge them and, thus, makes them “feel bad” about themselves, is a “hater,” a “bigot,” an “oppressor,” and a “victimizer.” I have a message for this young man and all others who care to listen. That feeling of discomfort you have after listening to a sermon is called a conscience. An altar call is supposed to make you feel bad. It is supposed to make you feel guilty. The goal of many a good sermon is to get you to confess your sins—not coddle you in your selfishness. The primary objective of the Church and the Christian faith is your confession, not your self-actualization.” These remarks deserve a resounding “Amen!” and they need to be widely circulated.

The fortuitous-oriented person has no appreciation for the model of Jesus Christ and His rightful place in the throne-room of an individual’s life. Philippians 2:5-11 shares this emphasis: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to hold on to, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself…” This was further emphasized in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The time to do this is now! Adults, in many situations, have modeled both the incorrect lifestyle, world and life view, as well as priorities that have allowed for a self-absorbed and indulgent generation. Dr. Piper’s remarks should be a wake-up call for all of us, some of whom have become careless and matter-of-fact regarding God’s standards and values. Consider these things with me!